GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai vs GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar

	G GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 23,795 - 36,775	Fees / year AED 28,900 - 37,400
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 13 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Pupils	Pupils 2,813	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1983	Opened 2026
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Al Twar 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates	Location Nad Al Hamar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nad Al Hamar is centrally located within Dubai, providing easy access to neighboring communities such as Al Warqa, International City, Ras Al Khor, Dubai Festival City, Al Rahidya and Mirdif. Proximity to major roads like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Ras Al Khor Road (E44) ensures seamless connectivity.
Stages	Stages Foundation Stage to Key Stage 5 (Foundation Stage; Key Stage 1–5)	Stages Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8
School type	School type —	School type Co-educational
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support An inclusive program supporting diverse learners, including Students of Determination, gifted and talented learners, and English Language Learners; uses Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with differentiation and sometimes small-group or one-to-one support; offers alternative pathways such as BTEC and ASDAN; active parental engagement.	Additional learning support Inclusion and wellbeing are part of the learning framework.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Kingdom	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Islamic values are part of the school's ethos.
School day structure	School day structure School operates Monday–Friday; gates open at 07:00. FS1–FS2 run 07:40–12:10; Y1–Y13 run 07:40–15:00; Friday hours are 07:30–11:15; weekend is Saturday–Sunday.	School day structure The school week runs Monday to Friday (half-day on Friday). Early Years (FS1-FS2): Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day FS1 12:15, FS2 12:30. Tuesday–Thursday FS1/FS2 start 7:40; End 12:15 (FS1) and 12:30 (FS2). Friday 7:40 start; End of Day To be confirmed. Year 1–Year 8: Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day 2:30. Tue–Thu start 7:40; End 2:30. Friday 7:40; End 11:30. Gates open from 7:30 AM. Ramadan timings: 8:15 AM to 1:00 PM (Mon–Thu, subject to KHDA approval).
Bus service details	Bus service details School Transport Services (STS Group) provides CIS Dubai with bus transport; for route availability and details, contact the school's Service Delivery Executive (SDE).	Bus service details STS Group provides school transport with a fleet of CCTV-enabled Smart Buses, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking and RFID systems; to register, contact the Service Delivery Executive at [email protected].
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - AED 525 payable at the time of application (includes VAT). The application fee is charged to process new student applications; it is refundable if the school does not offer the student a place and is non‑refundable if a place is offered and the family chooses not to accept it. The application fee is not deductible from the total tuition. Registration / Re‑enrolment deposit - Registration deposit (new students): 10% of the total annual tuition fee, payable when accepting an offer. This registration deposit is non‑refundable but is deducted from the total tuition payable for the academic year. Examples of registration deposit amounts shown in the published schedule: FS AED 2,380; Years 1–2 AED 2,704; Years 3–4 AED 2,812; Years 5–6 AED 2,920; Years 7–9 AED 3,245; Years 10–11 AED 3,461; Years 12–13 AED 3,678. The combined amount payable at the time of admission (application fee + registration deposit) is shown per year group in the published schedule. - Re‑enrolment deposit (existing students): 5% of the total annual tuition, payable to secure a place for the following academic year; this fee is non‑refundable and is adjusted against the first term fees for the following year. Tuition fees (2025–2026 academic year — published schedule) - Foundation Stage (FS) - Term 1 (September): AED 9,519. - Term 2 (January): AED 7,138. - Term 3 (April): AED 7,138. - Annual total: AED 23,795. - Years 1–2 - Term 1 (September): AED 10,817. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,112. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,112. - Annual total: AED 27,041. - Years 3–4 - Term 1 (September): AED 11,248. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,437. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,437. - Annual total: AED 28,122. - Years 5–6 - Term 1 (September): AED 11,682. - Term 2 (January): AED 8,761. - Term 3 (April): AED 8,761. - Annual total: AED 29,204. - Years 7–9 - Term 1 (September): AED 12,980. - Term 2 (January): AED 9,734. - Term 3 (April): AED 9,734. - Annual total: AED 32,448. - Years 10–11 - Term 1 (September): AED 13,846. - Term 2 (January): AED 10,383. - Term 3 (April): AED 10,383. - Annual total: AED 34,612. - Years 12–13 (Post‑16) - Term 1 (September): AED 14,711. - Term 2 (January): AED 11,032. - Term 3 (April): AED 11,032. - Annual total: AED 36,775. Billing schedule and payment terms - All tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance and are normally invoiced from the time of admission so payments can be processed before the start of term. - Standard KHDA payment schedule (published for the 2025–2026 cycle): - First term due: 31 August 2025. - Second term due: 31 December 2025. - Third term due: 31 March 2026. - Formal term installment structure (schools may invoice on this basis): First term = 40% of annual tuition; Second term = 30%; Third term = 30%. Schools may also require full annual fees to be paid in advance if parents choose that option. - If a student enrols during the academic year, tuition charged may start from the beginning of the month of enrolment. Non‑payment may result in withholding of reports, references or examination results and possible temporary or permanent exclusion. Boarding - Boarding is not offered and no boarding fees are published for this school. Transport (school bus) fees - School bus annual and per‑term fees are published by route/area. Example published values: - Route group 1 (Al Mamzar, Al Nahda 1 & 2, Al Qusais, Al Twar, Deira, Hor Al Anz, Muhaisnah, Rashidiya): Annual AED 5,480; Term 1 AED 2,192; Term 2 AED 1,644; Term 3 AED 1,644. - Route group 2 (Al Garhoud, Al Jaddaf, Bur Dubai, Downtown, International City, Karama, Mirdif, Oud Metha, Ras Al Khor, Satwa, Zabeel, etc.): Annual AED 5,790; Term 1 AED 2,316; Term 2 AED 1,737; Term 3 AED 1,737. - Route group 3 (Al Quoz, Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah 1, Sharjah, etc.): Annual AED 6,310; Term 1 AED 2,524; Term 2 AED 1,893; Term 3 AED 1,893. - Route group 4 (Al Barsha 1, The Meadows, Motor City, Tecom, The Greens, The Villa, etc.): Annual AED 6,520; Term 1 AED 2,608; Term 2 AED 1,956; Term 3 AED 1,956. - Route group 5 (Ajman, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Mira Oasis, Mudon, Sports City, Town Square, etc.): Annual AED 6,930; Term 1 AED 2,772; Term 2 AED 2,079; Term 3 AED 2,079. - Route group 6 (Akoya): Annual AED 7,300; Term 1 AED 2,920; Term 2 AED 2,190; Term 3 AED 2,190. Uniforms and other school supplies - Uniform items are specified by year group and are required to be purchased through the school's approved supplier (Threads). Specific item lists are published by phase (FS – Year 2; Year 3 – Year 6; Year 7 – Year 13) and include PE and winter uniform items. Uniform prices are not published on the school fee pages. External examination and other incidental fees - External examination entry fees (IGCSE, AS, A Level, BTEC, etc.) are charged separately to tuition and are invoiced as applicable; exam entry charges are set by the examination boards and by the school's exam administration; parents are advised that these fees are additional to tuition. Specific exam entry fees are not published in the general tuition schedule. Refunds and withdrawal charges - Registration and admission/application fees are non‑refundable in most cases. Refund rules for paid tuition follow Ministry/KHDA bylaws and the published policy: - If a student withdraws prior to the start of the academic year, the balance of the first semester fees paid will be refunded, except registration and admission fees. - If a student withdraws during the school year, the registration and admission fees remain non‑refundable; refunds of tuition are calculated according to Ministry/KHDA bylaws: attendance for two weeks or less = one full month's fee charged; attendance of more than two weeks but less than one month = two full months' fees charged; attendance of more than one month = entire semester fees charged. Refunds are returned to the original payee. Written notice (one month in advance) is required for withdrawal. Payment methods and options - Accepted payment methods: Online payment via the parent portal for existing families; bank transfer (bank details provided on request); in‑person payment at the Accounts Department by debit card, credit card, cheque or cash. Transport fees can be paid online via the transport payment portal. - Promotional/payment options: Use of the GEMS FAB / GEMS World co‑branded credit card and related offers may provide discounts or instalment plans (subject to bank terms and conditions). 0% EPP promotions and cashback offers have been publicised as payment options.	Fee details Application / Registration - Registration deposit: 10% of the total tuition fee. This deposit is payable after an offer is made, is deductible from the total tuition for the academic year and is non‑refundable. Tuition fees — Academic year 2026/2027 (KHDA approved and Founding Family discount & term instalments) - FS1: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 34,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 28,900; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 11,560, Term 2 AED 8,670, Term 3 AED 8,670. - FS2: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 38,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 32,300; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 12,920, Term 2 AED 9,690, Term 3 AED 9,690. - Year 1 to Year 6: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 41,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 34,850; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 13,940, Term 2 AED 10,455, Term 3 AED 10,455. (Applies to Years 1–6). - Year 7 and Year 8: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 44,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 37,400; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 14,960, Term 2 AED 11,220, Term 3 AED 11,220. Billing schedule and payment terms - Parents may pay annual tuition in full or follow the term payment schedule. Tuition invoices are issued to the fee sponsor on record on request. - Term due dates for 2026/27: 1st term fee due 11 August 2026 (school advises payment before 5 August to avoid delays); 2nd term fee due 1 January 2027; 3rd term fee due 1 April 2027. - Non‑payment consequences: failure to pay tuition may result in loss of place, withholding of reports/references/examination results, and temporary or permanent suspension or exclusion. Timely payment is required. Discounts and card promotion - A Founding Family (15%) discount is shown in the published fee schedule (discounted annual and instalment figures are listed above). - Use of the FAB GEMS World Credit Card to pay annual tuition in advance is promoted; benefits listed include savings of up to 3% and additional rewards on school expenses (terms and conditions apply). School transport (optional) and related fees - School bus fees for 2026/27 are charged by area; each route has an annual fee and corresponding per‑term amounts. Example entries from the transport rate list (2026/27): Nad Al Hamar annual AED 6,000 (per‑term splits shown AED 2,400 / AED 1,800 / AED 1,800); several other areas have higher annual rates (for example routes listed at AED 7,300, AED 7,750, AED 8,000) with corresponding per‑term amounts. Booster pads/child seats are charged separately at AED 300 per seat per student. Full payment for each term must be made irrespective of number of days used; transport fees are required in advance to activate student ID for bus travel. Uniform and catering (other regular costs) - School uniform is required and is available from THREADS (The Uniform Store). Specific uniform item prices are set by the supplier. - School meals are provided via a cashless Slices catering system. Parents top up student accounts (via GEMS Connect) and students use a card/ID for purchases. Catering credit is a recurring cost separate from tuition. Refunds and student withdrawals - Registration deposit: non‑refundable. Tuition refunds follow the UAE Ministry of Education policy; tuition refunds are processed only after a written request to the admissions office and are returned to the original payee. - Student withdrawals: a written notification to the registrar is required; a 30‑day notification period is specified to allow processing of documents. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable for this school; published information and age range indicate day‑school provision for FS1–Year 8 without boarding facilities. How payments are processed - Transport payments can be made online via GEMS Connect; the school notes a range of straightforward payment options and issues tuition invoices to the fee sponsor on request. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card is specifically referenced for advance annual tuition payments and associated card benefits.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are compulsory and purchased from Threads. The uniform varies by year group, with younger students wearing burgundy polo shirts and grey shorts or skirts, and older students wearing white shirts, grey trousers, and a burgundy tie; a unisex PE and winter uniform includes navy track pants, navy shorts, polo shirt, and pullover. Shirts must be tucked in, skirts knee-length, hair tied if long, and jewelry minimal.	Uniform requirement The school has a clear uniform policy. All students wear the correct school uniform from the time they join GFH; non-uniform clothing may be challenged and parents may be contacted where necessary. The uniform is available from THREADS, The Uniform Store.
Food options	Food options A well maintained canteen sells healthy snacks and drinks during break times. SLICES is our food & beverage provider for the school canteen.	Food options Slices Lunch Service: GFH is proud to partner with Slices, the school food provider. Slices offers fresh, wholesome and nutritious meals with a cashless system across the dining spaces, and parents can top up credits via the GEMS Connect app. Students use their Slices Card to pay, and a Slices Café is available for parents and visitors.
House system	House system Interhouse competitions are held, with interhouse matches conducted in sports.	House system House System assigns every student to a House, creating a smaller, supportive community within the school. House events include sports days, charity activities, music, dance, singing and art competitions, plus community projects; house points are awarded for participation, achievement and conduct, with the winning House celebrated at year-end.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership GEMS Cambridge International School - Dubai is part of the GEMS Education network. The Local Advisory Board oversees the school's strategic aims and the LAB functions as an advisory body.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers a British education based on the National Curriculum for England (NCfE). Foundation Stage covers ages 3–4 (FS1–FS2). Key Stages 1–5 cover ages 5–18 (Years 1–13). EYFS, Primary, Secondary and Post-16 are included, with Digital Citizenship and Student Care and Support. The curriculum aims to develop higher learners who become employable citizens.	Curriculum details National Curriculum for England (British Curriculum). Year Groups: Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8, growing year by year to Year 13. Curriculum Enrichment: UAE Ministry of Education subjects integrated into the curriculum. Subjects include English, mathematics, science, computing, humanities, languages (Arabic A and B), physical education, music, art and design.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results DSIB inspection 2023-2024 rated Cambridge International School - Dubai as Good. Foundation Stage shows a very good start to school life. Achievement levels in Mathematics and English remain consistently high in Secondary and Post-16 with continued improvement in Islamic Education. Inclusion supports strong wellbeing and progress for a range of learners.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression GEMS students have been accepted into 1,050 universities across 53 countries, including 66 of the world's top 100 universities. The university destinations emphasize employability skills, confidence, communication, initiative and teamwork, and provide guidance on study pathways and careers.	Higher education progression GCSEs and A Levels are future pathways.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The Inclusion policy states CIS welcomes students who are gifted and talented. There are alternative curriculum pathways available through BTEC qualifications and ASDAN.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (PEEC) promotes wellbeing and social-emotional development at CIS Dubai, with weekly wellbeing lessons and assemblies centered on PEEC. The six PEEC principles are Positive Purpose, Positive Relationships, Positive Health, Positive Engagement, Positive Accomplishment, and Positive Emotions. These are supported by the five PEEC character strengths: Respect, Empathy, Honesty, Responsibility, and Perseverance. Pastorally, students develop Values, Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs) as part of High Performance Learning to help them overcome barriers. The CIS Counselling Program supports social and emotional wellbeing through a trained counselor, with opportunities for individual and group work, and confidentiality upheld within appropriate limits. Counseling services are complemented by well-being initiatives that are embedded across the curriculum. [Citations: turn8view0, turn8view0, turn8view0, turn8view0, turn6view0, turn9view0, turn8view0]	Social & emotional learning The school is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and staff in a caring, respectful environment where every individual and contribution is valued. It fosters a sense of belonging which strengthens students' competence, engagement and intrinsic motivation to learn. It recognises the importance of emotional health and teaches students to recognise and manage emotions and to resolve conflicts. A whole-school approach promotes a healthy lifestyle as part of the curriculum, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep and time management, which supports mental well-being. Counsellors are available to all students, staff and parents to help with mental health problems or crises. The school aims for students to Be healthy, Stay safe, Enjoy and achieve, Make a positive contribution, and Achieve economic and mental health well-being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) CIS Dubai is an inclusive school and does not filter admissions based on disability; Students of Determination are welcomed with flexible agreements and where necessary modification, adaptation and differentiation. The school welcomes students with a variety of needs, including those with special educational needs, those who are gifted and talented, and those with physical, emotional, cultural, social or language challenges. Parents are asked to share full details of any SEN, IEPs and any specialist reports so staff can assess needs and plan resourcing. Admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, and there are effective transition processes for students without a formal diagnosis. Every student is entitled to a broad and balanced curriculum that is differentiated; teachers differentiate or modify teaching to reduce barriers, and IEPs with a small-steps approach are used to support learning. The Inclusion team works with parents through regular workshops, review meetings and an open-door policy, and alternative curriculum pathways such as BTEC and ASDAN are available when appropriate. [Citations: turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0]	Special educational needs (SEN) GFH provides for learners with additional needs through an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum using the National Curriculum as a starting point. The school supports English as an Additional Language Learners (EAL), Lower Ability learners, Learners with ‘special needs', More Able and Gifted and Talented. GFH admits students irrespective of gender, race or disability, provided the school can meet their needs. The Head of Inclusion coordinates assessments and screenings, and identifies students with additional learning needs through thorough screening strategies. Where needs are identified, the programme is amended and enhanced with appropriate strategies to enable progress and success. Admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, and there are effective transition processes for all children. Share full details of any special educational needs, IEPs and any relevant reports to ensure staff can provide appropriate assessment and resourcing.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The language of instruction is English. CIS supports inclusive education and admits students irrespective of gender, race, disability or educational needs if CIS can meet their needs. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) policy provides guidelines and support for non-native English speakers to ensure equal access to opportunities and to develop English proficiency. EAL students are defined as those whose primary language is not English and who require support to develop proficiency, with varying levels of language ability and potential barriers. EAL identification occurs during admission through forms, background information and assessments, with a graduated approach to provision. Provision is delivered in Levels 1–3, including in-class support, small-group pull-out sessions, and one-to-one programs (including Flash Academy) for Level 3, coordinated by the Head of Inclusion and EAL team. Parental involvement and consistent monitoring are emphasized throughout the process. [Citations: turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0]	English as an additional language English as an Additional Language Learners (EAL) are addressed within GFH's Inclusion framework. EAL learners are identified through thorough screening, with assessments coordinated by the Head of Inclusion. The programme is amended and enhanced to support their learning needs, as part of the school's inclusive practices.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing CIS Dubai provides mental wellbeing support through its Counseling Service, headed by a qualified School Counselor who leads the CIS Counseling Department. The Counseling Policy describes the aim to assist and promote social and emotional wellbeing, with a framework for confidential, student-centered support and clear guidelines for staff involvement. Counseling may involve short-term individual or group work, with referrals made by teachers or parents, and parental consent obtained where required. The Counseling Policy emphasizes safeguarding and confidentiality, and outlines a structured process from referral to planning and implementation, including collaboration with families and external providers when appropriate. Wellbeing is embedded in the curriculum through PEEC, which promotes social and emotional development and resilience, with regular wellbeing lessons and related assemblies. [Citations: turn6view0, turn9view0, turn9view0, turn9view0, turn8view0, turn7search12]	Mental wellbeing GFH promotes mental health and well-being as a core part of its curriculum and ethos. The emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and staff is supported in a caring environment where individuals are valued. The school emphasises belonging and positive emotional security as factors in motivation and engagement. Healthy lifestyle choices, physical activity, adequate sleep and time management support overall mental well-being. Counsellors are available to help with mental health concerns or crises for students, staff and parents.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school maintains a safeguarding policy with a Central Safeguarding Team as the initial point of contact for concerns, and a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by trained staff. Safer recruitment procedures are in place to ensure staff safety with required checks and ongoing training. All safeguarding concerns are recorded in the Guard case management platform, with staff trained to use it and to escalate appropriately; safeguarding files are kept securely for any investigations. The school also adheres to an Anti-Bullying Policy, with regular reviews and involvement of students in policy development. The safeguarding framework covers intimate care guidance, risk assessments, and procedures for handling disclosures, suicide ideation, and other high-risk situations, with clear escalation paths to external agencies as needed. [Citations: turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn0search13, turn0search12, turn0search4]	Safeguarding The school is committed to the safety and well-being of all students, staff and visitors. Visitors sign in and wear identification badges, and parents wear yellow lanyards on site. Visitors are expected to maintain professional behaviour and comply with child protection policies. Safeguarding policies align with local regulations in Abu Dhabi, and concerns should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. Online safety is a priority, with safeguarding practices and policies in place to protect students in digital environments.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus combines modern, purpose-built learning spaces to support academic excellence and student wellbeing. Facilities include IT Lab, four Science Labs, badminton courts on the roof, and three multi-use spaces. There are four ICT labs with over 150 computers, a Media Lab with a radio station and newsroom, and a well-stocked library. An expansion opening August 2026 will create more learning space and extend digital and arts facilities.	Facilities overview The campus spans 250,000 square feet and serves students aged 3 to 18. It includes spacious classrooms, well-equipped STEAM laboratories, and art and music rooms. Dedicated classrooms support language learning and Islamic studies, and there is an indoor play area for Foundation Stage.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities A large covered swimming pool, cricket nets and playing fields complement the indoor sports arena. A separate grassed area is available for Kindergarten to Year 2. An astroturf football field is used for inter-house and inter-school matches.	Sports facilities Sporting provisions include a football pitch, multi-purpose sports halls, basketball courts and netball courts, and outdoor spaces for a variety of activities. The spaces support PE lessons and school sport programs. They enable both individual and team-based activities throughout the week.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The campus includes four ICT labs with over 150 computers, plus a Media Lab with a radio station and newsroom. Two art studios and a music studio support arts education. The library is well-stocked and networked for students and staff; digital learning is underpinned by a BYOD policy and partnerships with a Microsoft Showcase Centre and a Cisco Academy.	Academic facilities Academic facilities include well-equipped STEAM laboratories. There are dedicated classrooms for language learning and Islamic studies, as well as art and music rooms. The indoor play area supports Foundation Stage activities within the academic program. These facilities support practical experiments and creative work across year groups.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Cambridge International School-Dubai offers a broad range of extracurricular activities. A House System divides students into Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Kestrels to support sporting and intellectual challenges. Sporting activities include swimming, basketball, cricket, badminton, football, netball, athletics, rounders, dance, volleyball and handball. Outdoor Education includes trips to Fujairah, Oman and Mauritius, with the Environment Club available from Year 1. Arts, drama and debate are offered, including a Debate Society with Model United Nations and World Scholars Cup events.	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS Cambridge International School – Dubai has a heritage of Cambridge International education spanning more than 40 years. It is part of GEMS Education. A new school expansion is opening in August 2026, expanding the Cambridge community.	History The Nad Al Hamar GFH is the fifth GEMS Founders School in the UAE and is part of the Founders family of schools. The Founders network has operated in the UAE for about a decade and serves more than 14,000 students. The campus opens in August 2026 and enrolls FS1–Year 8. The school combines a British curriculum with foundations in Arabic and Islamic learning, and is guided by The Founders Way (Grow, Flourish, Honour) with a vision to Grow, Flourish, Succeed Together and a mission to inspire creative, mindful learners who value diversity and collaboration.
Community	Community The school describes a vibrant and active community with Life at CIS and Our Latest Stories highlighting events and school life. The curriculum emphasizes social, sporting and artistic development alongside academics. The KHDA rating for 2023-2024 is Good, reflecting overall quality in teaching and student experience. The school emphasizes a constructive partnership with parents as part of the community.	Community The Nad Al Hamar campus sits at the heart of Nad Al Hamar, near Mirdif, Al Warqa and Mushrif communities. The Founders Way shapes how learners learn and connect, emphasizing kindness, inclusion, collaboration and respect. The Founders Journey emphasizes leadership and the development of the whole child, and the network serves over 14,000 students, reflecting a broad school community. As the new campus prepares to welcome students in August 2026, the school offers a temporary admissions centre and one-on-one tours to families.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school has a Parent Partnership program that centers on parental engagement and open communication with staff. Communication channels include consultation evenings, written reports, and an open-door policy for speaking with teachers. The partnership includes home–school links and guidance on how parents can support learning at home. The school has been recognized with the Leading Parent Partnership Award for strong collaboration with families. Parents are encouraged to participate in school life to support pupil progress and attendance.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school has a Debate Society for Years 5 and above with Debate Training, Model United Nations, World Scholars' Cup, and Politics, Problems, and Ethic. It hosts and participates in Dubai Debate League, Gulf Debates, and Cambridge International Primary MUN. Support classes in a variety of subject areas are available for additional guidance and deeper expertise.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school has Art and Design with painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and ceramics, supported by a dedicated art studio. Drama is studied in Key Stage 3 and is an external examination option in Key Stage 4 and 5. Dance is taught in primary as part of Physical Education and in secondary as part of the Arts program for shows and productions.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The school has a broad Sporting Activities program including swimming, basketball, cricket, badminton, football, netball, athletics, rounders, dance, volleyball, and handball, with inter-house competitions and regular league matches against other Dubai and Gulf schools. Outdoor Education offers trips to Fujairah, Oman, and Mauritius, and the Environment Club provides environmental activities.	Social & hobbies The enrichment programme offers a range of free and paid activities delivered in partnership with ESM and other trusted providers. Every Monday morning, students participate in enrichment from 7:30am to 8:15am, ensuring accessibility for all. Additional after-school activities are available throughout the week. The enrichment is designed to be balanced, inclusive and aspirational, giving students opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and engage with peers in a variety of settings.
Community & service	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards are part of the school's extracurricular offerings.	Community & service Beyond the taught curriculum, students access an enrichment programme designed to develop character, confidence and leadership. The activities are rooted in the school's mission and values and encourage students to serve others and contribute positively to the school community. Enrichment and leadership experiences aim to help learners become compassionate, courageous and responsible contributors within a global community. Participation in service-oriented activities helps students apply learning to real-world contexts.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school has a Student Leadership program and a House System with four Houses named Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Kestrels, led by a House Captain and House Vice-Captain.	Leadership & professional Leadership and service are central to the enrichment programme; Years 1–8 focus on enrichment, leadership and service. Enrichment activities are delivered by dedicated professionals who guide participants to lead with confidence and act with integrity. The programme seeks to develop students as future-ready leaders within a global community. Participation in enrichment experiences supports the development of personal and professional skills alongside academic learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school runs a broad sports program and Outdoor Education that promote teamwork, confidence, and physical well-being. These activities support student wellbeing and personal development.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Facilities include a football pitch, multi-purpose sports halls, basketball courts and netball courts, with spaces for outdoor activities. The campus spans 250,000 square feet and includes STEAM labs, art and music rooms, and language and Islamic studies classrooms, supporting a holistic approach to wellbeing and activity. The Early Years Foundation Stage emphasises the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of children. These features support physical fitness, teamwork and creative expression as part of daily school life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school follows the National Curriculum for England. In Foundation Stage, Communication and Language is a daily mandatory core course. Arabic is offered as a non-core subject by specialists in Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2), with two sessions per stage. ELL (English as Learning Language) is included as part of the Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) program.	Language provision Arabic A and Arabic B are taught as part of the curriculum. Arabic is included among the languages offered within the programme. UAE Ministry of Education language requirements are integrated into the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Fill the online enquiry form to generate a student enquiry ID number. The 2026-2027 admission cycle is open for all Year Groups (FS1–Year 13). Please contact the Admissions team for further information. Step 2: An application fee of AED 525 is due at the time of application. The fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place. It is non-refundable if the school offers a place but the student chooses not to take it. The fee is not deductible from the total tuition fees and is not applicable to students currently enrolled at a GEMS School. Step 3: Visit the school with the documents and the student enquiry ID. Minimum age: FS1 must be 3 by December 31 and FS2 must be 4 by December 31. For Year 1–11 admissions, a final/term report and a recommendation letter are required. Step 4: Once registered the applicant will be placed on the waiting list and called for an assessment, depending on space availability. The KHDA guidelines govern admission and re-enrolment processes. Entrance tests are scheduled after registration according to year group: FS1/FS2 have no tests; Year 1–2 English and Mathematics; Year 3–11 CAT4; Year 12–13 board results. Step 5: All admissions are confirmed subject to the child's assessment results. Students receive an offer after successfully completing the admissions process. Year 12–13 admissions are confirmed based on board results. The entrance test details vary by year group: FS1/FS2 none; Year 1–2 English and Maths; Year 3–11 CAT4; Year 12–13 board results.	Admissions STEP 1 – ONLINE APPLICATION: Complete the Online Student Enquiry & Registration. After submission, you receive an acknowledgement with an online reference number and guidance on the next steps. Admissions are open for FS1 through Year 8 for the 2026-27 academic year. STEP 2 – ASSESSMENT: The School Registrar invites the child for an assessment or interview via email or phone. Results are notified by email or phone. Observations are used for Foundation Stage 1 and 2; Written assessments for Year 1 and 2; CAT4 and written assessments for Year 3 to Year 8. STEP 3 – ENROLMENT: The Registrar sends offer letters to successful applicants, subject to seat availability. STEP 4 – REGISTRATION DEPOSIT, DOCUMENTS AND TRANSFER CERTIFICATE GUIDELINES: The registration deposit is 10% of total tuition, payable after an offer is accepted, non-refundable and deductible from the total tuition. After completion, enrollment is confirmed and the tuition payment schedule is emailed by the Finance department. Required documents include passport copies for the child and parents, residency visa, birth certificate (English or Arabic), recent photographs, the last two school reports for Year 1 and Year 2 (or Last two years school reports and CAT4 for Year 3 and above), nursery reports if available for FS1/FS2, immunization card, Emirates IDs, and a transfer certificate. Transfer certificates must be on official letterhead and include the student's full name, date of birth, enrolment date and year group, present class, year/grade completed and promoted to, school curriculum, and principal signature and stamp; attestation applies for transfers from GCC/UAE and for some international cases.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Applicants are placed on the waiting list after registration and called for an assessment, depending on space availability.	Waitlist —
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