doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
C

Citizens School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 40,500 - 80,000
Ages 3 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 629
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 10
Introduction

Citizens School is a British-curriculum day school in Dubai serving early years, primary and lower-secondary learners (recorded here as ages 3 to 14). The school follows the British National Curriculum delivered through its Citizens Future Framework, preparing learners towards UK benchmarks and external qualifications, and embedding digital and AI literacy across subjects. The school states that learning is conducted in English and that Arabic is introduced from the Foundation Stage as part of its UAE-mandated provision. Distinctive features include a structured entrepreneurship and venture-building programme (with access to a Citizens Venture Fund), transdisciplinary/project-based learning and an emphasis on real-world application. The campus includes purpose-built STEM labs, sports facilities, a 1,100 m² Wellbeing Centre, a Black Box production studio and library; the school publishes a typical staff:student ratio of about 1:10. Inclusion and EAL pathways are described to support learners with diverse needs and those learning English as an additional language.

243, 22D St, Al Satwa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Citizens School has 629 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
Citizens School is located at 243 22D Street / Al Safa Street (opposite City Walk) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is in central Dubai near City Walk and is accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road via exit D71 toward Jumeirah, then Safa Street; a right turn onto 22D Street brings you to the campus. The campus occupies a prominent central site with facilities designed to support a large urban school community and on-site parking.

Stages
FS1 to Year 9. The school follows a British National Curriculum framework within the Citizens Future Framework, with year groups ranging from Foundation Stage to lower secondary.

Type
Co-educational. The school operates as a mixed-gender learning community and does not publicly advertise boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has a highly diverse international student body, with 79 nationalities represented. The most common nationalities include Russian, Iranian, British, Indian, and Canadian. Publicly available data do not publish a precise local-to-international student ratio for this school.

Additional learning support
SEN provision is offered with dedicated staff and inclusion programs. Assessments typically include WellComm and CAT4 to determine support needs, and an Individual Learning Support Assistant can be provided when required. The school maintains safeguarding and inclusion policies to support students of determination.

Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates. The school is KHDA-licensed and located in Dubai, with curriculum aligned to the British National Curriculum within the UAE context.

Religious affiliation
None; the school is secular and inclusive, with policies stating no discrimination on the basis of religion.

School day structure
The school day starts at 7:30 am. Finish times are 1:30 pm for FS1, 2:30 pm for FS2 and Year 1, and 3:30 pm for Year 2 to Year 9. The school provides lunches and a canteen, with options for dietary needs.

Bus service
A school bus service is available to support pick-up and drop-off. Bus routes are offered by external providers, and bus availability is listed in school information.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
All learners are required to wear items from Citizens clothing line, which can be purchased online.

Food Options
Food options are provided through Swiss Canonica, with a weekly menu of nutritious options and a three-week advance preview. Parents may provide a packed lunch, and meals can be booked and paid for via the Spare app.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors. The chair is Dr. Adil Alzarooni (Chairman and Founder), and the board comprises other professionals.
Fees

Annual tuition at Citizens School ranges from AED 40,500 to AED 80,000 for 2026/27.

*Tuition fees (2025–2026 academic year)*

- FS1: AED 16,200 (Term 1), AED 12,150 (Term 2), AED 12,150 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 45,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 40,500.
- FS2: AED 19,800 (Term 1), AED 14,850 (Term 2), AED 14,850 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 55,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 49,500.
- Year 1: AED 24,700 (Term 1), AED 18,525 (Term 2), AED 18,525 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 65,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 61,750.
- Year 2: AED 24,700 (Term 1), AED 18,525 (Term 2), AED 18,525 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 65,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 61,750.
- Year 3: AED 24,700 (Term 1), AED 18,525 (Term 2), AED 18,525 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 65,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 61,750.
- Year 4: AED 24,700 (Term 1), AED 18,525 (Term 2), AED 18,525 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 65,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 61,750.
- Year 5: AED 24,700 (Term 1), AED 18,525 (Term 2), AED 18,525 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 65,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 61,750.
- Year 6: AED 24,700 (Term 1), AED 18,525 (Term 2), AED 18,525 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 65,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 61,750.
- Year 7: AED 27,000 (Term 1), AED 20,250 (Term 2), AED 20,250 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 75,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 67,500.
- Year 8: AED 27,000 (Term 1), AED 20,250 (Term 2), AED 20,250 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 75,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 67,500.
- Year 9: AED 28,800 (Term 1), AED 21,600 (Term 2), AED 21,600 (Term 3) — Annual tuition AED 80,000 (KHDA‑approved); discounted annual tuition AED 72,000.

*Application, registration and deposits*

- Application fee: waived for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Registration deposit (new applicants): AED 2,500 payable to secure a place; this amount is applied to the first term fees. Registration deposits are non‑transferable and refundable only in accordance with KHDA refund rules.
- Re‑registration deposit (returning learners): AED 2,500; this amount is applied to the first term fees and is non‑transferable.

*Billing schedule and payment terms*

- Billing schedule: tuition is payable in three termly instalments with the following standard due dates — Term 1: on or before 1 September; Term 2: on or before 1 January; Term 3: on or before 1 April. VAT is applicable where required by UAE law.
- Monthly instalment option: at the school's discretion, a ten‑month payment plan (September to June) is available; this option requires an automatic monthly debit or ten post‑dated cheques.
- Early payment discount: a case‑by‑case 2.5% discount is available when fees are paid in full at once.

*Boarding fees*

- Boarding: not applicable. The school's provision is for nursery and day students up to Year 10; no boarding provision or boarding fees are listed.

*Other costs and optional charges*

- Devices: parents are required to purchase iPads and Apple Pencils for learners in Year 1 and above as part of a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirement; FS1 and FS2 devices are provided by the school. Device purchases can be made via authorised Apple suppliers or through school partners.
- Optional additional charges: school bus transport and school lunches are charged separately where used. Specific prices for transport, lunches and uniforms are not listed in the standard fee table and are charged in addition to tuition.
- Uniforms and other personal items: uniform costs are additional and are not included in the published tuition figures. Specific uniform pricing is not specified in the standard fee information.

*Refund information*

- Registration deposits and admission fees are governed by KHDA refund rules: application fees (where charged) are refundable if the school does not offer a place but are non‑refundable if an offer is made and the place is not taken; registration deposits are deductible from tuition and subject to KHDA‑mandated refund conditions. Any refunds follow KHDA guidelines.

*Fee payment options and bank details*

- Accepted payment methods: cash, cheque, credit card, or bank transfer.
- Bank details for bank transfer payments (as provided for fee remittance):
- Bank Name: Commercial Bank of Dubai.
- Account Name: Citizens School LLC.
- Account Number: 1002361903.
- IBAN: AE33 0230 00000 1002361903.
- SWIFT: CBDUAEAD.
When making a bank transfer, include the learner's name, year group and applicant ID as remittance details; when paying by cheque, write the learner's name and year group on the back of the cheque.

*Discounts and special offers*

- Limited‑time tuition discounts for 2025–2026: up to 10% off KHDA‑approved fees for certain year groups, plus additional discounts available for ESAAD card holders, corporate partners, Fazza card holders, and sibling discounts (second, third and fourth child discounts as published). Referral credit and early enrolment credits are also offered under defined terms. Specific eligibility rules apply.

*Notes*
- VAT is applied in line with UAE law where required.
Academics

Citizens School teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum
Citizens School in Dubai offers a British National Curriculum–based program, enhanced by the Citizens Future Framework. The curriculum is organized into the Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, mapping Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) and Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) through Year 6, with Key Stage 3 extending to Year 9. Beyond the core, the Future Framework emphasizes six pillars: Digital Literacy, Global Citizens, Sustainable Thinking, Health & Wellbeing, Mindset, and Entrepreneurship. Arabic is studied as part of the curriculum to align with UAE culture and values. The school is KHDA-accredited and has been rated Good, with Year levels up to Year 9 in the Dubai system.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Citizens School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its Wellbeing Centre, a purpose-built 1,100 m2 facility in Dubai that provides mental and emotional support as part of the learner's educational journey. The Centre offers tailored support for learners with learning difficulties, a Wellbeing Hub for ongoing emotional support, and programmes for exceptionally gifted learners. Staff receive training and development to deliver targeted support via Learning Support Assistants. The school emphasises self-awareness and emotional intelligence as core aspects of the holistic education model. The Wellbeing Centre also extends its services to parents and mentors and includes community outreach.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Citizens School provides inclusive SEN support rather than being described as a specialist SEN institution. Admissions involve identifying learners with SEND and arranging targeted support as needed. The school maintains an Inclusion Register and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), coordinated by the Head of Inclusion. In-school specialist services are available, including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Educational Psychology, with external liaison as required, and some services may incur additional costs. The Wellbeing Centre also provides specialised assistance for learners with learning difficulties and tailored programs for diverse learner needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Citizens School conducts its learning in English and expects all students to communicate effectively in English. When a student requires additional support for English as an Additional Language, they are added to the EAL register. In some cases, EAL learners may also be included in the learning support register to coordinate targeted interventions. The EAL provision is described within the school's accessibility and inclusion framework. The school recognises and targets EAL needs to ensure access to the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing is central at Citizens School, anchored by a 1,100 m2 Wellbeing Centre that provides dedicated mental and emotional support. The Health and Wellbeing Programme offers holistic support for learners, parents, and mentors, including tailored interventions for learners with learning challenges and programmes for the exceptionally gifted. Educators receive specialised wellbeing training to deliver SEL and mental health support. The school emphasises self-awareness and emotional intelligence as core outcomes of the wellbeing agenda. Additional wellbeing initiatives include learner leadership structures and practices such as yoga and mindfulness.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is prioritised, with Citizens School pursuing a safe environment where learners can learn and grow without harm. The school has partnered with the Safeguarding Alliance to promote high safeguarding standards. A Safeguarding Commitment Statement requires thorough background checks for staff and compliance with UAE laws. The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) commitment reinforces an inclusive and respectful school community. Detailed safeguarding policies, including the Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy for 2025-2026, outline procedures and staff training.
Parent Experience

History
Citizens School Dubai was founded in 2022. The school is governed by a Board of Governors, with Tarfa Hussain serving as the POC for the Board of Governors. David Lees serves as Principal, bringing extensive experience in education. The campus is centrally located near City Walk in Dubai, enabling convenient access to its facilities. The school is rated Good by KHDA, reflecting its standing among Dubai's independent schools.

Community
Citizens School Dubai emphasizes a community where parents are true partners in shaping the learning experience. The school hosts events and initiatives such as Wellbeing Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month to foster wellbeing, inclusivity, and social responsibility. The Parents Advisory Group (PAG) coordinates with a Parent Liaison and the Senior Leadership Team to facilitate communication between families and school leadership, with monthly meetings and class-level involvement.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Citizens School's PTA-like body is the Parents Advisory Group (PAG). The PAG consists of parents from across the school, with class leaders reporting to Year Leaders, and a leadership team including Governor, Secretary, and Communication Liaison. A Parent Liaison coordinates between parents and the PAG and Senior Leadership Team. The PAG holds monthly meetings and quarterly meetings with the Senior Leadership Team to address concerns and develop action plans, with clear responsibilities assigned and timelines set. PAG communications are coordinated via pag@citizens.me, and membership is open to all parents who wish to contribute to school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Citizens School is located in central Dubai and features purpose-built spaces designed to support curiosity and collaboration. The campus prioritizes learner wellbeing with a dedicated Wellbeing Centre. It houses a Black Box on-campus production studio for multimedia content creation, including a green screen setup and recording booths. STEM Labs provide hands-on facilities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The learning environment emphasizes adaptive spaces with movable furniture to enable flexible teaching and collaborative work, and a library supports reading and research with a full-time librarian.

Sports Facilities
Citizens School offers extensive sports facilities including a 1,250 square meter multi-purpose hall suitable for indoor sports and performances. There are 2,900 square meters of shaded outdoor play and recreation spaces for safe, imaginative activity. A six-lane semi-enclosed swimming pool and a separate learning pool support weekly swimming and water-confidence lessons. The campus features FIFA and World Rugby-standard football/rugby pitches. It includes three full padel courts and ample on-site parking for visitors.

Academic Facilities
The library provides a quiet space for reading and research with a full-time librarian and a diverse collection. STEM Labs offer dedicated laboratories with technology for hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and maths. The campus has adaptive learning spaces with movable furniture to support varied teaching approaches and collaborative work. The Wellbeing Centre offers academic and non-academic support, mental health resources, and training for learning support assistants.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities (ECAs) and internal curricular activities (ICAs) across sports, arts and culture, sustainability, and wellbeing. Arts & Culture and Music programmes provide opportunities for creative expression and exposure to diverse artistic forms. The Sustainability Programme includes an Urban Farm Programme in partnership with Gracia Group, offering hands-on learning in sustainable farming and agri-entrepreneurship. On-campus Black Box production studio enables learners to create multimedia content, including podcasts and videos. Sports coaching is offered in collaboration with Stryx Sports, providing expert coaching across major sports as part of the school's programmes.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is located in central Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The school educates students from Nursery through Year 10. The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum and is enhanced by the Citizens Future Framework, a holistic approach to developing mindsets and skills. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated spaces for education, sports, and wellness.

Leadership & Professional
The Citizens Future Framework is a holistic, future-ready approach that develops problem-solving, leadership, and innovative thinking. The school combines a UK-based curriculum with experiential learning to prepare learners for leadership roles beyond school. The school positions itself as serving the global citizens of tomorrow.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Learner wellbeing is a top priority. The campus provides spaces to support physical, personal, social, emotional, psychological, and academic needs. The campus is located near City Walk in central Dubai and offers multiple pickup and drop-off areas. The school occupies 43,000 m² and has 155 on-site parking spaces available.
Languages

Language Provision
Arabic language is included as part of the curriculum. The curriculum is built on the British National Curriculum and the Citizens Future Framework. From Nursery to Year 10, learners engage with language within this framework.
Reputation

Accreditations
KHDA-accredited in Dubai; British National Curriculum-based program.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit an enquiry. Use Enquire Now or contact the admissions team to request information about Citizens School. The response includes details on the enhanced UK curriculum, Arabic language provision, and grade levels. Citizens School is KHDA-accredited and located in Dubai, serving Nursery to Year 10.

2. Book a campus tour and meet the team. The campus is located near City Walk in Dubai and features a state-of-the-art learning environment with spaces dedicated to education, sports, and wellbeing. You can arrange a tour through the school's contact options.

3. Submit an application. Complete the Apply Now form to begin the application process for the 2025-2026 academic year. The school serves Nursery to Year 10 and follows an enhanced UK curriculum with Arabic language study as part of the program.

4. Receive an offer and enroll. An admission decision is communicated as part of the process and enrollment steps are completed thereafter. The school maintains KHDA accreditation, aligning with Dubai's educational standards.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Arab Emirates View all schools in Dubai View all schools in United arab emirates British curriculum schools in United Arab Emirates Open days & tours in Dubai What is the British curriculum? View all schools Search all schools