GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa vs Gulf Indian High School

	G GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa Dubai, United Arab Emirates	G Gulf Indian High School Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 7,828 - 16,299	Fees / year AED 4,989 - 9,434
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Boys School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum CBSE Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum, CBSE Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 4,659	Pupils 2,375
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 1979
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location GIHS is located in Al Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The postal address is P.O. Box 646, Dubai. The campus is accessible by road and the school provides transport services to multiple areas. Contact: gihs@gihsdubai.com; Tel: +971-46119400.
Stages	Stages KG 1 to Grade 12; Primary School; Middle School; Secondary School; Senior Secondary	Stages Divisions are Primary School (Kindergarten to Grade 2); Secondary School (Grades 3 to 10); Senior Secondary School (Grades 11 and 12).
School type	School type Boys' school	School type Co-educational.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	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.	Additional learning support Inclusion Policy is in place to support students with learning needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates	Country affiliation CBSE (Central Board of Education), India.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation No official religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure KG1 and KG2 use two shifts: first shift 7:30 AM–10:00 AM, second shift 10:20 AM–12:50 PM. Grades 1–12 follow a two-session day: Morning 7:30 AM–12:50 PM, Afternoon 12:50 PM–6:05 PM. On Fridays, online sessions run 7:30 AM–11:30 AM and onsite sessions run 7:30 AM–11:25 AM.
Bus service 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.	Bus service details GIHS operates a fleet of 24 air-conditioned buses. Routes include Al-Garhoud (near Choithram); Karama/Rashidiya; Satwa/Bur Dubai/Deira/Al-Shab Al-Ghusais; and Sharjah City up to Rolla.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Annual tuition fees (2025/26 academic year) - KG 1: AED 4,989. - KG 2: AED 4,989. - Grade 1: AED 5,260. - Grade 2: AED 5,260. - Grade 3: AED 5,260. - Grade 4: AED 5,805. - Grade 5: AED 5,805. - Grade 6: AED 6,351. - Grade 7: AED 6,351. - Grade 8: AED 6,351. - Grade 9: AED 7,347. - Grade 10: AED 7,347. - Grade 11: AED 9,434. - Grade 12: AED 9,434. Equivalent instalment amounts (standard school schedule) - The school collects tuition across ten monthly instalments (fees are not collected for July and August). The equivalent instalment (monthly) amounts, calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 10, are: - KG 1 / KG 2: AED 499 per instalment. - Grade 1–3: AED 526 per instalment. - Grade 4–5: AED 581 per instalment. - Grade 6–8: AED 635 per instalment. - Grade 9–10: AED 735 per instalment. - Grade 11–12: AED 943 per instalment. Application / admission fees - Admission fee: AED 500 due at the time of registration. This admission fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-deductible. Mandatory additional fees and one-off charges - Stationery fee: AED 200 (annual). - Medical fee: AED 50 (annual). - ICT fee: AED 150 (annual). - CBSE affiliation/examination fee: AED 400 (as listed). - Note: Any additional payments for special facilities will be advised to parents by notice. Transport (bus) fees - Transport fees depend on route/location and are quoted as a monthly range: AED 370 to AED 550 per month. - Transport fees are paid on the same 10-month basis as tuition (monthly instalments across the 10 chargeable months). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is payable across ten instalments (monthly) for the academic year; there are no fees collected for July and August. Fees may also be paid in advance. - Fees must be cleared to permit students to sit school examinations; academic reports and certificates are withheld until all outstanding fees are cleared. - Post-dated cheques are not accepted. Refund information (school policy as published) - The admission fee (AED 500) is non-refundable. The school's published statement indicates that fees once paid are non-refundable. Fee payment options and practical details - Online fee payment (school portal/payment gateway) is available. - School fee counter accepts cash, credit card and cheques. Cheques must be made payable to 'Gulf Indian High School-Dubai'. - Fee counter timings: 8:00 am–4:00 pm Sunday to Thursday during school working days; Saturday 9:30 am–12:30 pm (timings vary seasonally and the school publishes updated hours). Consequences for non-payment and other notes on collection - Students with outstanding fees are not permitted to appear for school examinations and reports are withheld until dues are settled. - The school collects tuition and transport fees on the 10-month basis outlined above; any special facility charges are communicated separately.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement GIHS uniform is grade- and gender-specific. Girls wear pinafores or skirts with yellow shirts; Boys wear trousers or shorts with yellow shirts; all uniforms bear the GIHS logo. Winter wear is a navy blue pullover, and sports uniforms use house colours with grey pants for Grades IV–XII.
Food options	Food options The school has a hygienic canteen on campus.	Food options The school has a canteen on campus.
House system	House system A flourishing house system enables senior students to work together for the benefit of the community and to take on responsibilities.	House system The school has a house system; house colours are used in sports uniforms (Grades IV–XII).
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership GEMS Education operates the school; Our Own High School, Al Warqa'a, is a GEMS school created in 2005.	Governance and ownership The school is part of Regent Middle East and operates under the One Regent network.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details GIHS Dubai follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic is compulsory from Grades 1 to 10. Second language options include Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil. Islamic Education is taught as part of the curriculum for Muslim students and Moral Science for non-Muslim students. The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) format is used for Grades 1–10, and Senior Secondary School (Grades 11–12) follows CBSE with Science and Commerce streams.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of 1.63:1.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Three-year Grade 12 results show year-by-year distributions. 2023: 83 students; 51–60: 2; 61–74: 19; 75–89: 45; 90–100: 17. 2024: 96 students; 61–74: 16; 75–89: 65; 90–100: 15. 2025: 106 students; 61–74: 11; 75–89: 67; 90–100: 28. There were no students in the <33, 33–50, or 51–60 bands in any of these years.
Higher education progression	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.	Higher education progression The Student Success Team guides students to explore academic goals and assists in course selection for their educational progression. Grade 12 graduates are prepared to pursue higher education and future opportunities as they transition from GIHS.
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 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.	Social & emotional learning GIHS fosters a culture of respect, empathy, and integrity and promotes teamwork and collaboration. Co-scholastic areas include Life-Skills, Attitudes and Values as part of the CBSE Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation. The school emphasizes ongoing personal growth and value-based learning as part of its educational ethos. Life-skills and values are integrated into the co-scholastic assessment.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) GIHS includes an Inclusion Policy (2023-2024) indicating inclusive education. A Gifted and Talented Policy (2023) shows provision for advanced learners. The policy suite also includes a Wellbeing Policy and other safeguarding documents that support student needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English is the medium of instruction with Arabic as a compulsory subject for Grades 1–10. Second language options include Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, French, Bengali, and Tamil.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing GIHS has a Wellbeing Policy (2023-2024) addressing student wellbeing, with a separate Staff Wellbeing Policy (2023-2024).
Safeguarding	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 Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (2023-2024) is in place. Anti-Bullying & Cyberbullying Policy (2023-2024) exists. Health and Safety Policy (2023-2024) is in place.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview GIHS has a modern campus in Al Garhoud with energy-saving measures aligned to Dubai's Green Vision. The campus is well maintained with gardens and lawns and has centralized air conditioning in the corridors. There is a large playground and volleyball and other game courts for physical activity. Laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Home Science and Computer Science are state-of-the-art, with interactive whiteboards in some classrooms. An e-learning system supports online assignments, progress reports, examinations and attendance management, while the library is well stocked and an on-site e-library is available. The campus also includes a canteen, activity room, book store and prayer room, and a health clinic with two doctors and two full-time nurses.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities The playground is well equipped for football, basketball, badminton, volleyball and cricket. Special coaching in these games is available after school and on Saturdays. School teams participate in inter-school and zonal matches. The volleyball team has been recognized as the best team in the UAE.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities Gulf Indian High School has state-of-the-art laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Home Science and Computer Science. Some classrooms feature interactive whiteboards. An e-software system supports online assignments, progress reports, examinations and attendance management. The library houses more than 30,000 books and an on-site e-library is available. Centralized air conditioning runs through the corridors, and the campus includes a canteen, book store and prayer room.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities GIHS offers seven core clubs: Stellar Seekers (Astronomy), Thrive Tribe (Health and Wellbeing), Akhlaq and Adab (Arabic and Islamic), Roots and Rhythm (Art, Heritage and Culture), Creative Catalyst (STREAMS – Innovation), Word Weavers (Language), and Nature Nurturers (Environmental). Club activities provide opportunities to explore interests beyond the classroom and develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Each club focuses on specific themes such as astronomy, health and wellness, Arabic and Islamic culture, arts and heritage, STREAMS, language, and environmental stewardship. Extracurricular activities are designed to connect learning with real-world contexts and to foster holistic development.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History GIHS is part of Regent Group (One Regent) led by Group Chairman and Group CEO, Prof. Dr. Selva Pankaj and Dr. Tharshiny Pankaj. The school has a rich history of 45 years. The Thinking into Character (TiC) learning programme, developed by Dr. Selva Pankaj, guides its approach to education. GIHS blends academic excellence with a strong value system and offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award to students.
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.	Community GIHS has wonderful students, supportive parents and community members, dedicated staff and leaders who work together daily to ensure safety, innovation, happiness and positivity. The school aims to develop responsible global citizens, lifelong learners and innovative leaders. Community engagement is reflected in school news and events that celebrate student achievements and activities. Notable events include the Investiture Ceremony (2025), World Cup Fever at Gulf Indian High School and KG Day of Discovery at Children's City, illustrating a vibrant school culture.
Parent teacher association	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.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual The school offers clubs to support academic and intellectual growth. For Grades 5–12, Literary Club, Oratory Club, STEM Club, and Quiz Club are available; for Grades 1–4, Budding Explorers provides early engagement. The school participates in interschool competitions and cultural fests in the UAE, and students go on educational tours in the UAE and to other countries to broaden knowledge and global awareness. Activities are scheduled during school hours on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative GIHS fosters arts and creative growth through clubs and events. The Art and Craft club provides hands-on creative work for students. The school is committed to bringing out the creative abilities of students and actively engages them in arts and cultural activities. Student leadership is encouraged in arts and culture.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Arabic & Islamic is offered for Grades 5–12. The school promotes cultural engagement through clubs and events, including interschool competitions and cultural fests in the UAE. The GIHS community emphasizes UAE culture and heritage as part of school life.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Budding Explorers provides a social/hobby club for Grade 1–4. Health & Wellbeing is a club for Grades 5–12. The school supports sports and games—Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cricket and Badminton, plus Track and Field, Chess and Carroms—with after-school coaching. Clubs foster social life beyond the classroom through shared interests and teamwork.
Community & service	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.	Community & service GIHS engages students in community initiatives such as Sustainable Development, Recycling Campaigns, Energy Conservation, Healthy Eating Habits and Health and Hygiene Campaigns. They volunteer with Al Noor Training Centre and participate in Dubai Cares and the Million Book Challenge. Charity work and awareness events like Pink Day are also part of community activity.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Student leadership is the backbone of GIHS. Students are encouraged to take leadership roles within clubs and school life. The school emphasizes developing leadership and professional skills through participation in clubs and events.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing GIHS provides sports facilities for Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Cricket and Badminton. Students also participate in track and field events as well as Chess and Carroms. Special coaching is offered after school hours by a team of Physical Education teachers. Health & Wellbeing is a club that supports wellness.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision Language of instruction is English. Arabic is taught as a First Language. Arabic is taught as an Additional Language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions 1. Admissions are open for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grades 9 and 11 are full. Limited seats are available in other grades. Applicants are advised to apply promptly to secure a place before enrolment closes. 2. Applications are submitted online through the admissions portal. The Apply Online link is available on the site and the Apply Now button directs to the online portal gihs.ethdigitalcampus.com. Applicants initiate the process by selecting the appropriate grade and completing the form online. The online application collects required information to begin the admissions process. 3. For inquiries, contact the admissions team by email at gihs@gihsdubai.com. In addition, phone numbers are +971-46119400, +971-509361283, and +971-542475594. The school provides these contact options to assist applicants with the admissions process.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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