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

GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar

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 28,900 - 37,400
Ages 3 - 13 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2026
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages Arabic, English, French, Spanish
Strengths STEM, Languages, Sport
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary
Introduction

Located in Nad Al Hamar, Dubai, with a temporary admissions centre at GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar, the Nad Al Hamar campus opens in August 2026 and currently enrolls FS1–Year 8, serving students aged 3 and up. It is the fifth GEMS Founders School in the UAE. The school follows the National Curriculum for England within the Early Years Foundation Stage and integrates UAE MOE subjects, including English, mathematics, science, computing, humanities, Arabic A and B, PE, music, and art and design. The Founders Way—Grow, Flourish, Honour—guides a culture to Grow, Flourish, Succeed Together and to inspire creative, mindful learners who value diversity. The 250,000-square-foot campus includes STEAM laboratories, language and Islamic studies classrooms, art and music rooms, and an indoor Foundation Stage play space. Sports facilities comprise a football pitch, multi-purpose halls, basketball and netball courts; enrichment runs Monday mornings 7:30–8:15 and after-school activities with leadership and service opportunities.

Nad Al Hamar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (temporary admissions centre at GEMS Founders School - Al Mizhar)

The Essentials

GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar has instruction in English.

Location
Nad Al Hamar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nad Al Hamar is centrally located within Dubai, providing easy access to neighboring communities such as Al Warqa, International City, Ras Al Khor, Dubai Festival City, Al Rahidya and Mirdif. Proximity to major roads like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Ras Al Khor Road (E44) ensures seamless connectivity.

Stages
Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8

Type
Co-educational

Additional learning support
Inclusion and wellbeing are part of the learning framework.

Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates

Religious affiliation
Islamic values are part of the school's ethos.

School day structure
The school week runs Monday to Friday (half-day on Friday). Early Years (FS1-FS2): Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day FS1 12:15, FS2 12:30. Tuesday–Thursday FS1/FS2 start 7:40; End 12:15 (FS1) and 12:30 (FS2). Friday 7:40 start; End of Day To be confirmed. Year 1–Year 8: Monday 7:30–8:15 SLA; start 8:15; End of Day 2:30. Tue–Thu start 7:40; End 2:30. Friday 7:40; End 11:30. Gates open from 7:30 AM. Ramadan timings: 8:15 AM to 1:00 PM (Mon–Thu, subject to KHDA approval).

Bus service
STS Group provides school transport with a fleet of CCTV-enabled Smart Buses, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking and RFID systems; to register, contact the Service Delivery Executive at [email protected].
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a clear uniform policy. All students wear the correct school uniform from the time they join GFH; non-uniform clothing may be challenged and parents may be contacted where necessary. The uniform is available from THREADS, The Uniform Store.

Food Options
Slices Lunch Service: GFH is proud to partner with Slices, the school food provider. Slices offers fresh, wholesome and nutritious meals with a cashless system across the dining spaces, and parents can top up credits via the GEMS Connect app. Students use their Slices Card to pay, and a Slices Café is available for parents and visitors.

House System
House System assigns every student to a House, creating a smaller, supportive community within the school. House events include sports days, charity activities, music, dance, singing and art competitions, plus community projects; house points are awarded for participation, achievement and conduct, with the winning House celebrated at year-end.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar ranges from AED 28,900 to AED 37,400 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration
- Registration deposit: 10% of the total tuition fee. This deposit is payable after an offer is made, is deductible from the total tuition for the academic year and is non‑refundable.

Tuition fees — Academic year 2026/2027 (KHDA approved and Founding Family discount & term instalments)
- FS1: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 34,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 28,900; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 11,560, Term 2 AED 8,670, Term 3 AED 8,670.
- FS2: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 38,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 32,300; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 12,920, Term 2 AED 9,690, Term 3 AED 9,690.
- Year 1 to Year 6: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 41,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 34,850; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 13,940, Term 2 AED 10,455, Term 3 AED 10,455. (Applies to Years 1–6).
- Year 7 and Year 8: KHDA approved annual tuition AED 44,000. Founding Family (15% discount) annual amount AED 37,400; instalments shown as Term 1 AED 14,960, Term 2 AED 11,220, Term 3 AED 11,220.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Parents may pay annual tuition in full or follow the term payment schedule. Tuition invoices are issued to the fee sponsor on record on request.
- Term due dates for 2026/27: 1st term fee due 11 August 2026 (school advises payment before 5 August to avoid delays); 2nd term fee due 1 January 2027; 3rd term fee due 1 April 2027.
- Non‑payment consequences: failure to pay tuition may result in loss of place, withholding of reports/references/examination results, and temporary or permanent suspension or exclusion. Timely payment is required.

Discounts and card promotion
- A Founding Family (15%) discount is shown in the published fee schedule (discounted annual and instalment figures are listed above).
- Use of the FAB GEMS World Credit Card to pay annual tuition in advance is promoted; benefits listed include savings of up to 3% and additional rewards on school expenses (terms and conditions apply).

School transport (optional) and related fees
- School bus fees for 2026/27 are charged by area; each route has an annual fee and corresponding per‑term amounts. Example entries from the transport rate list (2026/27): Nad Al Hamar annual AED 6,000 (per‑term splits shown AED 2,400 / AED 1,800 / AED 1,800); several other areas have higher annual rates (for example routes listed at AED 7,300, AED 7,750, AED 8,000) with corresponding per‑term amounts. Booster pads/child seats are charged separately at AED 300 per seat per student. Full payment for each term must be made irrespective of number of days used; transport fees are required in advance to activate student ID for bus travel.

Uniform and catering (other regular costs)
- School uniform is required and is available from THREADS (The Uniform Store). Specific uniform item prices are set by the supplier.
- School meals are provided via a cashless Slices catering system. Parents top up student accounts (via GEMS Connect) and students use a card/ID for purchases. Catering credit is a recurring cost separate from tuition.

Refunds and student withdrawals
- Registration deposit: non‑refundable. Tuition refunds follow the UAE Ministry of Education policy; tuition refunds are processed only after a written request to the admissions office and are returned to the original payee.
- Student withdrawals: a written notification to the registrar is required; a 30‑day notification period is specified to allow processing of documents.

Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable for this school; published information and age range indicate day‑school provision for FS1–Year 8 without boarding facilities.

How payments are processed
- Transport payments can be made online via GEMS Connect; the school notes a range of straightforward payment options and issues tuition invoices to the fee sponsor on request. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card is specifically referenced for advance annual tuition payments and associated card benefits.
Academics

GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 3 to 13.

Curriculum
National Curriculum for England (British Curriculum). Year Groups: Foundation Stage (FS1) to Year 8, growing year by year to Year 13. Curriculum Enrichment: UAE Ministry of Education subjects integrated into the curriculum. Subjects include English, mathematics, science, computing, humanities, languages (Arabic A and B), physical education, music, art and design.

Higher Education Progression
GCSEs and A Levels are future pathways.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school is committed to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and staff in a caring, respectful environment where every individual and contribution is valued. It fosters a sense of belonging which strengthens students' competence, engagement and intrinsic motivation to learn. It recognises the importance of emotional health and teaches students to recognise and manage emotions and to resolve conflicts. A whole-school approach promotes a healthy lifestyle as part of the curriculum, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep and time management, which supports mental well-being. Counsellors are available to all students, staff and parents to help with mental health problems or crises. The school aims for students to Be healthy, Stay safe, Enjoy and achieve, Make a positive contribution, and Achieve economic and mental health well-being.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
GFH provides for learners with additional needs through an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum using the National Curriculum as a starting point. The school supports English as an Additional Language Learners (EAL), Lower Ability learners, Learners with ‘special needs', More Able and Gifted and Talented. GFH admits students irrespective of gender, race or disability, provided the school can meet their needs. The Head of Inclusion coordinates assessments and screenings, and identifies students with additional learning needs through thorough screening strategies. Where needs are identified, the programme is amended and enhanced with appropriate strategies to enable progress and success. Admission is not conditional on a medical diagnosis, and there are effective transition processes for all children. Share full details of any special educational needs, IEPs and any relevant reports to ensure staff can provide appropriate assessment and resourcing.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language Learners (EAL) are addressed within GFH's Inclusion framework. EAL learners are identified through thorough screening, with assessments coordinated by the Head of Inclusion. The programme is amended and enhanced to support their learning needs, as part of the school's inclusive practices.

Mental Wellbeing
GFH promotes mental health and well-being as a core part of its curriculum and ethos. The emotional health and wellbeing of pupils and staff is supported in a caring environment where individuals are valued. The school emphasises belonging and positive emotional security as factors in motivation and engagement. Healthy lifestyle choices, physical activity, adequate sleep and time management support overall mental well-being. Counsellors are available to help with mental health concerns or crises for students, staff and parents.

Safeguarding
The school is committed to the safety and well-being of all students, staff and visitors. Visitors sign in and wear identification badges, and parents wear yellow lanyards on site. Visitors are expected to maintain professional behaviour and comply with child protection policies. Safeguarding policies align with local regulations in Abu Dhabi, and concerns should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. Online safety is a priority, with safeguarding practices and policies in place to protect students in digital environments.
Parent Experience

History
The Nad Al Hamar GFH is the fifth GEMS Founders School in the UAE and is part of the Founders family of schools. The Founders network has operated in the UAE for about a decade and serves more than 14,000 students. The campus opens in August 2026 and enrolls FS1–Year 8. The school combines a British curriculum with foundations in Arabic and Islamic learning, and is guided by The Founders Way (Grow, Flourish, Honour) with a vision to Grow, Flourish, Succeed Together and a mission to inspire creative, mindful learners who value diversity and collaboration.

Community
The Nad Al Hamar campus sits at the heart of Nad Al Hamar, near Mirdif, Al Warqa and Mushrif communities. The Founders Way shapes how learners learn and connect, emphasizing kindness, inclusion, collaboration and respect. The Founders Journey emphasizes leadership and the development of the whole child, and the network serves over 14,000 students, reflecting a broad school community. As the new campus prepares to welcome students in August 2026, the school offers a temporary admissions centre and one-on-one tours to families.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans 250,000 square feet and serves students aged 3 to 18. It includes spacious classrooms, well-equipped STEAM laboratories, and art and music rooms. Dedicated classrooms support language learning and Islamic studies, and there is an indoor play area for Foundation Stage.

Sports Facilities
Sporting provisions include a football pitch, multi-purpose sports halls, basketball courts and netball courts, and outdoor spaces for a variety of activities. The spaces support PE lessons and school sport programs. They enable both individual and team-based activities throughout the week.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include well-equipped STEAM laboratories. There are dedicated classrooms for language learning and Islamic studies, as well as art and music rooms. The indoor play area supports Foundation Stage activities within the academic program. These facilities support practical experiments and creative work across year groups.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Social & Hobbies
The enrichment programme offers a range of free and paid activities delivered in partnership with ESM and other trusted providers. Every Monday morning, students participate in enrichment from 7:30am to 8:15am, ensuring accessibility for all. Additional after-school activities are available throughout the week. The enrichment is designed to be balanced, inclusive and aspirational, giving students opportunities to explore interests, develop skills, and engage with peers in a variety of settings.

Community & Service
Beyond the taught curriculum, students access an enrichment programme designed to develop character, confidence and leadership. The activities are rooted in the school's mission and values and encourage students to serve others and contribute positively to the school community. Enrichment and leadership experiences aim to help learners become compassionate, courageous and responsible contributors within a global community. Participation in service-oriented activities helps students apply learning to real-world contexts.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership and service are central to the enrichment programme; Years 1–8 focus on enrichment, leadership and service. Enrichment activities are delivered by dedicated professionals who guide participants to lead with confidence and act with integrity. The programme seeks to develop students as future-ready leaders within a global community. Participation in enrichment experiences supports the development of personal and professional skills alongside academic learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Facilities include a football pitch, multi-purpose sports halls, basketball courts and netball courts, with spaces for outdoor activities. The campus spans 250,000 square feet and includes STEAM labs, art and music rooms, and language and Islamic studies classrooms, supporting a holistic approach to wellbeing and activity. The Early Years Foundation Stage emphasises the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of children. These features support physical fitness, teamwork and creative expression as part of daily school life.
Languages

Language Provision
Arabic A and Arabic B are taught as part of the curriculum. Arabic is included among the languages offered within the programme. UAE Ministry of Education language requirements are integrated into the curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
STEP 1 – ONLINE APPLICATION:
Complete the Online Student Enquiry & Registration. After submission, you receive an acknowledgement with an online reference number and guidance on the next steps. Admissions are open for FS1 through Year 8 for the 2026-27 academic year.

STEP 2 – ASSESSMENT:
The School Registrar invites the child for an assessment or interview via email or phone. Results are notified by email or phone. Observations are used for Foundation Stage 1 and 2; Written assessments for Year 1 and 2; CAT4 and written assessments for Year 3 to Year 8.

STEP 3 – ENROLMENT:
The Registrar sends offer letters to successful applicants, subject to seat availability.

STEP 4 – REGISTRATION DEPOSIT, DOCUMENTS AND TRANSFER CERTIFICATE GUIDELINES:
The registration deposit is 10% of total tuition, payable after an offer is accepted, non-refundable and deductible from the total tuition. After completion, enrollment is confirmed and the tuition payment schedule is emailed by the Finance department. Required documents include passport copies for the child and parents, residency visa, birth certificate (English or Arabic), recent photographs, the last two school reports for Year 1 and Year 2 (or Last two years school reports and CAT4 for Year 3 and above), nursery reports if available for FS1/FS2, immunization card, Emirates IDs, and a transfer certificate. Transfer certificates must be on official letterhead and include the student's full name, date of birth, enrolment date and year group, present class, year/grade completed and promoted to, school curriculum, and principal signature and stamp; attestation applies for transfers from GCC/UAE and for some international cases.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare GEMS Founders School - Nad Al Hamar with
vs Cambridge International School vs GEMS Cambridge International School Dubai vs GEMS Founders School Dubai South
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