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GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 23,795 - 36,775
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2813
Type Co-educational
Opened 1983
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Arabic, French
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Preschool, Kindergarten
Introduction

GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai is located in Al Twar 1, Damascus Street, and serves learners aged 3 to 18. It delivers a British curriculum aligned to the National Curriculum for England, with Foundation Stage (FS1–FS2) and Key Stages 1–5 (Years 1–13), including EYFS, Primary, Secondary and Post-16. The school offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and a BTEC Qualification, and emphasises Digital Citizenship and Student Care and Support to develop learners who become employable citizens. With a Cambridge International education heritage spanning over 40 years and as part of GEMS Education, an August 2026 expansion will extend digital and arts facilities. The campus features four ICT labs with more than 150 computers, a Media Lab with a radio station and newsroom, two art studios, a music studio, and a well-stocked library. There are four science laboratories, rooftop badminton courts, and outdoor spaces including playing fields, a grassed area for early years and an astroturf football pitch.

Al Twar 1, near Al Twar Library, Damascus Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai has 2,813 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
Al Twar 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Stages
Foundation Stage to Key Stage 5 (Foundation Stage; Key Stage 1–5)

Additional learning support
An inclusive program supporting diverse learners, including Students of Determination, gifted and talented learners, and English Language Learners; uses Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with differentiation and sometimes small-group or one-to-one support; offers alternative pathways such as BTEC and ASDAN; active parental engagement.

Country affiliation
United Kingdom

School day structure
School operates Monday–Friday; gates open at 07:00. FS1–FS2 run 07:40–12:10; Y1–Y13 run 07:40–15:00; Friday hours are 07:30–11:15; weekend is Saturday–Sunday.

Bus service
School Transport Services (STS Group) provides CIS Dubai with bus transport; for route availability and details, contact the school's Service Delivery Executive (SDE).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are compulsory and purchased from Threads. The uniform varies by year group, with younger students wearing burgundy polo shirts and grey shorts or skirts, and older students wearing white shirts, grey trousers, and a burgundy tie; a unisex PE and winter uniform includes navy track pants, navy shorts, polo shirt, and pullover. Shirts must be tucked in, skirts knee-length, hair tied if long, and jewelry minimal.

Food Options
A well maintained canteen sells healthy snacks and drinks during break times. SLICES is our food & beverage provider for the school canteen.

House System
Interhouse competitions are held, with interhouse matches conducted in sports.

Governance and Ownership
GEMS Cambridge International School - Dubai is part of the GEMS Education network. The Local Advisory Board oversees the school's strategic aims and the LAB functions as an advisory body.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai ranges from AED 23,795 to AED 36,775 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- AED 525 payable at the time of application (includes VAT). The application fee is charged to process new student applications; it is refundable if the school does not offer the student a place and is non‑refundable if a place is offered and the family chooses not to accept it. The application fee is not deductible from the total tuition.

Registration / Re‑enrolment deposit

- Registration deposit (new students): 10% of the total annual tuition fee, payable when accepting an offer. This registration deposit is non‑refundable but is deducted from the total tuition payable for the academic year. Examples of registration deposit amounts shown in the published schedule: FS AED 2,380; Years 1–2 AED 2,704; Years 3–4 AED 2,812; Years 5–6 AED 2,920; Years 7–9 AED 3,245; Years 10–11 AED 3,461; Years 12–13 AED 3,678. The combined amount payable at the time of admission (application fee + registration deposit) is shown per year group in the published schedule.

- Re‑enrolment deposit (existing students): 5% of the total annual tuition, payable to secure a place for the following academic year; this fee is non‑refundable and is adjusted against the first term fees for the following year.

Tuition fees (2025–2026 academic year — published schedule)

- Foundation Stage (FS)
- Term 1 (September): AED 9,519.
- Term 2 (January): AED 7,138.
- Term 3 (April): AED 7,138.
- Annual total: AED 23,795.

- Years 1–2
- Term 1 (September): AED 10,817.
- Term 2 (January): AED 8,112.
- Term 3 (April): AED 8,112.
- Annual total: AED 27,041.

- Years 3–4
- Term 1 (September): AED 11,248.
- Term 2 (January): AED 8,437.
- Term 3 (April): AED 8,437.
- Annual total: AED 28,122.

- Years 5–6
- Term 1 (September): AED 11,682.
- Term 2 (January): AED 8,761.
- Term 3 (April): AED 8,761.
- Annual total: AED 29,204.

- Years 7–9
- Term 1 (September): AED 12,980.
- Term 2 (January): AED 9,734.
- Term 3 (April): AED 9,734.
- Annual total: AED 32,448.

- Years 10–11
- Term 1 (September): AED 13,846.
- Term 2 (January): AED 10,383.
- Term 3 (April): AED 10,383.
- Annual total: AED 34,612.

- Years 12–13 (Post‑16)
- Term 1 (September): AED 14,711.
- Term 2 (January): AED 11,032.
- Term 3 (April): AED 11,032.
- Annual total: AED 36,775.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- All tuition fees are payable in advance of attendance and are normally invoiced from the time of admission so payments can be processed before the start of term.

- Standard KHDA payment schedule (published for the 2025–2026 cycle):
- First term due: 31 August 2025.
- Second term due: 31 December 2025.
- Third term due: 31 March 2026.

- Formal term installment structure (schools may invoice on this basis): First term = 40% of annual tuition; Second term = 30%; Third term = 30%. Schools may also require full annual fees to be paid in advance if parents choose that option.

- If a student enrols during the academic year, tuition charged may start from the beginning of the month of enrolment. Non‑payment may result in withholding of reports, references or examination results and possible temporary or permanent exclusion.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered and no boarding fees are published for this school.

Transport (school bus) fees

- School bus annual and per‑term fees are published by route/area. Example published values:
- Route group 1 (Al Mamzar, Al Nahda 1 & 2, Al Qusais, Al Twar, Deira, Hor Al Anz, Muhaisnah, Rashidiya): Annual AED 5,480; Term 1 AED 2,192; Term 2 AED 1,644; Term 3 AED 1,644.
- Route group 2 (Al Garhoud, Al Jaddaf, Bur Dubai, Downtown, International City, Karama, Mirdif, Oud Metha, Ras Al Khor, Satwa, Zabeel, etc.): Annual AED 5,790; Term 1 AED 2,316; Term 2 AED 1,737; Term 3 AED 1,737.
- Route group 3 (Al Quoz, Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Jumeirah 1, Sharjah, etc.): Annual AED 6,310; Term 1 AED 2,524; Term 2 AED 1,893; Term 3 AED 1,893.
- Route group 4 (Al Barsha 1, The Meadows, Motor City, Tecom, The Greens, The Villa, etc.): Annual AED 6,520; Term 1 AED 2,608; Term 2 AED 1,956; Term 3 AED 1,956.
- Route group 5 (Ajman, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Mira Oasis, Mudon, Sports City, Town Square, etc.): Annual AED 6,930; Term 1 AED 2,772; Term 2 AED 2,079; Term 3 AED 2,079.
- Route group 6 (Akoya): Annual AED 7,300; Term 1 AED 2,920; Term 2 AED 2,190; Term 3 AED 2,190.

Uniforms and other school supplies

- Uniform items are specified by year group and are required to be purchased through the school's approved supplier (Threads). Specific item lists are published by phase (FS – Year 2; Year 3 – Year 6; Year 7 – Year 13) and include PE and winter uniform items. Uniform prices are not published on the school fee pages.

External examination and other incidental fees

- External examination entry fees (IGCSE, AS, A Level, BTEC, etc.) are charged separately to tuition and are invoiced as applicable; exam entry charges are set by the examination boards and by the school's exam administration; parents are advised that these fees are additional to tuition. Specific exam entry fees are not published in the general tuition schedule.

Refunds and withdrawal charges

- Registration and admission/application fees are non‑refundable in most cases. Refund rules for paid tuition follow Ministry/KHDA bylaws and the published policy:
- If a student withdraws prior to the start of the academic year, the balance of the first semester fees paid will be refunded, except registration and admission fees.
- If a student withdraws during the school year, the registration and admission fees remain non‑refundable; refunds of tuition are calculated according to Ministry/KHDA bylaws: attendance for two weeks or less = one full month's fee charged; attendance of more than two weeks but less than one month = two full months' fees charged; attendance of more than one month = entire semester fees charged. Refunds are returned to the original payee. Written notice (one month in advance) is required for withdrawal.

Payment methods and options

- Accepted payment methods: Online payment via the parent portal for existing families; bank transfer (bank details provided on request); in‑person payment at the Accounts Department by debit card, credit card, cheque or cash. Transport fees can be paid online via the transport payment portal.

- Promotional/payment options: Use of the GEMS FAB / GEMS World co‑branded credit card and related offers may provide discounts or instalment plans (subject to bank terms and conditions). 0% EPP promotions and cashback offers have been publicised as payment options.
Academics

GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai teaches British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers a British education based on the National Curriculum for England (NCfE). Foundation Stage covers ages 3–4 (FS1–FS2). Key Stages 1–5 cover ages 5–18 (Years 1–13). EYFS, Primary, Secondary and Post-16 are included, with Digital Citizenship and Student Care and Support. The curriculum aims to develop higher learners who become employable citizens.

Exam Results
DSIB inspection 2023-2024 rated Cambridge International School - Dubai as Good. Foundation Stage shows a very good start to school life. Achievement levels in Mathematics and English remain consistently high in Secondary and Post-16 with continued improvement in Islamic Education. Inclusion supports strong wellbeing and progress for a range of learners.

Higher Education Progression
GEMS students have been accepted into 1,050 universities across 53 countries, including 66 of the world's top 100 universities. The university destinations emphasize employability skills, confidence, communication, initiative and teamwork, and provide guidance on study pathways and careers.

Gifted and Talented
The Inclusion policy states CIS welcomes students who are gifted and talented. There are alternative curriculum pathways available through BTEC qualifications and ASDAN.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (PEEC) promotes wellbeing and social-emotional development at CIS Dubai, with weekly wellbeing lessons and assemblies centered on PEEC. The six PEEC principles are Positive Purpose, Positive Relationships, Positive Health, Positive Engagement, Positive Accomplishment, and Positive Emotions. These are supported by the five PEEC character strengths: Respect, Empathy, Honesty, Responsibility, and Perseverance. Pastorally, students develop Values, Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs) as part of High Performance Learning to help them overcome barriers. The CIS Counselling Program supports social and emotional wellbeing through a trained counselor, with opportunities for individual and group work, and confidentiality upheld within appropriate limits. Counseling services are complemented by well-being initiatives that are embedded across the curriculum. [Citations: turn8view0, turn8view0, turn8view0, turn8view0, turn6view0, turn9view0, turn8view0]

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
CIS Dubai is an inclusive school and does not filter admissions based on disability; Students of Determination are welcomed with flexible agreements and where necessary modification, adaptation and differentiation. The school welcomes students with a variety of needs, including those with special educational needs, those who are gifted and talented, and those with physical, emotional, cultural, social or language challenges. Parents are asked to share full details of any SEN, IEPs and any specialist reports so staff can assess needs and plan resourcing. Admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, and there are effective transition processes for students without a formal diagnosis. Every student is entitled to a broad and balanced curriculum that is differentiated; teachers differentiate or modify teaching to reduce barriers, and IEPs with a small-steps approach are used to support learning. The Inclusion team works with parents through regular workshops, review meetings and an open-door policy, and alternative curriculum pathways such as BTEC and ASDAN are available when appropriate. [Citations: turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0, turn1view0]

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction is English. CIS supports inclusive education and admits students irrespective of gender, race, disability or educational needs if CIS can meet their needs. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) policy provides guidelines and support for non-native English speakers to ensure equal access to opportunities and to develop English proficiency. EAL students are defined as those whose primary language is not English and who require support to develop proficiency, with varying levels of language ability and potential barriers. EAL identification occurs during admission through forms, background information and assessments, with a graduated approach to provision. Provision is delivered in Levels 1–3, including in-class support, small-group pull-out sessions, and one-to-one programs (including Flash Academy) for Level 3, coordinated by the Head of Inclusion and EAL team. Parental involvement and consistent monitoring are emphasized throughout the process. [Citations: turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0, turn4view0]

Mental Wellbeing
CIS Dubai provides mental wellbeing support through its Counseling Service, headed by a qualified School Counselor who leads the CIS Counseling Department. The Counseling Policy describes the aim to assist and promote social and emotional wellbeing, with a framework for confidential, student-centered support and clear guidelines for staff involvement. Counseling may involve short-term individual or group work, with referrals made by teachers or parents, and parental consent obtained where required. The Counseling Policy emphasizes safeguarding and confidentiality, and outlines a structured process from referral to planning and implementation, including collaboration with families and external providers when appropriate. Wellbeing is embedded in the curriculum through PEEC, which promotes social and emotional development and resilience, with regular wellbeing lessons and related assemblies. [Citations: turn6view0, turn9view0, turn9view0, turn9view0, turn8view0, turn7search12]

Safeguarding
The school maintains a safeguarding policy with a Central Safeguarding Team as the initial point of contact for concerns, and a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by trained staff. Safer recruitment procedures are in place to ensure staff safety with required checks and ongoing training. All safeguarding concerns are recorded in the Guard case management platform, with staff trained to use it and to escalate appropriately; safeguarding files are kept securely for any investigations. The school also adheres to an Anti-Bullying Policy, with regular reviews and involvement of students in policy development. The safeguarding framework covers intimate care guidance, risk assessments, and procedures for handling disclosures, suicide ideation, and other high-risk situations, with clear escalation paths to external agencies as needed. [Citations: turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn5view0, turn0search13, turn0search12, turn0search4]
Parent Experience

History
GEMS Cambridge International School – Dubai has a heritage of Cambridge International education spanning more than 40 years. It is part of GEMS Education. A new school expansion is opening in August 2026, expanding the Cambridge community.

Community
The school describes a vibrant and active community with Life at CIS and Our Latest Stories highlighting events and school life. The curriculum emphasizes social, sporting and artistic development alongside academics. The KHDA rating for 2023-2024 is Good, reflecting overall quality in teaching and student experience. The school emphasizes a constructive partnership with parents as part of the community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parent Partnership program that centers on parental engagement and open communication with staff. Communication channels include consultation evenings, written reports, and an open-door policy for speaking with teachers. The partnership includes home–school links and guidance on how parents can support learning at home. The school has been recognized with the Leading Parent Partnership Award for strong collaboration with families. Parents are encouraged to participate in school life to support pupil progress and attendance.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus combines modern, purpose-built learning spaces to support academic excellence and student wellbeing. Facilities include IT Lab, four Science Labs, badminton courts on the roof, and three multi-use spaces. There are four ICT labs with over 150 computers, a Media Lab with a radio station and newsroom, and a well-stocked library. An expansion opening August 2026 will create more learning space and extend digital and arts facilities.

Sports Facilities
A large covered swimming pool, cricket nets and playing fields complement the indoor sports arena. A separate grassed area is available for Kindergarten to Year 2. An astroturf football field is used for inter-house and inter-school matches.

Academic Facilities
The campus includes four ICT labs with over 150 computers, plus a Media Lab with a radio station and newsroom. Two art studios and a music studio support arts education. The library is well-stocked and networked for students and staff; digital learning is underpinned by a BYOD policy and partnerships with a Microsoft Showcase Centre and a Cisco Academy.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Cambridge International School-Dubai offers a broad range of extracurricular activities. A House System divides students into Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Kestrels to support sporting and intellectual challenges. Sporting activities include swimming, basketball, cricket, badminton, football, netball, athletics, rounders, dance, volleyball and handball. Outdoor Education includes trips to Fujairah, Oman and Mauritius, with the Environment Club available from Year 1. Arts, drama and debate are offered, including a Debate Society with Model United Nations and World Scholars Cup events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has a Debate Society for Years 5 and above with Debate Training, Model United Nations, World Scholars' Cup, and Politics, Problems, and Ethic. It hosts and participates in Dubai Debate League, Gulf Debates, and Cambridge International Primary MUN. Support classes in a variety of subject areas are available for additional guidance and deeper expertise.

Arts & Creative
The school has Art and Design with painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and ceramics, supported by a dedicated art studio. Drama is studied in Key Stage 3 and is an external examination option in Key Stage 4 and 5. Dance is taught in primary as part of Physical Education and in secondary as part of the Arts program for shows and productions.

Social & Hobbies
The school has a broad Sporting Activities program including swimming, basketball, cricket, badminton, football, netball, athletics, rounders, dance, volleyball, and handball, with inter-house competitions and regular league matches against other Dubai and Gulf schools. Outdoor Education offers trips to Fujairah, Oman, and Mauritius, and the Environment Club provides environmental activities.

Community & Service
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards are part of the school's extracurricular offerings.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a Student Leadership program and a House System with four Houses named Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Kestrels, led by a House Captain and House Vice-Captain.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school runs a broad sports program and Outdoor Education that promote teamwork, confidence, and physical well-being. These activities support student wellbeing and personal development.
Languages

Language Provision
The school follows the National Curriculum for England. In Foundation Stage, Communication and Language is a daily mandatory core course. Arabic is offered as a non-core subject by specialists in Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2), with two sessions per stage. ELL (English as Learning Language) is included as part of the Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) program.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Fill the online enquiry form to generate a student enquiry ID number. The 2026-2027 admission cycle is open for all Year Groups (FS1–Year 13). Please contact the Admissions team for further information.

Step 2: An application fee of AED 525 is due at the time of application. The fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place. It is non-refundable if the school offers a place but the student chooses not to take it. The fee is not deductible from the total tuition fees and is not applicable to students currently enrolled at a GEMS School.

Step 3: Visit the school with the documents and the student enquiry ID. Minimum age: FS1 must be 3 by December 31 and FS2 must be 4 by December 31. For Year 1–11 admissions, a final/term report and a recommendation letter are required.

Step 4: Once registered the applicant will be placed on the waiting list and called for an assessment, depending on space availability. The KHDA guidelines govern admission and re-enrolment processes. Entrance tests are scheduled after registration according to year group: FS1/FS2 have no tests; Year 1–2 English and Mathematics; Year 3–11 CAT4; Year 12–13 board results.

Step 5: All admissions are confirmed subject to the child's assessment results. Students receive an offer after successfully completing the admissions process. Year 12–13 admissions are confirmed based on board results. The entrance test details vary by year group: FS1/FS2 none; Year 1–2 English and Maths; Year 3–11 CAT4; Year 12–13 board results.

Waitlist
Applicants are placed on the waiting list after registration and called for an assessment, depending on space availability.
School Events
The school has not added events
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