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Deira International School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 44,616 - 89,889
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1930
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 9
Introduction

Deira International School is a private, co-educational day school in Dubai Festival City (Al Badia) serving Foundation Stage through Year 13 (ages 3–18). The school delivers the National Curriculum for England across primary and lower secondary while offering International Baccalaureate pathways in the senior phase; Key Stage 5 students follow a two‑year IB programme with options for the IB Diploma, IB Courses or the IB Career‑related Programme. English is the language of instruction; the school provides UAE‑required provision in Arabic (A and B), UAE Social Studies and Islamic Studies for Muslim students, and a foreign‑language programme including French and Spanish. The campus includes specialist teaching spaces and separate primary and secondary libraries, expansive science, design & technology, computing and art facilities, Forest School areas, three multi‑purpose sports halls, natural grass and additional football pitches, cricket nets, two 25‑metre pools, a full FIFA‑approved astroturf pitch, a health centre and a wellbeing centre. The school is part of the Al‑Futtaim Education Foundation and highlights industry placement links for post‑16 students.

Dubai Festival City, Al Badia Blvd, Al Kheeran, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Deira International School has 1,930 pupils, typical class sizes of 9, instruction in English.

Location
The Deira International School campus is situated in Dubai Festival City, Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, United Arab Emirates. The postal address is P.O. Box 79043, Al Badia, Dubai Festival City. It is located near Al Badia Golf Resort and Al Badia Residence, about 3 kilometres from Dubai International Airport and a short drive from areas such as Mirdif and Al Warqa, with access via the Business Bay Crossing.

Stages
DIS serves students from Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2) through Key Stage 4 and into the IB pathways (IBDP or IBCP) in the final years, covering ages roughly 3 to 18.

Type
DIS is a co-educational day school. It operates within a British-curriculum framework and offers IGCSEs in Year 11 and IB pathways in Years 12–13; the school does not indicate boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school reports representation of over 90 nationalities among its students. The exact local-to-international ratio is not published by the school; independent listings note a diverse mix with Arab nationalities appearing prominently in some datasets.

Additional learning support
DIS provides personalised learning and SEND support through a dedicated Pastoral and Personalised Learning Support Team, with early identification and targeted intervention. The school also supports learners whose first language is not English and offers Arabic as a First Language, AFL and Islamic Studies as part of its language and curriculum provisions.

Country affiliation
The school follows the English National Curriculum and functions as a British international school, with formal affiliations to British-based organisations including British Schools in the Middle East (BSME), COBIS and British Schools Overseas (BSO).

Religious affiliation
DIS has no formal religious affiliation. Islamic Studies is offered to Muslim students as part of the curriculum where appropriate.

School day structure
School day timings are: Foundation Stage 7:50–13:00, Primary 7:50–14:30, and Secondary 7:50–15:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; Tuesday 7:50–14:30 for all; Friday 7:50–12:00 for all students.

Bus service
The school's transportation is provided by Maverick. Maverick employs certified drivers and bus assistants, with safety protocols and real-time tracking; contact details for routes are provided by the school. In 2024–2025, two-way route charges were listed as AED 4,700–9,300 depending on the route, with Maverick handling registrations and operations.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
DIS operates as a day school with no boarding facilities on site. The IB World School listing confirms boarding facilities as DAY, indicating there is no boarding available. There are no full, weekly, or flexi-boarding options offered.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform policy: The DIS uniform and team kit are provided by Threads. Uniforms can be browsed in the Threads catalogue or ordered online at threadsme.com, and a DIS retail shop is located at Burjuman Mall (Shop 1001-1003, Level 2). Made-to-measure options are available.

Food Options
Two on-site cafeterias serve primary and secondary students, offering drinks, snacks and hot meals. Breakfast is available in the secondary cafeteria, or students may bring a packed breakfast; packed breakfasts must be nut-free and adhere to the school's healthy eating policy.

House System
The house system comprises four houses. Students earn points for their house through lessons, house competitions and assemblies, contributing to school spirit.

Governance and Ownership
DIS is owned and operated by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation. The DIS Board provides governance and includes educational experts, parent representatives, business representatives and the Director. The Foundation owns and governs Deira International School and Universal American School.
Fees

Annual tuition at Deira International School ranges from AED 44,616 to AED 89,889 for 2026/27.

Booking / Reservation and Application Fees

- Booking (seat reservation) fee: AED 3,000 per student. This fee is non‑refundable but deductible from the first term tuition.
- Application fee (charged when submitting an application): AED 525 (inclusive of VAT). This fee is non‑refundable.
- Registration fee: charged and deducted from the first term tuition; the school states the registration fee will not be refunded if the student does not take the offered place (amount not specified on the school fee page).

Tuition fees — annual and per‑term breakdown by year group (academic year shown in official KHDA schedule)

The following annual tuition figures are those listed for each year group. Per‑term amounts below use a three‑instalment model (Term 1 = 40% of the annual fee; Term 2 = 30%; Term 3 = 30%) in line with the standard KHDA instalment structure; the school issues invoices on a three‑term timetable with specific due dates. Annual fees are listed first, followed by the calculated per‑term amounts (AED).

- FS1
- Annual tuition: AED 44,616.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 17,846.40. Term 2 (30%): AED 13,384.80. Term 3 (30%): AED 13,384.80.

- FS2
- Annual tuition: AED 44,616.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 17,846.40. Term 2 (30%): AED 13,384.80. Term 3 (30%): AED 13,384.80.

- Year 1
- Annual tuition: AED 58,034.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,213.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 17,410.20. Term 3 (30%): AED 17,410.20.

- Year 2
- Annual tuition: AED 58,034.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,213.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 17,410.20. Term 3 (30%): AED 17,410.20.

- Year 3
- Annual tuition: AED 58,034.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,213.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 17,410.20. Term 3 (30%): AED 17,410.20.

- Year 4
- Annual tuition: AED 58,034.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,213.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 17,410.20. Term 3 (30%): AED 17,410.20.

- Year 5
- Annual tuition: AED 58,034.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 23,213.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 17,410.20. Term 3 (30%): AED 17,410.20.

- Year 6
- Annual tuition: AED 63,057.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 25,222.80. Term 2 (30%): AED 18,917.10. Term 3 (30%): AED 18,917.10.

- Year 7
- Annual tuition: AED 63,057.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 25,222.80. Term 2 (30%): AED 18,917.10. Term 3 (30%): AED 18,917.10.

- Year 8
- Annual tuition: AED 68,094.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 27,237.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 20,428.20. Term 3 (30%): AED 20,428.20.

- Year 9
- Annual tuition: AED 68,094.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 27,237.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 20,428.20. Term 3 (30%): AED 20,428.20.

- Year 10
- Annual tuition: AED 71,453.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 28,581.20. Term 2 (30%): AED 21,435.90. Term 3 (30%): AED 21,435.90.

- Year 11
- Annual tuition: AED 81,501.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 32,600.40. Term 2 (30%): AED 24,450.30. Term 3 (30%): AED 24,450.30.

- Year 12 (IB)
- Annual tuition: AED 89,889.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 35,955.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 26,966.70. Term 3 (30%): AED 26,966.70.

- Year 13 (IB)
- Annual tuition: AED 89,889.00.
- Term 1 (40%): AED 35,955.60. Term 2 (30%): AED 26,966.70. Term 3 (30%): AED 26,966.70.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard instalment due dates (school invoices and post‑dated cheques are accepted on this schedule): 1st instalment due 25 August 2025; 2nd instalment due 25 December 2025; 3rd instalment due 25 March 2026. The school accepts post‑dated cheques deposited at the start of the academic year or before those dates.
- The school accepts the following payment methods: cash at the school cashier; cheque payable to "DEIRA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL"; bank transfer / direct deposit (bank details provided by the school); payment online via the iSAMS parent portal using Visa and MasterCard (AED); and payments via the Zenda app. The school also promotes use of the Blue FAB / Al‑Futtaim credit card program for rewards and payment plans. For bank transfers, parents are asked to send a copy of the transfer slip to accounts@disdubai.ae to help identify deposits.
- KHDA policy permits schools to collect annual tuition in three instalments; the school uses a three‑term billing cycle and the KHDA framework specifies the first instalment should not exceed 40% and the second and third instalments should not exceed 30% each. The per‑term figures above apply that instalment split to the annual KHDA‑listed fees.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. No boarding fees are listed for Deira International School and the school operates on a day‑school basis (no boarding provision is published).

Other costs and mandatory extras

- Uniform: school uniform and team kit are supplied via the designated supplier (Threads). Uniform costs are additional and are not included in tuition; the uniform retail and online purchasing arrangements are provided by the school.
- Meals: cafeteria meals are not included in the tuition figures shown. Meal costs are charged separately.
- Transportation: school transport fees are charged separately and vary by area. Example 2025–2026 transport fees (sample areas):
- Area A (Nad Al Hammar, Dubai Festival City, Al Badia, Dubai Creek Harbour): AED 5,700 (2‑way), AED 3,990 (1‑way).
- Area B (Mirdif, Al Warqaa, Al Garhoud, Port Saeed, Ras Al Khor, Al Jaddaf, Al Rashidiya, Umm Ramool): AED 8,800 (2‑way), AED 6,160 (1‑way).
- Area C (Deira, Bur Dubai, DHCC, Al Karama, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Nahda, etc.): AED 9,200 (2‑way), AED 6,440 (1‑way).
- Area D (Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Palm Jumeirah, Meydan South, Nad Al Sheba, Damac Hills, etc.): AED 9,900 (2‑way), AED 6,930 (1‑way).
These transport area fees are published as the 2025–2026 transport fee structure.
- KHDA administrative fees: certain KHDA attestation and transfer requests carry a standard KHDA charge (example: requests for education continuation certificate, leaving form attestation, inter‑school transfer, attestation of certificates — AED 126 each, inclusive of VAT). These KHDA charges are additional where applicable.

Refunds and withdrawal billing

- Refunds are handled in accordance with the KHDA School Fees Framework. The school applies the KHDA refund calculation: tuition paid prior to the beginning of the academic year is refundable subject to deduction of registration / re‑registration fees; if a student was enrolled for two weeks or less a month's fees will be deducted; if enrolled between two weeks and one month, two months' fees will be deducted; if enrolled for more than a month, the full term's fees will be deducted. Refunds are issued by bank transfer or cheque.

Administrative notes on payment mechanics and options

- Online card payments: accepted via the iSAMS parent portal using Visa and MasterCard in AED.
- Bank transfers / direct deposits: the school provides bank account details for direct deposit; parents are requested to email a copy of the transfer/deposit slip to accounts@disdubai.ae to facilitate reconciliation.
- Zenda app: the school accepts payments via the Zenda app (introduced January 2025) for school fees and, from January 2025, for local and international educational trips and events; Zenda is supported for future plans including online payment plans.

KHDA administrative/service charges (examples)

- KHDA attestation and related document charges: AED 126 (inclusive of VAT) for various certificate and transfer attestations.
Academics

Deira International School teaches British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Deira International School delivers a British-inspired curriculum built on the National Curriculum for England and Wales, and is a Cambridge IGCSE centre while offering IB pathways (IBDP, IBCP, and IB Courses) for post-16 study. In Primary (Year 1–6), the curriculum is adapted from England's National Curriculum, designed to be cross-curricular and contextually relevant, with Year 1–2, Year 3–4 and Year 5–6 curriculum booklets; core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Arabic B. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students study at least seven IGCSE/GCSE subjects, including English Language and English Literature, Mathematics (two pathways) and Science (two pathways), plus Core PE, National Studies (Social Studies and Moral Education), Islamic Education or Integrated Studies, and Arabic A or B, with a range of option subjects such as Spanish, French, Drama, Computer Science, Economics, Business Studies and Art/Design, and opportunities for Triple Science. In Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13), students may pursue the IB Diploma Programme, the IB Career-Related Programme or IB Courses; the IBDP comprises six subject groups across Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts, with three core elements (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS) and a maximum of 45 points. The language of instruction is English, with Arabic (First Language and Foreign Language) and French offered; the school is accredited for Cambridge IGCSE and the IB programmes.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Deira International School places social and emotional learning (SEL) at the heart of its wellbeing approach. KHDA's 2024 inspection rated Wellbeing as Outstanding, reflecting strong SEL provision and student welfare. The Wellbeing Team and Wellbeing Counsellors provide individual and group counselling, classroom sessions, and support for exam stress and relationships, as well as mindfulness practices. They work with families and teachers to promote resilience, self‑regulation, and positive social skills across the school. Wellbeing data from BounceTogether (and related tools) informs planning and targeted interventions under the KHDA Wellbeing Framework. Staff in the Wellbeing Team include primary and secondary counsellors such as Megha Jootla and Alistair Dale, who deliver services across phases.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
DIS delivers inclusive education through an Inclusion Support Team that oversees SEND provision. It is a mainstream school, not a specialist SEN institution, but provides structured supports for Students of Determination. There are three levels of support: Level 1 high‑quality inclusive teaching; Level 2 personal support with curriculum modification; Level 3 individualised programmes with 1:1 Learning Support Assistants. Students with SEND are identified early, with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or pupil passport, and progress is tracked and reviewed with parents. The Inclusion Lead (Assistant Head – Whole School Inclusion) and Primary/Secondary SENDCo oversee the process, supported by the Inclusion Team Learning Support staff; external professionals (e.g., speech and language therapists or educational psychologists) may be engaged when required.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction at DIS. Arabic is offered as a First Language and as a Foreign Language, and French is offered as well; Spanish is also available as a language option. EAL support is provided as part of the Inclusion framework for pupils whose first language is not English, rather than a stand‑alone EAL department. The school's Inclusion policies indicate support for pupils whose first language is not English and outline use of external professionals when needed to support language development.

Mental Wellbeing
The Mental Health and Wellbeing policy sets universal and targeted approaches to promote mental health and wellbeing for all students, staff, and families. The policy aims to promote positive mental health, raise awareness of issues, and provide targeted support for those in need, coordinating with safeguarding and welfare practices. The Wellbeing Team provides one‑to‑one or small‑group support, runs workshops for wellbeing and safeguarding, and helps families with related guidance; designated safeguarding leads and a School Doctor support the framework. Data from ePulse and BounceTogether informs planning, monitoring, and intervention at different year groups. The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and is complemented by a Parent's Guide to Mental Wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Deira International School operates a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (dated August 12, 2025) that follows UAE law and local safeguarding frameworks. It establishes a Designated Safeguarding Lead pair (and deputies) and requires reporting of concerns to safeguarding leads or statutory authorities as needed. The policy provides quick reference contacts for safeguarding and outlines step‑by‑step procedures for concerns or disclosures, including the use of CPOMS and timelines for action. The Designated Safeguarding Leads (e.g., Emma Hannon, Gaynor Dale) are supported by a safeguarding team and senior leaders to promote a safe school environment. The policy emphasises multi‑agency collaboration and ongoing staff training, with annual reviews and public availability of safeguarding information.
Parent Experience

History
Deira International School was established in 2005. It is owned and operated by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation as a not-for-profit British curriculum school in Dubai Festival City. The school has grown to more than 2,000 students representing more than 90 nationalities. KHDA inspections and the British Schools Overseas (BSO) have rated DIS Outstanding. In 2025, the school celebrated twenty years since its founding with strong GCSE and IB results.

Community
DIS describes itself as a multi-cultural learning community with more than 2,000 students representing around 90 nationalities. International Day events highlight cultural diversity, with 81 nationalities celebrated in 2023 and 88 nationalities in 2024, accompanied by student performances and cultural stalls. The school emphasizes a strong partnership with parents and maintains regular communication through learning platforms. Performing arts productions and sports events are a vibrant part of campus life, including the Jungle Book primary production in 2025.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parent-Teacher Association known as DISPA (Deira International School Parents Association). DISPA organizes events and speaker sessions, including the DISPA Business Breakfast with parent speakers and Zurich sponsorship. DISPA runs family-focused activities such as reading events, including the DIS Dads Reading session. International Day, World Book Day and other culture-focused events involve DISPA as a key contributor. The association provides channels for parent feedback and engagement through regular school communications, and partners with the school on mentoring, career talks, and community programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Deira International School has state-of-the-art physical and digital facilities. The campus supports a 1:1 mobile devices program for Years 4 to IB2. A dedicated Sixth Form area includes a common room, a study hall and a kitchen-dining area. The site hosts a 700-seat auditorium, a drama studio, primary and secondary libraries, and fully equipped ICT and music departments, alongside expansive science, design technology, computing and art facilities. Shaded outdoor learning areas and well-equipped playgrounds provide spaces for active, informal learning.

Sports Facilities
Key sports facilities include two temperature-controlled swimming pools and two air-conditioned sports halls, supported by a multi-purpose hall. Netball and basketball courts, a cricket net, and natural grass rugby and football pitches form the outdoor core. Three astroturf football pitches include a full FIFA-approved pitch. These facilities enable a comprehensive physical education and inter-school sport program.

Academic Facilities
Physical and technological facilities are state of the art. Academic facilities include fully equipped ICT and music departments, primary and secondary libraries, and expansive specialist spaces for science, design technology, computing and art. The drama studio and a 700-seat auditorium support arts education. The Sixth Form area includes a common room, a study hall and a kitchen-dining area for Sixth Form students. There are dedicated outdoor and large indoor learning areas for Early Years.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered at DIS for Year 10 Bronze and IB1 Silver. The Award framework includes four sections—Service, Physical, Skills and The Adventurous Journey. The Adventurous Journey is conducted locally in the Hatta Mountains, Fujairah or further afield. Students register interest, log activities in an Online Record Book, and receive 1:1 and group support from a trained Award Leader; there is a one-time registration fee.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school serves students aged 3 to 18 and provides the National Curriculum for England and Wales, with Cambridge IGCSE offered in Year 11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or Career-Related Programme (IBCP) in Years 12–13.

Cultural & Language
The language of instruction is English. Arabic as a First Language, Arabic as a Foreign Language, and French are offered.

Social & Hobbies
The school provides visits, trips, competitions, clubs and other extra-curricular activities to enrich learning.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught as a first or additional language from Year 1 to Year 9. French is introduced in Year 4 and Spanish from Year 8. Arabic is offered as an IGCSE alongside French or Spanish, and in the IB programme students may study French, Spanish or Arabic at various levels.
Reputation

Awards
Not specified on the provided page.

Accreditations
BSO Outstanding; KHDA Outstanding; DIS is a member of British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). The school is managed by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1 – Entry requirements and placement. Foundation Stage places are offered on application, and children attend a short play-based assessment. For Year 1 to Year 10, admission is confirmed after a review of the child's most recent school report. A CAT4 assessment is required from Year 4 to Year 10, while Year 1 to Year 3 use paper-based assessments. External IB Diploma Programme applicants are guided by recommended criteria and all applications are considered. Entry age guidelines apply to each class from Foundation Stage through IB.

Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation at Deira International School in three categories: Emirati students (academic excellence) up to 100%; Talent and Sports up to 50%; and IBDP Academic Excellence up to 50%. IBDP scholarships are valid for two years; Emirati scholarships are valid for the duration of enrolment subject to performance and conduct; Sports and Talent scholarships require an annual portfolio and representation where applicable. Scholarship applications for the 2025–2026 academic year have now closed. Emirati scholarships may require a CAT4 test arranged through Admissions.

Waitlist
Waitlist. Most Primary Year Groups operate on a waitlist; Foundation Stage has limited availability.
School Events
The school has not added events
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