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

Dar Al Marefa Private 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, Arabic
Fees AED 39,917 - 81,880
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1225
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 24
Introduction

Dar Al Marefa Private School is an IB World School in Al Khawaneej (Mirdif), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes as its sole curriculum and pursuing authorization for the IB Career‑related Programme. The school serves children from early years through Grade 12 (ages 3–18, KG1 to Grade 12) and operates a bilingual model with English and Arabic as languages of instruction; Arabic is provided both as a first and an additional language alongside Islamic education. Inspectors and the school note a well‑stocked library, very good performing‑arts and sports facilities, and learning environments in kindergarten that support active indoor and outdoor play; science practical work is included in the curriculum though inspectors recommended more regular practical laboratory activities. The school is described in IB materials as the only Arabic–English bilingual IB World School in Dubai and is positioned to award a bilingual IB diploma to graduating students.

47th St, Al Khawaneej, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Dar Al Marefa Private School has 1,225 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English, Arabic.

Location
Dar Al Marefa is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Al Khawaneej district at Khawaneej 1 – 47th Street (PO Box 112602). The Al Khawaneej area is a residential community with convenient road access to central Dubai. The campus is a purpose-built, two-storey facility designed to support IB programmes and a broad range of facilities.

Stages
The school offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum from Pre-KG through Grade 12, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Instruction is delivered in English and Arabic.

Type
The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. It is the only bilingual English-Arabic IB curriculum school in Dubai.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Student nationality mix includes representation from many countries; sources indicate students from over 35 nationalities attend the school. Emirati students are the largest local group, with a substantial international presence.

Additional learning support
The school provides support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). It maintains an inclusive policy and provides services for students of determination.

Country affiliation
Affiliation with the United Arab Emirates. The curriculum aligns with UAE MOE requirements and KHDA oversight.

Religious affiliation
No formal religious affiliation; however, the curriculum includes Islamic Studies for Muslim students in accordance with UAE MOE requirements, and Arabic language instruction is required.

School day structure
School hours are 7:30am to 3:30pm from Monday to Thursday, with a Friday schedule of 7:30am to 12:00pm.

Bus service
Dar Al Marefa offers its own bus transport for eligible students. Arrangements are coordinated with the RTA; pick-ups and drop-offs occur at designated meeting points, and routes may change only with RTA and school approval. Students must follow bus rules and wear seatbelts where fitted.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is not provided. The school operates as a day school. The IB information lists boarding facilities as DAY.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are produced by ZAKS Uniforms. The full uniform catalogue is available via the linked document on the School Policies page.

Food Options
The cafeteria offers a healthy menu with local, sustainable ingredients, and meals and drinks are provided at reasonable prices. The program emphasizes nutrition education linked to cafeteria choices.

Governance and Ownership
Governance is via a Board of Governors. The board includes Ibrahim Al Ghurair as Chairman and Badr Al Ghurair as Chief Executive Officer, among others. Ownership details are not disclosed on the site.
Fees

Annual tuition at Dar Al Marefa Private School ranges from AED 39,917 to AED 81,880 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group)

- Pre‑KG — Annual: AED 39,917; Term 1 (due August 15): AED 15,967; Term 2 (due December 15): AED 11,975; Term 3 (due March 15): AED 11,975.
- KG1 — Annual: AED 39,917; Term 1: AED 15,967; Term 2: AED 11,975; Term 3: AED 11,975.
- KG2 — Annual: AED 39,917; Term 1: AED 15,967; Term 2: AED 11,975; Term 3: AED 11,975.
- Grade 1 — Annual: AED 49,333; Term 1: AED 19,733; Term 2: AED 14,800; Term 3: AED 14,800.
- Grade 2 — Annual: AED 49,333; Term 1: AED 19,733; Term 2: AED 14,800; Term 3: AED 14,800.
- Grade 3 — Annual: AED 54,655; Term 1: AED 21,861; Term 2: AED 16,397; Term 3: AED 16,397.
- Grade 4 — Annual: AED 54,655; Term 1: AED 21,861; Term 2: AED 16,397; Term 3: AED 16,397.
- Grade 5 — Annual: AED 54,655; Term 1: AED 21,861; Term 2: AED 16,397; Term 3: AED 16,397.
- Grade 6 — Annual: AED 66,118; Term 1: AED 26,448; Term 2: AED 19,835; Term 3: AED 19,835.
- Grade 7 — Annual: AED 66,118; Term 1: AED 26,448; Term 2: AED 19,835; Term 3: AED 19,835.
- Grade 8 — Annual: AED 66,118; Term 1: AED 26,448; Term 2: AED 19,835; Term 3: AED 19,835.
- Grade 9 — Annual: AED 71,440; Term 1: AED 28,576; Term 2: AED 21,432; Term 3: AED 21,432.
- Grade 10 — Annual: AED 71,440; Term 1: AED 28,576; Term 2: AED 21,432; Term 3: AED 21,432.
- Grade 11 — Annual: AED 81,880; Term 1: AED 32,752; Term 2: AED 24,564; Term 3: AED 24,564.
- Grade 12 — Annual: AED 81,880; Term 1: AED 32,752; Term 2: AED 24,564; Term 3: AED 24,564.



Application and registration charges

- Application fee (one‑time, new students): AED 500 (assessment fees included).
- Registration / enrolment deposit on acceptance: up to 10% of the tuition fee; this payment secures the place and is deducted from Term 1 fees.
- Re‑enrolment fee for existing students: up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher); this fee is non‑refundable and deductible from Term 1 fees.



Billing schedule and payment terms

- Term payment dates: Term 1 due August 15; Term 2 due December 15; Term 3 due March 15.
- The registration/enrolment deposit (up to 10%) must be paid within the timeframe specified in the offer to secure a place (payment window noted in admissions process).
- Online payments are accepted; payments normally reach the school bank account within two working days. The school does not accept liability for delayed or declined card payments. Credit‑card holders can convert school payments into 0% instalments through partner schemes.



Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school and provides transport services (school bus) as an optional paid service.



Other costs and typical ranges

- Required books: included in the tuition fees.
- Uniform: AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 (uniforms supplied by the school's approved supplier).
- Stationery: AED 500 to AED 700.
- Laptop / digital device (typical range): AED 2,000 to AED 6,000.
- Transport (optional school bus): AED 8,500 to AED 10,500 (range depending on route).
- Extracurricular activities, camps, trips and optional services: typical ranges shown on the fact sheet (examples: clubs, camps and overseas trips vary from a few hundred to several thousand AED depending on activity).



Sibling discount

- A sibling discount is applied: 5% on the third sibling (youngest child) and 10% on every subsequent child in each family.



Refund and cancellation details (financial terms that apply)

- The registration/enrolment deposit (up to 10% of the tuition fee) is non‑refundable and non‑transferable but is deductible from Term 1 fees.
- Re‑enrolment fees (existing students) are non‑refundable and deductible from Term 1 fees (up to 5% of tuition or AED 500, whichever is higher).
- Students must have cleared all financial obligations to remain registered and to be eligible for promotion; unpaid fees can affect the student's continued enrolment.



Fee payment options

- Online payment (credit/debit card) — school uses an online payment facility; payments normally settle to the school bank account within two working days.
- Bank transfer.
- Cash and cheque options are accepted where applicable.
- Credit‑card instalment plans (0%) are available via partner schemes for eligible cardholders.
Academics

Dar Al Marefa Private School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Dar Al Marefa is an IB World School in Dubai offering the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–10, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19, with instruction delivered in English and Arabic. Arabic language is taught per UAE Ministry of Education requirements, with Arabic A for native speakers from listed Arab countries and Arabic B for non-natives when approved by KHDA; Islamic studies are also offered to Muslim students. PYP focuses on inquiry-based learning across transdisciplinary themes and fosters global citizenship, including Early Years within the programme. MYP connects studies to real-world contexts as the middle phase of the IB continuum. DP comprises six subject groups plus the core (TOK, EE, CAS); students in grades 11–12 may follow the Diploma Programme or a Diploma Programme Course stream, with a maximum of 45 points and KHDA equivalency considerations. Assessment and planning employ IB tools such as ManageBac to plan, assess, and report progress.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Dar Al Marefa approaches school life holistically, focusing on fostering a positive emotional state among students alongside academic achievement. Student well-being is an essential element and a determinant of success, with the environment and facilities designed to support mental health and well-being. The school emphasizes positive social relationships and active participation as part of its inclusive ethos. It follows UAE values and the Dubai Inclusion Education Policy Framework and provides and monitors special education services to support individual learning needs, enabling inclusive participation. During online learning, nine mindfulness strategies have been developed to relieve stress and provide direct individual support to students who need it.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school states a commitment to inclusive education and provides and monitors special education services to support the individual learning needs of students with a learning need, adhering to UAE values and to the Dubai Inclusion Education Policy Framework. It aims for all students, including those with disabilities or SEN, to progress and participate as equal citizens within the learning community. The school is described as an inclusive bilingual IB Curriculum school rather than a specialist SEN institution. KHDA's 2023-2024 inspection rated Wellbeing as Good and Inclusion as Good, reflecting its inclusion practices. The school's public materials do not specify exact SEN categories or list a dedicated SEN center.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school is the only bilingual IB Curriculum school in Dubai, offering instruction in English and Arabic. The language of instruction for the IB program is English. No separate EAL program is publicly disclosed in available materials; English is used as the language of instruction, with Arabic as the other language of instruction. Given the bilingual nature, EAL support may be integrated within the general provision, but explicit EAL program details are not published.

Mental Wellbeing
The Well-Being page describes a holistic approach to student welfare, stating that well-being is essential to student success and that the architecture and layout of the campus support mental health. It notes a focus on fostering positive emotional states and on social and emotional development. The school emphasizes well-being as part of daily life, beyond academics. For online learning contexts, nine mindfulness strategies were developed to relieve stress and provide direct individual support to students who need it. These elements are part of the school's broader commitment to mental health and well-being.

Safeguarding
The school states an inclusive policy and follows the Dubai Inclusion Education Policy Framework, providing and monitoring special education services to support student safety and learning. It emphasizes equal participation for all students, including those with disabilities or SEN. Online safety policies and restrictions are described for distance learning to protect students in virtual settings. Safeguarding and well-being are interwoven with inclusion and are reflected in KHDA inspection outcomes, which show Good Wellbeing and Good Inclusion.
Parent Experience

History
Dar Al Marefa opened in September 2008 as Dubai's bilingual English-Arabic IB continuum school, an educational initiative by Al Ghurair. It offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) in English and Arabic. The school celebrated its first graduating cohort in 2016, marking its growth into a complete IB-through school. In 2019 the school moved to a purpose-built campus in Khawaneej, Dubai, designed with architecture by RCR Arquitectes and equipped to support up to 2000 students across the three IB programmes. The campus environment and facilities were developed to sustain long-term growth and a broad IB offer.

Community
The school community is rooted in Emirati and Islamic values and aims to cultivate curious, confident lifelong learners who participate as active global citizens. Dar Al Marefa emphasizes partnership with parents, friends, and the local community to contribute to the UAE's next generation. The Extracurricular Activities Programme offers a broad range of opportunities—across arts, sports, languages, design, artificial intelligence, robotics, calligraphy, and Islamic cultures—delivered by specialists and open to the surrounding community. Alumni achievements demonstrate ongoing engagement with and contributions from graduates, reflecting the school's long-term community ties.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Public documentation does not describe a standalone PTA body; however, parent engagement is structured and encouraged through formal channels. The school arranges regular parent–teacher meeting sessions to discuss student progress, and a parent portal provides updates on school activities and holidays. In addition, WhatsApp groups are used to share instant notifications, and parents can contact teachers or staff to join these groups. The school's communications emphasize a partnership with parents and the wider community to support student development and wellbeing.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dar Al Marefa's campus is a purpose-built IB facility designed for learning across ages. The campus houses a well-resourced central library, a 400-seat auditorium, eight science labs, and dedicated ICT, art and design, and music studios. Indoor sports facilities include a double-volume, climate-controlled sports hall and a gym, with a temperature-controlled swimming pool, while the outdoor layout features a large floodlit field and two tennis courts. The campus also includes a health-conscious cafeteria, extensive shaded walkways, and well-equipped playgrounds. The learning spaces are complemented by small class sizes of up to 24 students to support individual attention.

Sports Facilities
Indoor facilities are designed for year-round use and include a fully equipped gymnasium and a large double-volume sports hall for activities such as netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball, wall climbing, gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, football, and swimming. The campus also offers a temperature-controlled swimming pool. Outdoor facilities include a large floodlit sports field and two outdoor tennis courts to support a range of activities and teams. These spaces enable a breadth of PE and extracurricular sport throughout the year.

Academic Facilities
Auditorium seating is 400 with a central stage. The school provides eight fully equipped science labs, two for each of the sciences: chemistry, physics, biology and general science. Classes are capped at 24 students to support individual attention. The central library offers extensive books and digital resources, plus a dedicated study space with computers and internet access. Art & design studios, ICT labs with the latest software and 3D printers, and dedicated music studios support creative and technical learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Dar Al Marefa offers a broad Extracurricular Activities Programme delivered by experts, with opportunities across academic subjects, expressive arts, performance arts, language, design, artificial intelligence, robotics, calligraphy, Islamic cultures, and sporting activities. The programme uses the school's facilities for after-school and lunchtime clubs and engages the wider community where possible. The IB curriculum-based activities are structured across three terms: Term 1 (September–December), Term 2 (January–March), and Term 3 (April–June). Participation is encouraged across abilities to help every student pursue their interests.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is bilingual in English and Arabic and uses the International Baccalaureate Curriculum. It offers the IB across the full range from Early Years to Grade 12, with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16 and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) covers Early Years (ages 3–5) and Primary Years (ages 3–10). The DP core includes Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, Service, and the Extended Essay. The school also aligns the British curriculum with the IB framework.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages of instruction are English and Arabic in a bilingual IB environment across the Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary Years (ages 3–10), Middle Years (ages 11–16), and Diploma Programme (ages 16–19). The IB curriculum is delivered in English and Arabic, and the British curriculum is aligned with the IB framework.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is bilingual in English and Arabic. English and Arabic are used as languages of instruction across the IB curriculum. The school is described as the only bilingual English and Arabic IB Curriculum school in Dubai. From Early Years through Grade 12, learning emphasizes inquiry-based approaches and Emirati and Islamic values.
Admissions

Admissions
Dar Al Marefa offers the full IB Curriculum continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) in English and Arabic. The admissions process requires completing the online Admissions Form, scheduling an assessment, paying 10% of the annual fee upon acceptance, and securing the place. Entry requirements include that Pre-KG entrants must be at least three years old by August 31 and toilet-trained; all students learn Arabic under UAE MOE guidelines with Arabic A for native speakers from certain Arab countries through Grade 12, and Muslim students take Islamic Education through Grade 12 (Arabic A or English B, per nationality). Online applications prompt a school representative to contact within 1-2 working days to arrange a visit and entrance assessment; the language of instruction is English and Arabic.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Dar Al Marefa Private School with
vs Emirates International School Meadows
Search for more schools
Search schools in United Arab Emirates View all schools in Dubai View all schools in United arab emirates IB curriculum schools in United Arab Emirates Open days & tours in Dubai What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools