Gulf Indian High School vs The Central School Dubai
Gulf Indian High School and The Central School Dubai are both in Dubai, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer CBSE programmes, and Gulf Indian High School also offers Indian. Published annual fees are AED 4,989 - 9,434 at Gulf Indian High School and AED 4,177 - 7,352 at The Central School Dubai, which puts Gulf Indian High School roughly 25% higher. Gulf Indian High School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The Central School Dubai from 4 to 18.
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.
Location
—
Stages
Stages
Divisions are Primary School (Kindergarten to Grade 2); Secondary School (Grades 3 to 10); Senior Secondary School (Grades 11 and 12).
Stages
—
School type
School type
Co-educational.
School type
—
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Inclusion Policy is in place to support students with learning needs.
Additional learning support
—
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
CBSE (Central Board of Education), India.
Country affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No official religious affiliation.
Religious affiliation
—
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.
School day structure
—
Bus service details
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.
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.
Fee details
—
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
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.
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
The school has a canteen on campus.
Food options
—
House system
House system
The school has a house system; house colours are used in sports uniforms (Grades IV–XII).
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of Regent Middle East and operates under the One Regent network.
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
—
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
—
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.
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
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.
Higher education progression
—
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
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.
Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
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.
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
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.
English as an additional language
—
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
GIHS has a Wellbeing Policy (2023-2024) addressing student wellbeing, with a separate Staff Wellbeing Policy (2023-2024).
Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
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
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
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.
Facilities overview
—
Sports facilities
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.
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
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.
Academic facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
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.
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
—
Community
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.
Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
Academic & intellectual
—
Arts & creative
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.
Arts & creative
—
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.
Cultural & language
—
Social & hobbies
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.
Social & hobbies
—
Community & service
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.
Community & service
—
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.
Leadership & professional
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language of instruction is English. Arabic is taught as a First Language. Arabic is taught as an Additional Language.
Language provision
—
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. 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.
