How to compare schools in Dubai
Shortlisting a Dubai school means weighing more than a single KHDA rating. Use this tool to line up British, American, IB, Indian and MOE schools side by side on DSIB inspection history, curriculum, fees by grade, distance from home and admissions detail — so you're choosing on the numbers, not the noise.
KHDA / DSIB rating trend
Don't stop at the latest rating. A school moving from Good to Very Good tells a different story than one drifting the other way. The comparison view shows the last few inspection cycles at a glance.
Curriculum fit
British (EYFS/IGCSE/A-Level), American (AP), IB (PYP/MYP/DP), Indian (CBSE, ICSE) and MOE each shape teaching style, workload and university pathways very differently. Match the curriculum to the child, not the brand.
Total cost of attendance
Tuition scales sharply from FS to Post-16. Compare the specific grade you need, and remember transport, uniform, exam fees and re-enrolment deposits typically add 10–20% on top of the headline number.
Commute & catchment
A 20-minute difference at 7am changes family life. Set your home location once and every card shows real distance, so a Very Good school 8km away can beat an Outstanding one 25km away on any weekday morning.
Popular Dubai school comparisons
Loading the pairings parents compare most…
Frequently asked questions
How many schools can I compare at once?
You can compare up to 5 Dubai schools side by side. Add or remove schools using the picker at the top of the page — your selection is remembered on this device.
Are the fees shown per year?
Yes. All tuition figures are in AED per academic year, taken from the most recent fee schedule the school has published or filed with KHDA. Extras like transport, uniform, exams and re-enrolment deposits are usually billed separately.
Where do the ratings and inspection data come from?
Ratings come from the Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) reports published by KHDA. We show the latest rating alongside the trend across recent inspection cycles so you can see whether a school is improving, holding steady or slipping.
Can I compare schools that follow different curricula?
Yes. You can put a British, American, IB, Indian (CBSE/ICSE) and MOE school on the same page. Fees are grouped by equivalent stage (FS/KG, Primary, Secondary, Post-16) so cross-curriculum comparisons stay meaningful.