GEMS Our Own English High School - Dubai vs GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa

	G GEMS Our Own English High School - Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates	G GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 7,828 - 16,562	Fees / year AED 7,828 - 16,299
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Girls School	Type Boys School
Curriculum	Curriculum CBSE Curriculum	Curriculum CBSE Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 4,659
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1968	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Find us in Al Warqa'a. GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai is centrally located within the Al Warqa'a 3 locality in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus address is 41 St., Al Warqa'a 3 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.	Location Find us in the heart of Al Warqa'a, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Mailing address: PO Box 35519, Al Warqa'a 1. The campus is in the Al Warqa'a area.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten (KG1–KG2); Primary (Grade 1–4); Middle (Grade 5–8); Senior (Grade 9–12)	Stages KG 1 to Grade 12; Primary School; Middle School; Secondary School; Senior Secondary
School type	School type Co-education in Kindergarten to Grade 4; girls-only from Grade 5 to Grade 12	School type Boys' school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Enrollment of over 10,000 students from 17 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusive education; admits students with varied special educational needs and disabilities and provides graduated systems of support and intervention	Additional learning support Inclusive education with provisions for students of determination. DSIB inspectors recognized the Inclusion Department as a success story. There is an open-door policy with the counsellor and accommodations are provided in line with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework and UAE law.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation India (CBSE affiliation)	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details STS (School Transport Services) provides a reliable and secure bus service. The provider is ISO certified; buses have seat belts, CCTV, GPS; drivers and female bus conductors are RTA certified. Pickup and drop-off points are arranged by location; a transport plan can be requested, and STS can share route details.	Bus service details STS Group provides transport services for Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a. Buses are equipped with CCTV, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking and RFID; supported by a 24/7 Operations Control Centre. There are dedicated pickup/drop-off points in areas such as Al Warqa'a 1 and 2, Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis and other zones; registration is via the school's Service Delivery Executive. Transport fees apply and route availability cannot be guaranteed for all requests.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fee - Application fee: AED 525 (VAT inclusive). This fee is due when completing online registration and is non-transferable, non-adjustable and non-refundable. Registration deposit - Registration deposit: 10% of the annual tuition charged at the time of admission. The registration deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable but is adjustable against the total tuition fee for the academic year. Tuition fees by year group (annual total and monthly structure) - KG1 – KG2: April AED 763; May–March AED 785 per month; Total annual tuition AED 7,828. - Grades 01–03: April AED 945; May–March AED 960 per month; Total annual tuition AED 9,585. - Grades 04–05: April AED 956; May–March AED 965 per month; Total annual tuition AED 9,641. - Grades 06–08: April AED 1,080; May–March AED 1,090 per month; Total annual tuition AED 10,890. - Grades 09–10: April AED 1,372; May–March AED 1,360 per month; Total annual tuition AED 13,612. - Grades 11–12 (Commerce / Humanities): April AED 1,573; May–March AED 1,590 per month; Total annual tuition AED 15,883. - Grades 11–12 (Science): April AED 1,667; May–March AED 1,655 per month; Total annual tuition AED 16,562. Billing schedule and payment terms - All tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance; fees are due prior to the start of the academic year and are invoiced from the time of admission so payments can be processed before the start of the month. Fees are collected in 10 monthly instalments (there are no instalments in July and August). Tuition may also be paid in advance. Timely payment is required; academic results may be withheld if fees are not paid. Sibling discounts - Discount on tuition only (when all children study within the GEMS network): 4th child – up to 25%; 5th child – up to 50%; 6th child – up to 50%. Other mandatory or one-off charges - Registration-related one-off: Student ID card and school diary – AED 30 (one-off). - Transport: School transport is provided by STS (School Transport Services). Transport fees are charged separately according to route and service and are arranged directly with the transport provider; parents should contact the school/ST S for the applicable route fees and payment terms. - Uniforms: A uniform guide is provided and uniform items are purchased through the approved supplier; uniform costs are an additional, separate expense. - External examination / board fees: Where applicable, examination fees charged by the external examination board (for example CBSE board exam charges) are billed separately. Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable. The school operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision. Refund information - Application fee: non-refundable. Registration deposit: non-refundable and non-transferable but adjustable against the annual tuition. Refunds for other payments follow the school's payment and refund policies and the regulatory framework that applies to private schools in Dubai; parents should note that registration-related deposits are routinely non-refundable except in specified circumstances that follow regulatory guidance. Fee payment options - Online payment via the parent portal (dedicated online facility / Parent login). - School Fee Counter: cash, credit card and cheque (cheques payable to ‘Our Own English High School – Dubai'; post-dated cheques are not accepted). School Fee Counter opening hours are published by the school. - Credit card promotions: the FAB GEMS World Credit Card is promoted as an option to pay annual fees in advance with potential benefits; standard card terms and conditions apply to card-holder offers. - Some payments for ancillary services (for example transport) are arranged and collected by the respective service provider.	Fee details Application fee - An application fee of AED 525 is payable upon acceptance of the Offer Letter. This fee is not applicable to current GEMS students and is non‑refundable, non‑transferable and non‑adjustable. Registration / enrolment deposit - A Registration Deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee is collected at admission. This deposit is non‑refundable, non‑transferable but is adjustable against the total tuition fee for the academic year (deducted from tuition). For returning students there is a re‑enrolment charge of up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from the first term fees. Tuition fees (annual and per‑term breakdown using standard GEMS term split 40% / 30% / 30%) - Tuition fees are quoted per academic year (p.a.). The school and GEMS use a standard term instalment split where the annual tuition is invoiced as 40% in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 30% in Term 3. The following shows the published annual fee and the corresponding term amounts calculated on a 40/30/30 basis: - KG1 & KG2 — Annual: AED 7,828 - Term 1 (40%): AED 3,131.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 2,348.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 2,348.40. - Grades 1–3 — Annual: AED 9,447 - Term 1 (40%): AED 3,778.80 - Term 2 (30%): AED 2,834.10 - Term 3 (30%): AED 2,834.10. - Grades 4–5 — Annual: AED 9,558 - Term 1 (40%): AED 3,823.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 2,867.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 2,867.40. - Grades 6–8 — Annual: AED 10,724 - Term 1 (40%): AED 4,289.60 - Term 2 (30%): AED 3,217.20 - Term 3 (30%): AED 3,217.20. - Grades 9–10 — Annual: AED 13,276 - Term 1 (40%): AED 5,310.40 - Term 2 (30%): AED 3,982.80 - Term 3 (30%): AED 3,982.80. - Grade 11 (Commerce) — Annual: AED 15,758 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,303.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,727.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,727.40. - Grade 11 (Science) — Annual: AED 16,299 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,519.60 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,889.70 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,889.70. - Grade 12 (Commerce) — Annual: AED 15,758 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,303.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,727.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,727.40. - Grade 12 (Science) — Annual: AED 16,299 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,519.60 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,889.70 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,889.70. Billing schedule and payment terms - The Registration Deposit (10% of the annual fee) is collected at admission and is adjustable against the annual tuition. Existing‑student re‑enrolment fees (where applicable) are charged at re‑enrolment and are deductible from the first term. The school enforces fee payment: students may be withheld from examinations and reports will be withheld if fees are not paid. Full first‑term fees (or applicable instalment) must be cleared before a student's first day of attendance under standard GEMS payment practice. Standard GEMS instalment timing is at the start of each term (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3). One‑off, mandatory and examination fees - A sum of AED 31.50 (including VAT) is charged for Bus ID card, Diary and Report Card. - Board / external examination charges: - Grade 10 board exam fee: AED 825. - Grade 12 board exam fee: AED 900. - CBSE registration charge: - For Grade 9 and Grade 11: AED 100 each. Other costs and optional fees - Required education supplies and likely ranges (purchase from school or external suppliers): Uniforms AED 600–1,200; Books AED 163–400; Laptop / digital device AED 100–150. Optional services and variable costs include transport (approx. AED 4,380–6,000), canteen costs (approx. AED 50–2,500), class photographs, event costumes, local educational trips and school magazine. These are presented as typical mandatory / optional fee items and ranges. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable. The school's published fee information and the KHDA School Fee Fact Sheet list transport and other optional day‑school services but do not include boarding fees or boarding facilities. Refunds and non‑refundables - The Application fee is non‑refundable, non‑transferable and non‑adjustable. The Registration Deposit (10% of the annual fee) is non‑refundable and non‑transferable but is adjustable against the annual tuition. Re‑enrolment fees (where applied) are non‑refundable and are deductible from the first term fees. These refund / non‑refund terms apply to the application, registration and re‑enrolment charges noted above. Fee payment options - Online payment via the GEMS Oasis payments portal is available. Parents paying by direct bank transfer must notify the fee counter with student details. The school fee counter accepts cash, credit card and cheques (payable to ‘Our Own High School‑Al Warqa\'a, Dubai'); post‑dated cheques are not accepted. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card is promoted for advance annual fee payments (discount/benefits as applicable). Contact addresses and fee counter timings are published for fee enquiries and payment.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The UAE Ministry of Education requires students to wear a school uniform each day. The Our Own English High School, Dubai uniform is made of high-quality fabric using natural fibers.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school has a hygienic canteen on campus.
House system	House system Inter-House competitions are part of the extracurricular activities.	House system A flourishing house system enables senior students to work together for the benefit of the community and to take on responsibilities.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Part of the GEMS Education network; flagship school of GEMS Education in Dubai.	Governance and ownership GEMS Education operates the school; Our Own High School, Al Warqa'a, is a GEMS school created in 2005.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details CBSE curriculum; affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Delhi, India.	Curriculum details The school follows the Indian Curriculum and is one of the leading Indian Curriculum Schools in Dubai. Primary School provides an excellent grounding in basic skills while stimulating students' natural inquisitiveness. Middle School aims for students to reach their full potential through engaging learning. Secondary School helps students stay focused on their goals as they advance and broaden their knowledge. Senior Secondary programmes respond to individual needs and foster enthusiasm for learning. Teaching Principles ensure every student acquires a high standard of skills, and Inclusion underpins the school's policies and processes.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of 1.63:1.
Exam results	Exam results In CBSE results 2024-25, Grade 12 average 86.5%, Grade 10 average 86.3%. Kirti Roshankumar Thakar scored 99% (Grade 12 topper) and Nayomi Sajayan Nair scored 99.2% (Grade 10 topper).	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression GEMS students are accepted by some of the world's most prestigious Universities.	Higher education progression University Destinations show that graduates are accepted by some of the world's most prestigious universities. The school prepares students to pursue tertiary education in their chosen fields and to be ethical and socially engaged leaders. Through the CBSE curriculum, students develop analytical capability, versatility, and critical thinking, traits that are highly regarded by universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school places social and emotional learning at the center of student life. The Middle School provides a safe, open-door environment to address adolescent concerns. Well-being activities are embedded in the curriculum, including Mindful Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Gratitude Thursday, Fun-Friday, and Bagless Wednesday. The school runs a Student Support Programme (Alpha, BrainSmart, EOTO, AGW, RISE) to support social and emotional development. A Student Connect Programme offers channels such as Whisper a Wish, We Listen, Let's Chat, and Talk to Me to help students express concerns.	Social & emotional learning An inclusive pastoral system monitors students' academic progress and welfare. A counsellor is available for parents to discuss concerns. The inclusive ethos is recognized by DSIB as a success story, and the Inclusion Department is cohesive and well led. The school welcomes students with varied needs and provides appropriate provisions and accommodations in the classroom. The motto 'Every child is a Genius' underpins the school's approach to learning and development. The school maintains a transparent, open-door policy toward inclusion.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school welcomes and admits students with varied special educational needs and disabilities as long as they stand to benefit from engagement in school. Wherever possible, sibling priority is accorded to Students of Determination who choose to study here. In inclusion with KHDA directives for Inclusive Education, the school promotes equitable access to education for Students of Determination. The safety and security of Students with Determination as well as other students is the top priority in admission and retention. The school provides Graduated Systems of Support and intervention to ensure complete educational and social inclusion.	Special educational needs (SEN) DSIB recognizes the Inclusion Department as a success story. Students of Determination are welcomed, and staff provide provisions and accommodations in the classroom. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) and Federal Law No 29 of 2006 and Law No 2 of 2014 govern protection of rights of persons with disability in the Emirates of Dubai. An Inclusion Policy (2026) guides school support across all stages. The policy underscores the transparent approach to meeting diverse needs, and parents may discuss concerns with the school counsellor. Overall, inclusion is embedded in school policies and processes.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is integrated into daily life through Well-being Activities and dedicated support programmes. Well-being Activities include Mindful Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Gratitude Thursday, Fun-Friday, and Bagless Wednesday. The Student Support Programme (Alpha, BrainSmart, EOTO, AGW, RISE) supports resilience and emotional development. An open-door policy and strong pastoral care create a safe, inclusive environment for student wellbeing. The Student Connect Programme provides confidential channels (Whisper a Wish, We Listen, Let's Chat, Talk to Me) for students to seek support.	Mental wellbeing Optimus Wellbeing Award recognizes the school's commitment to mental health and wellbeing. The Wellbeing Award is developed by the National Children's Bureau and Optimus Education. The award highlights dedication to promoting mental health and wellbeing across the school community. The school continues to foster a supportive environment where every student thrives. The award demonstrates the school's emphasis on student wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Child safeguarding is accorded the highest priority at GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai, with wellbeing at the core of all actions. Every action centers on the child's wellbeing and aims to protect children from abuse, maltreatment and harm to their health and wellbeing. In the March 2023 safeguarding audit, the school was noted to have strong pastoral systems and compliant procedures with safeguarding reminders and central safeguarding support. CHIL D SAFEGUARDING & PROTECTION POLICY is in place. The safeguarding policy reflects the school's commitment to safeguarding and protection procedures.	Safeguarding GEMS Safeguarding Policy 2025 is listed. GEMS Safeguarding Policy - Arabic 2025 is listed. GEMS Child Safeguarding Commitment Statement is listed. Inclusion Policy 2026 is listed. These policies address safeguarding and child protection within the GEMS network.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview General Facilities include a large multipurpose hall, interactive smart-boards in all classrooms, three spacious libraries, and a range of labs: Research and Design Lab, Fashion Studies Lab, Home Science Lab, Math Lab, nine Science Labs, and nine ICT Labs. The school has twenty-one laptop/tablet trolleys, four Art Studios, a Dance Studio, five Music Rooms, and Our Own Farms. Kindergarten facilities include a Traffic Park, an Activity Room, and a Sand Pit & Water Play area. The campus provides two Prayer Rooms, a Continuous Professional Development room, mobile canteens, three School Clinics, a Book Store, a Uniform Store, parking for Parents and Visitors, on-campus parking for 213 buses, and CCTV coverage across the campus.	Facilities overview General Facilities include spacious classrooms and centrally air-conditioned admin spaces, a large multi-purpose hall, an indoor play area, an art & craft room, a hygienic canteen, and a large canopy for morning assemblies. The library is well-stocked with periodicals, maps, charts, audio-visual materials, and provides computer access in the Senior Library. There are three large science laboratories, five computer laboratories with Pentium processors and interactive whiteboards, and a Composite Laboratory. The Play Field supports football, volleyball, basketball, cricket, badminton, table tennis, and athletics, with two basketball courts, a volleyball court, cricket nets, and an Astro-turf playground. Medicinal facilities include two first-aid centres with doctors, nurses, attendants and helpers. The campus also features a bookstore, a mosque, Robotics and STEAM programs, and participation in the F1 in Schools competition.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Astroturf playground, a 200 m Synthetic Track with Gallery Stands, two outdoor Kindergarten Play Areas, two large triquads, an Indoor Play area, three Basketball courts, a Volleyball court, a Cricket practice net, facility for field events, Kho-Kho court, Football Field, and facilities for Indoor Games including Chess and Table Tennis; Badminton is also available.	Sports facilities The school has two basketball courts, a volleyball court, cricket nets, and an Astro-turf playground. It supports activities in football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and athletics, with additional coaching outside hours and transport provided for matches.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Interactive smart-boards are in all classrooms, and there are dedicated facilities including a Research and Design Lab, a Fashion Studies Lab, a Home Science Lab, a Math Lab, nine Science Labs, and nine ICT Labs. Twenty-one Laptop/Tab trolleys support digital learning, along with four Art Studios, a Dance Studio, and five Music Rooms. Learning Corners/Workstations, plus three libraries, support study and exploration. There are two Prayer Rooms and a Continuous Professional Development room on campus.	Academic facilities Three large science laboratories provide facilities for physics, chemistry and biology. Five computer laboratories with Pentium processors and interactive whiteboards offer independent workstations for each student. A Composite Laboratory supports mathematics and science concepts through hands-on activities. Robotics and STEAM education are integrated to broaden learning, and the school participates in the F1 in Schools program.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Enrichment Programmes include Bumble Bee (KG); Kinder Learning Assistance Programme; Budding Authors; Word Whistle; Primary Olympiad; Genius Within. Debate Club; Model United Nations Club; Environment Club; Youth-to-Youth Programme; and Research & Design activities are offered as part of the extracurricular mix.	Extra curricular facilities Our Own High School offers a kaleidoscope of co-curricular activities, community involvement programmes and school events, with an Activity period built into the timetable. Creative Expressions Visual Arts provides opportunities for art competitions and talent shows, with activities such as painting, crafts and other media. The Performing Arts program develops music through choirs and ensembles, with musicals, cultural performances, dances, elocution and drama. Public Speaking trains students in speeches, debates and elocution. Physical Education covers cricket, football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and basketball, with free coaching after hours and inter-school matches. Scouting, Educational Field Trips and Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science supplement the curriculum.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS Our Own English High School Dubai is one of the oldest schools in the country and the flagship school of GEMS. It has served students for over five decades and celebrated its Golden Jubilee on April 9, 2018, marking its evolution from a single classroom with 27 students and three teachers to a large campus. The school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, and enrolls over 10,000 students from 17 nationalities. It operates as a co-educational setting from Kindergarten to Grade 4, with boys admitted only in these grades, and remains a girls-only school from Grade 5 to 12. The school emphasizes sports and extracurricular activities and has been rated Very Good by DSIB for eight consecutive years.	History The school uses the CBSE curriculum to deliver a holistic education. GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a was created in 2005 as a single-shift facility for boys of Our Own English High School, Dubai, which was established in Bastakiya in 1968. Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a shares the same vision, ethos and work culture that has given the parent school its presence. Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a now has 4,700 students and 218 teachers. DSIB inspectors have awarded the school an overall GOOD for seven consecutive years.
Community	Community The school community emphasizes a strong parent–school partnership. Our Own Voice is the Parent Focus Group, established during the Parent Engagement Week in January 2011, with parents representing across grades. A Parent Focus Group meeting is held monthly on the first Saturday of each month and is chaired by the Supervisor of the respective grade. The group facilitates easy communication between the school and parents and supports collaboration with the senior leadership as part of the learning community.	Community Our Own High School embraces the GEMS philosophy of preparing the whole child for the whole world. The school offers a kaleidoscope of co-curricular activities, community involvement programmes and school events, with an Activity period built into the timetable. Creative Expressions Visual Arts provides a platform for student creativity through art competitions and displays around the school. The Performing Arts develop vocal and instrumental skills and include musicals, cultural performances, dances, elocution and drama; there are also opportunities for public speaking, sports, scouting, field trips, and Olympiads.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Our Own Voice (OOv) is the parent-focused partner for GEMS Our Own English High School, Dubai. It is a formal parent–school partnership established during the school's Parent Engagement Week in January 2011. The Parent Focus Group includes a representative from every grade, ensuring broad representation. A monthly virtual meeting is held on the first Saturday of each month and is chaired by the Supervisor of the respective grade. The group aims to facilitate two-way communication between parents and the school, support the school leadership in pursuing the vision, and foster ongoing parent involvement in school life.	Parent teacher association Parent Partnership focuses on close communication between guardians and the school. Guardians receive progress updates through consultation evenings and written reports, and there is an open-door policy for speaking with staff. Parental engagement is supported by international research that shows it impacts student achievement. The program describes how parental involvement in daily learning activities can boost student outcomes. It also notes that parental engagement can enhance teacher effectiveness.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Inter-House, Inter-School and National competitions in sport, choir, debate, elocution, reading, recitation, quizzes and Model United Nations (MUN). Our Own Challengers broadens awareness beyond the syllabus by focusing on Science, Literature, Technology and Current Affairs and promoting quizzing.	Academic & intellectual The school runs KG 1 to Grade 12 and is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi. The curriculum is designed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to prepare students for leadership in the knowledge society. A pastoral system monitors students' academic progress and welfare. The school prepares students for AISSE (end of Grade 10) and AISSCE (end of Grade 12), enabling admission to universities worldwide.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art, Culture, Science and Sports are integrated into the curriculum, offering a wide spectrum of opportunities. Music & Dance is included as a subject, with participation in inter-school events such as Millennium Melodies, Harmony, musical concerts and choir.	Arts & creative Visual Arts provides a wide platform for artistic energy, with art competitions and talent shows held throughout the year. Artworks are displayed around the school and students explore drawing, painting and three-dimensional work as well as crafts such as glass painting, fabric painting, sand painting, mask making and vegetable printing. The Performing Arts include vocal and instrumental development, participation in choirs and ensembles, and involvement in musicals, dances, elocution and drama. Public Speaking is taught from primary grades through high school, with debates and elocution to develop oral communication.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Model United Nations is active through school events. The K.S. Varkey Inter-school English Elocution Competition is hosted by the school, complementing wider cultural activities.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Girl Guide is offered in Grades 7 and 8, providing volunteering opportunities and a service ethos. The Go Green Club leads Eco initiatives, with funds from recycling donated toward the higher education of the female children of support staff.	Social & hobbies A kaleidoscope of co-curricular activities, community involvement programmes and school events supports the all-round development of the students' personality. An Activity period is incorporated into the timetable for these activities. The activities span arts, sports and other informal interests, enriching the school experience.
Community & service	Community & service From uniform donations to volunteering at numerous events, Our Own Girl Guides embody 'service above self'. Funds generated by the sale of recycled paper and cans are donated toward the higher education of the female children of support staff.	Community & service The school conducts Educational Field Trips and outings that are interesting, fun-filled and educative, with student involvement as a prime objective. There are community involvement programmes and volunteering opportunities embedded in school life. Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science are organised by the Council of CBSE schools in the Gulf. These activities contribute to students' broader civic and educational experiences.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Student Leadership Programme builds leaders for tomorrow through responsibility and integrity. EPWS (Experience a Profession While in School) provides Grade 8 students with first-hand professional experience, and Life Skills Summit offers a taste of life after school with industry professionals.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Health & Physical Education is integrated into the timetable, with sports including Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field, Kho-Kho, Football, Chess and Table Tennis. Annual Sports Days celebrate fitness and teamwork.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Students participate in many physical activities including cricket, football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, gymnastics, athletics and swimming. Free coaching is provided after regular class hours. Facilities for physical education are provided through Etisalat Academy. Inter-school matches and sporting events promote teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Classes are taught in English, the main language of instruction, and Arabic is introduced in Grade 1 in line with the UAE Ministry of Education requirements.	Language provision Language of instruction is English. Arabic is offered as an Additional Language; Arabic as a First Language is not applicable. In the early years, Arabic instruction includes KG1 daily 15-minute cultural sessions for basic Arabic and KG2 two weekly sessions, taught by two Arabic-speaking teachers. The Arabic and Islamic curricula connect with Emirati culture, and English is used for Moral, Social and Cultural Studies and other subjects.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards KHDA DSIB rating of Very Good (awarded to the school for eight consecutive years).	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, India — Affiliated with CBSE; Affiliation No. 6630002; Extension of affiliation from 01.04.2023 to 31.03.2028. KHDA DSIB rating: Very Good (8th consecutive year). GEMS Education network affiliation (flagship school of GEMS).	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. The admissions process is designed to be straightforward and compliant with KHDA and GEMS Education policies. Co-education is followed from Kindergarten to Grade 4; Grades 5 to 12 admit girls only, and the school does not secure admission for boys after Grade 4. 2. Registration is online in October each year; parents must register their child by completing the Student Registration form. 3. Age requirements: KG1 requires the child to be 4 years old as of 31 March of the admission year; Grade 1 requires the child to be 6 years old as of 31 March. 4. Documentation: four passport copies with a valid UAE visa; five recent photographs (6x4 cm); three birth certificates in English or Arabic (original for verification); one Emirates ID copy for the child and one for the parents; a photocopy of the last examination mark sheet (for Grade 1 and above); the original vaccination card and one photocopy; the original Emirates IDs of the student and the parents (and copies). For Grade 2 and above, the original Transfer Certificate/School Leaving Certificate must be submitted and attested as required. Attestation requirements vary by origin: India (TC verified by Local Education Authority; seal and Education Officer attested by Indian Consulate in Dubai; MFA attestation); Gulf Countries other than UAE & Oman (TC attested by Indian Consulate; local MOE verification; UAE MFA attestation); Oman (attestations as above). 5. All admissions for KG–Grade XII completed after 15 June require a studying/discontinued Transfer Certificate valid for 30 days from the last date of attendance.	Admissions 1. The school is for BOYS from Grade 1 to Grade 12. It has an open admission policy and welcomes all students regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion or medical diagnosis. First preference is given to siblings of students already enrolled. For Grade 1, the child must be 6 years old as of 31 March in the admission year. The new academic year commences on 1 April. 2. Registration is online in October each year. Admissions to Grade 2 and above depend on vacancies, which are known by February. For Grade 1 admissions, shortlisted applicants are invited for an admission and interaction session with the Supervisor and the Counsellor, after which admission is confirmed. For admissions to Grade 2 and above, an entrance test will be conducted if necessary. All admissions are subject to KHDA approval. 3. Documents required at the time of admission include: 2 copies of the student's passport with a valid UAE visa; 3 copies of the student's Emirates ID; 2 copies of the parents' Emirates IDs; 4 recent photographs of the child (plus one stamp-size photo for the identity card); 2 copies of the last examination mark sheet; and a Transfer Certificate. Transfer Certificates must be prepared according to the applicable attestations based on the student's origin as described in the Transfer Certificates section. 4. Transfer Certificates: For moves from Dubai, the original School Leaving Certificate must be collected from the previous school, and the parent must present the original certificate and the original Emirates IDs. For moves from another emirate in UAE, the original Transfer Certificate should be attested by the Ministry of Education in that emirate, with the parent bringing the original TC, a copy of the promotion report, and the original Emirates IDs. For moves from India, the Transfer Certificate must be attested by the District Education Officer in India and then attested in Dubai by the Indian Consulate and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For moves from Gulf countries other than the UAE, the original Transfer Certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education of that country, the Indian Consulate, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the UAE Consulate/Embassy in that country. 5. Parent School Contract: After submitting the original Transfer Certificate and registering with Emirates ID in the KHDA school system, the Parent School Contract is signed online through the mobile app or electronically in school. The contract is a one-time agreement when the child joins the school and is renewed every year unless the child changes schools. 6. Enrolling Online: Enquiries are made through the school's own website. A guide on how to fill out the online form is provided, and a service request number is issued. Print a copy of the receipt or note the service request number if you cannot print. The service request number must be provided to the school Registrar to proceed with admission. 7. New Admission Fees: An Application Fee of AED 525 is due upon acceptance of the Offer Letter (non-refundable and not applicable for GEMS Students). A Registration Deposit of 10% of the annual fee is collected during admission and is non-refundable but adjustable against the total tuition for the academic year. 8. Payment of Fees: Online fee payment is available. If online access has issues, contact the school. Fees can also be paid at the School Fee Counter by cash, card, or cheques (made payable to Our Own High School-Al Warqa'a, Dubai). Please bring the Student ID Number when paying. Students will not be permitted to take examinations if fees are unpaid, and reports may be withheld.
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