The profile has been compiled by AI, based on the school’s website and other publicly available sources of information. Please report any incorrect or inaccurate information to: support@doris.school. If you are the school and would like to claim this profile please click here.
Curriculum British Curriculum, Forest School Curriculum
Typical class size 28
Introduction
GEMS Metropole School – Al Waha is a British-curriculum international school in the Al Waha area of Dubailand, Dubai. The school delivers an elaborated National Curriculum for England alongside a Forest School programme for its youngest learners, and (per its published information) operates from Foundation Stage 1 through Year 10 while the directory records the school's age range as 3 to 16. English is the principal language used to deliver the curriculum; the school publishes a structured English programme and IGCSE provision. Arabic is taught for native and non-native speakers (with different pathways and MOE-prescribed materials) and Islamic studies are mandatory for Muslim pupils; Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish) are offered from Key Stage 3. Published facilities include bio-domes and a farm, Forest School outdoor areas, language rooms, ICT and science laboratories, performing-arts spaces and an auditorium, sports provision (cricket pitches, basketball courts, swimming pool, floodlit astroturf) and specialist BTEC mechanics, engineering and construction facilities.
Al Waha, Wadi Al Safa 7, Al Waha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Gallery
The school has not added photos
The Essentials
GEMS Metropole School Al Waha has 1,594 pupils, typical class sizes of 28, instruction in English.
Location
GEMS Metropole School – Al Waha is located in the Al Waha district of Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits within a residential community and is convenient for families living in nearby areas such as Al Waha, Serena Casa Dora, Sustainable City, Arabian Ranches, Arabian Ranches 2, Rukan, Cherrywoods, Town Square and Mira. For arrival by car, drop-off is outside the school site, and a bus service arranged via STS is available for transport to and from the campus.
Stages
The school is organised into four stages: Forest School (Foundation Stage 1 to Year 2) in the infant/early years; Values School (Year 3–6) in primary; Active School (Year 7–9) in the prep phase; and Future School (Year 10–13) for senior studies.
Type
The school is co-educational (mixed gender).
Pupil Nationality Mix
The school represents a highly diverse student body with over 85 nationalities represented and around 1,600 learners in total. About 10% of learners receive English Language support, and 22% of students are on the Inclusion Register.
Additional learning support
Inclusion and SEN provisions are a core part of the school's approach. The school emphasises inclusive education aligned with UAE MOE and KHDA guidelines, with a focus on students of determination and an inclusive, whole‑school approach. About 10% of learners receive English language support, and 22% of students on roll are on the Inclusion Register.
Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates. The school is located in Dubai, UAE.
Religious affiliation
There is no formal religious affiliation; the curriculum includes Arabic and Islamic studies as appropriate within the UAE MOE/KHDA framework. Arabic is taught for native and non‑native speakers, and Islamic Studies are mandatory for Muslim students.
School day structure
School timings follow a 4.5‑day week. FS1 sessions run Monday to Thursday with first classes at 8:00 and finish at 1:00 pm; FS2 to Year 2 finish at 2:45 pm; Year 3 to Year 10 finish at 3:00 pm. Friday timings are different, with sessions starting around 8:00 am and finishing earlier (11:30 am for FS1).
Bus service
A bus service is provided via STS. Details are available through the school's bus service information as part of transport arrangements.
Diving Deeper
Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are available exclusively from THREADS The Uniform Store, and substitutes are not acceptable. The uniform is divided into four divisions: Infant School (Foundation Stage to Year 2), Junior School (Year 3–6), Prep School (Year 7–9), and Senior School (Year 10–13). Shoes must be black polished leather; FS–Year 9 wear Velcro shoes and seniors wear plain black shoes (senior boys' shoes with laces); if the uniform is damaged or discoloured, a replacement should be purchased promptly.
Food Options
Food is provided by Slices Catering through the on-site cafeteria, which offers a range of healthy, balanced meals. A cashless system is used to top up student accounts via the GEMS Connect app, with student IDs used as purchasing cards. A Slices parent café on site provides dining and snack options for parents and visitors.
House System
House sport plays a central role in physical education, with inter-house competitions such as House Sports Day. The Metropole Mavericks represent a named school team in sporting fixtures.
Governance and Ownership
The Local Advisory Board provides strategic oversight, upholding the school's alignment with GEMS' vision and values, and monitoring standards and performance. The LAB is not involved in financial matters or day-to-day operations, and it acknowledges the relationship between GEMS Education and the school. The school operates within the GEMS Education network.
Fees
Annual tuition at GEMS Metropole School Al Waha ranges from AED 40,000 to AED 53,000 for 2026/27.
Application and enrolment fees
- Application fee: AED 525 (including VAT); this fee covers the standard assessment and is refundable only if the school does not offer a place; it is non‑refundable if a place is offered but the place is not taken. - Registration (enrolment) deposit for a new student: a non‑refundable deposit equal to 10% of the total tuition fee for the academic year; the deposit is deductible from the total tuition fee for that year. - 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 is deductible from the first term fees.
Tuition fees by year group — Academic year 2025/2026 (amounts shown in AED, per academic year and per term)
- Foundation Stage 1 (FS1): Annual tuition AED 40,000. Per term (three equal instalments) AED 13,333.33. - Foundation Stage 2 (FS2): Annual tuition AED 40,000. Per term AED 13,333.33. - Year 1 – Year 6: Annual tuition AED 45,000. Per term AED 15,000. - Year 7 – Year 9: Annual tuition AED 50,000. Per term AED 16,666.67. - Year 10 – Year 11: Annual tuition AED 53,000. Per term AED 17,666.67. - Year 12 – Year 13: Annual tuition AED 55,000. Per term AED 18,333.33.
(Note: the school accepts payment either annually or per term; the per‑term amounts above are the annual fee divided evenly across the three school terms to reflect the per‑term payment option and the term dates used by the school. )
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition fees are due prior to the start of the academic year and are payable in advance of attendance; invoices are issued from the time of admission so payments can be processed before term start. Payments may be made annually or per term. - Term payment due dates (per‑term option): 1 September, 1 January and 1 April. - Non‑payment consequences: failure to pay may result in loss of place, withholding of reports/references/exam results, and/or suspension or expulsion.
Payment methods and bank details
- Accepted payment methods: cash, cheque (payable to GEMS METROPOLE SCHOOL Al‑Waha), credit card, and wire transfer. - Bank transfer details (for wire transfers): - Account name: GEMS METROPOLE SCHOOL Al‑Waha - Bank name: Mashreq Bank PSC - Bank address: PO BOX 1250, DIC Branch, Dubai, UAE - Account number: 019000085961 - IBAN: AE040330000019000085961 - Swift/BIC: BOMLAEADXXX.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed for GEMS Metropole School — Al Waha (the school operates as a day school and all fee schedules and fact sheets list day‑school tuition and optional day services).
Other costs and optional fees
- Uniforms: uniform items must be purchased from the approved supplier THREADS; individual uniform costs vary depending on items and year group. KHDA fact sheet guidance lists typical uniform costs in a range (example: AED 700 to AED 5,000 depending on requirements). - Digital device / laptop: typical cost guidance shown in KHDA fact sheet ranges (example: AED 210 to AED 505). - Transport (optional): school transport ranges shown in KHDA fact sheet (example: AED 6,150 to AED 9,500 depending on route/service). - Canteen, extracurricular activities, trips and other optional services: KHDA fact sheet lists ranges for optional costs, for example canteen AED 1,575 to AED 6,500; extracurricular AED 50 to AED 300; local educational trips AED 500 to AED 7,500; overseas trips AED 5,000 to AED 20,000; enrichment and other activity ranges also apply. - Assessment and related admission charges: aptitude/assessment charges are listed on KHDA fact sheets (example shown: AED 500 for aptitude/assessment in some year‑group fact sheets).
Discounts and concessions
- The school operates discount schemes subject to eligibility and school policy, including staff discounts, sibling discounts and other corporate/referral schemes. Specific discount levels and applicability are set by the school and by KHDA rules.
Refund information and withdrawal terms
- Application fee, registration (enrolment) deposit and re‑registration deposit remain non‑refundable. Tuition fee refunds follow the Ministry of Education bylaws for private education and the school's published refund scale. - Summary of the published refund/retention scale (applies when a student leaves): - Leaving before the academic year begins: full refund of tuition payments made. - Leaving after attendance of 1 day to 2 weeks: the school retains one month's tuition fee. - Leaving after 2 weeks to 1 month: the school retains two months' tuition fee. - Leaving after 1 month or more: the school retains the full term's tuition fee. - Student withdrawals require written notification to the registrar; a 30‑day notification period is required.
Notes
- The tuition figures above are the KHDA‑published annual tuition amounts for the 2025/2026 academic year and the per‑term figures shown are the annual amounts divided into three equal instalments to reflect the school's per‑term payment option. The school's published payment policies set exact invoicing and due dates, and the school issues invoices from the time of admission so payments may be processed before the term starts.
Academics
GEMS Metropole School Al Waha teaches British Curriculum, Forest School Curriculum for students aged 3 to 16.
Curriculum
GEMS Metropole School – Al Waha follows the National Curriculum for England (NCfE) and delivers education from FS1 through Year 10, organized into Forest School (FS1–Year 2), Junior School (Year 3–6), Active School (Year 7–9), and Future School (Year 10–13). The English-medium curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, creativity and career success, with High-Performance Learning skills (Meta-thinking, Linking, Analysing, Creating, Realising) and High-Performance Behaviours (Empathy, Agilty, Hard work). Arabic and Islamic Studies are available for native and non-native speakers, and inclusion practices are embedded across the school. In Years 7–9, learners follow a broad NCfE-core framework within the Active School phase, with opportunities to engage in creativity-focused programmes. In Years 10–13, GCSEs are offered alongside BTEC pathways via a dedicated BTEC department; a GCSE Curriculum Booklet and a BTEC Handbook outline the qualifications and routes.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is supported through a robust pastoral care system and student leadership opportunities, with wellbeing programmes delivered via the Wellbeing Hive and Forest School; values such as curiosity, confidence, creativity, respect, and kindness are embedded across the school.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
SEN provision is led by an Inclusion Support Team that provides individualized assessments and IEPs, with access to external therapies such as Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and ABA.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language support includes tailored lessons for English Language Learners (ELL), dedicated ELL staff delivering targeted interventions, and termly progress reporting; there is also parent language support through language representatives.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by mental health and wellbeing initiatives, including mental health workshops, leadership opportunities, a robust pastoral care system, and the Wellbeing Hive; staff wellbeing is guided by a Wellbeing Committee.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is overseen by a Designated Safeguarding Lead for both Primary and Secondary, with two deputy DSLs; all Senior Leadership Team members have completed GEMS safer recruitment training, and external agencies may be consulted when needed in line with safeguarding policies and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Parent Experience
History
GEMS Metropole School – Al Waha opened in September 2023 as GEMS Education's newest Metropole-branded school and the first MTW campus in Dubai's Al Waha area. It is the second Metropole school in the GEMS network. The campus is purpose-built, covering about 26,383 square metres, with capacity for up to 3,450 students in the first year (FS1 to Year 8). The Founding Principal is Jeremy Hallum, who leads MTW as the school's founding head. GEMS Education was founded in 1959 and now operates a large network of private K-12 schools.
Community
GEMS Metropole School – Al Waha serves a culturally diverse community, with around 1,600 learners representing more than 85 nationalities. Opened in September 2023, MTW aligns with UAE mandates including Arabic, Islamic Studies, Moral Education, and Social Studies. The school emphasizes inclusivity and wellbeing, guided by values of curiosity, confidence, creativity, respect and kindness. Student life includes leadership opportunities and community events such as the annual Student Leadership Inauguration Ceremonies and Stay and Play sessions for Early Years families.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Association is known as Friends of MTW, a body of up to 20 parent volunteers. The association aims to create a supportive and inclusive parent community and to provide an interactive network for parents to engage with the school. It organizes events throughout the year, including parent coffee mornings, International Day, car boot sales, and awareness campaigns such as Breast Cancer Awareness. The group also runs second-hand uniform sales to support sustainability and eco-school initiatives. In addition, Friends of MTW supports school events such as Sports Day, National Day, and Book Week. Parents can join as parent ambassadors or volunteers by contacting the group at [email protected]
Facilities
Facilities Overview
The school is located in Al Waha, Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in a brand-new campus. The campus offers Bio-domes & Farm, Forest School, and a KD Indoor Play Area to support experiential learning and play. It provides a canteen, language rooms, Arabic & Islamic rooms, a drama room, ICT labs, a library, chemistry labs, a music room, and an auditorium. Additional spaces include cricket pitches, a basketball court, a swimming pool, and a floodlit astro turf pitch, plus world-class facilities for BTEC mechanics, engineering and construction. A cafeteria is managed by Slices Catering.
Sports Facilities
The campus features professional-grade cricket nets, tennis courts, and a multi-use games area for a range of sports. Primary and secondary students access spacious sports halls and a strength and conditioning suite, along with dynamic dance studios. The facilities support a broad athletics program, including a swimming pool and a floodlit astro turf pitch. These spaces enable competitive and intramural sport across age groups.
Academic Facilities
ICT labs, chemistry labs, and a library support STEM and research learning, alongside a music room, drama room, language rooms, and Arabic & Islamic rooms. The auditorium serves performance and presentation needs. World-class BTEC mechanics, engineering and construction facilities provide career-focused learning opportunities, supported by Bio Cube as a space for science learning and sustainability. The campus also includes Bio-domes & Farm and Forest School as experiential learning spaces.
Extra Curricular Facilities
ECAs are designed to cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. The Extra-Curricular Programme is organized into Learning Clubs for academic enrichment and Activity Clubs for creativity, fitness, and personal growth. External Activities are offered through specialist providers for high-quality sports and enrichment programmes. The programme aims to develop resilience, leadership, teamwork, and a lifelong love of learning. The school is committed to helping every child find an activity they love.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic & Intellectual
The school follows the National Curriculum of England from Foundation Stage 1 through Year 10, with senior pathways that include GCSE/iGCSEs, A-Levels, and vocational routes such as BTEC. The language of instruction is English. The campus provides Forest School, a Farm, and a Bio Cube, plus science, ICT, food technology and robotics laboratories, as well as spaces for art, drama and music and an auditorium and sports facilities to support a well-rounded education. The school has a dedicated BTEC department and a Sixth Form area to support vocational and post-16 pathways.
Arts & Creative
The school has a Black Box Studio for drama, an Auditorium, two Music Rooms and dedicated Music Practice Rooms. Performing Arts are integrated into the program, with drama and music aimed at building confidence, creativity and leadership. These spaces and programmes support students to grow as confident, creative, and empathetic individuals.
Cultural & Language
The school offers an Arabic language programme for both native and non-native speakers. Arabic for native speakers is taught from Year 1 to Year 13, while Arabic for non-native speakers is taught from Year 1 to Year 10; non-Arab students continue Arabic up to Year 10. Islamic Studies are mandatory for Muslim students, following the MOE curriculum and KHDA framework, with activities and observances integrated into the program. The Arabic and Islamic education is aligned with MOE and KHDA standards and includes classroom and practical components.
Social & Hobbies
The Extra-Curricular Activity programme includes Learning Clubs for academic enrichment and Activity Clubs for creativity, fitness and personal growth, with activities delivered by school staff and external providers. External sports and enrichment programmes supplement the school's ECAs to provide a broad range of opportunities. The enrichment offerings help students develop resilience, teamwork and leadership, and promote social connections beyond the classroom.
Community & Service
Student leadership is embedded across the school, with roles such as Head Students, House Captains, Student Council Members, Eco Ambassadors, Sports Leaders and Wellbeing Champions, and two Leadership Inauguration Ceremonies each year. Leadership roles extend from curriculum-linked projects to house activities and community initiatives. Career Guidance includes community service and volunteering as key experiences, alongside internships, university visits and practical career planning.
Leadership & Professional
At the senior level, the school offers GCSE/IGCSE, A-Levels and vocational pathways (BTEC). Career Guidance supports students with work experience, University/college applications, and employability skills; Unifrog and My Path to Uni resources are used for subject and pathway research. The curriculum and guidance aim to prepare students to transition from learning to employment and to become globally-minded, independent learners.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to the school's approach, with The Wellbeing Hive providing a space for mental, emotional and social health. The program includes mental health workshops, pastoral care and student leadership opportunities to promote resilience and a positive school climate. The campus provides Forest School experiences, ample outdoor space and facilities such as sport halls and the Bio-Cube to support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Languages
Language Provision
Arabic is taught as a language program for native and non-native speakers. Arabic for native speakers is taught from Year 1 to Year 13, while Arabic for non-native speakers is taught from Year 1 to 10. All non-Arab students continue learning Arabic through Year 10, with it optional from Year 11 onwards. The school delivers the National Curriculum for England (NCfE).
Reputation
Accreditations
Accreditations: AQA (assessment and qualifications), International Inclusive Award (IQM Inclusion), Outstanding BSO Rating, AoBSO (Association of British Schools Overseas), Pearson Edexcel, and BSME (British Schools in the Middle East). These indicate delivery of a British/English curriculum with inclusive practices and recognized UK-aligned qualifications.
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1. Begin your enquiry by filling in the online form. Admissions for AY 2026/27 are open, and seats are limited for AY 2025/26. You may include siblings in the application. The enquiry starts the formal admission process. Step 2. The first part of the application requires the following information: Parent/Guardian's name, relationship to the applicant, a valid email address, a contact number, the applicant's name, date of birth, and the year level being applied for. You may save the form and continue later if needed. Step 3. Submit the above information to create the enquiry record. The system will generate an enquiry reference number and you may return to complete it when ready. Step 4. An enquiry is created at this point. You may complete it immediately or resume it later using the reference you received. Step 5. Check the inbox of the provided email address to find the enquiry reference number. Keep the reference number safe for your records. Step 6. Return to the enquiry page and complete your admission application. You may include siblings in the same enquiry and you can use the "Save and Continue Later" option as you work. Step 7. After completing the entire enquiry and paying the registration fees, you will receive an email with a link to upload the required documents. The application fee is 525 Dhs (including VAT). The application fee is refundable if the school does not offer a place and non-refundable if a place is offered but you do not take it. The registration deposit is 10% of the total tuition fees and is deductible from the annual tuition. The re-registration deposit is 5% of the total tuition fees and is non-refundable. Step 8. Upload the documents through the provided link. Required documents include Emirates ID copies for the child and both parents, copies of the child's and parents' passports, residency visa pages, one recent passport photo of the child, one recent passport photo of the parents, the child's last school reports (for Year 1 and above, in English), and the child's immunisation card and medical report. A KHDA Transfer Certificate or Leaving Certificate from the previous school is mandatory to complete enrolment for Year 2 and above. Step 9. Assessment tests are conducted as part of the admissions process. Foundation Stage entry uses a play-based assessment that screens emotional, social, and communication skills. Year 1 and Year 2 entrants sit written English and Mathematics tests. Year 3 and above applicants take CAT4 assessments to evaluate broader abilities. Step 10. Final placing depends on availability and the assessment results. The school follows its open admission policy and reviews applications to ensure a good fit with the programme. If a place is offered and accepted, the next steps proceed according to the offered year level.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is GEMS Metropole School Al Waha located and which neighbourhoods does it serve?
The school is in the Al Waha district of Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, situated within a residential community. It is convenient for families living in nearby areas such as Al Waha, Serena Casa Dora, Sustainable City, Arabian Ranches, Arabian Ranches 2, Rukan, Cherrywoods, Town Square and Mira.
What age range and curriculum does the school offer?
GEMS Metropole School Al Waha educates students aged 3 to 16 and follows the National Curriculum for England (NCfE). The school is organised into Forest School (FS1–Year 2), Junior School (Year 3–6), Active School (Year 7–9) and Future School (Year 10–13), with GCSE and BTEC pathways in the senior phase.
How do I begin the admissions process and what documents are required?
Begin by submitting an enquiry form to generate a reference number, then complete the full application and pay the application fee to receive a link for uploading documents. Required documents include copies of Emirates IDs for the child and both parents, passports, residency visa pages, recent passport photos, last school reports (for Year 1+ in English), immunisation/medical records and a KHDA Transfer Certificate or Leaving Certificate for Year 2 and above.
What are the application and registration fees I should expect?
The application fee is AED 525 (including VAT) and is refundable only if the school does not offer a place. A registration (enrolment) deposit for a new student is a non‑refundable deposit equal to 10% of the total tuition fee for the academic year and is deductible from that year's tuition, while the re‑enrolment fee for existing students is up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher).
What payment methods, billing schedule and consequences for non‑payment apply?
Tuition invoices are issued from the time of admission and fees are payable either annually or per term, with term payment due dates of 1 September, 1 January and 1 April. Accepted payment methods include cash, cheque (payable to GEMS METROPOLE SCHOOL Al‑Waha), credit card and wire transfer; failure to pay may result in loss of place, withholding of reports/references/exam results, or suspension/expulsion.
What curriculum routes are available in the senior years (Years 10–13)?
In Years 10–13 students can follow GCSE/iGCSE qualifications and vocational BTEC pathways through a dedicated BTEC department. The school provides a GCSE Curriculum Booklet and a BTEC Handbook that outline available qualifications and progression routes.
How does the school embed High‑Performance Learning and what language/religious subjects are included?
The English‑medium curriculum integrates High‑Performance Learning skills (Meta‑thinking, Linking, Analysing, Creating, Realising) and High‑Performance Behaviours (Empathy, Agility, Hard work) across subjects. Arabic is taught for native and non‑native speakers and Islamic Studies are provided as required by UAE MOE/KHDA, with inclusion practices embedded throughout the school.
What sports and outdoor facilities are available on campus?
The campus includes professional‑grade cricket nets, tennis courts, a multi‑use games area, primary and secondary sports halls, a strength and conditioning suite, dynamic dance studios, a swimming pool and a floodlit astro turf pitch. These facilities support both competitive and intramural sport, plus a Metropole Mavericks team for external fixtures.
What specialist academic and vocational facilities does the school have?
The campus offers ICT labs, chemistry labs, a library, drama and music rooms, an auditorium, language and Arabic & Islamic rooms, plus experiential spaces such as Bio‑domes, a Bio Cube and a Farm. It also features world‑class BTEC mechanics, engineering and construction facilities to support career‑focused learning.
What extracurricular activities and clubs are offered?
The Extra‑Curricular Programme includes Learning Clubs for academic enrichment and Activity Clubs for creativity, fitness and personal growth, with many activities delivered by school staff and others by external specialist providers. Offerings aim to develop resilience, leadership and teamwork and to help every child find an activity they enjoy.
How are performing arts and student leadership promoted beyond lessons?
Performing arts are supported by a Black Box Studio, an auditorium, two music rooms and dedicated practice spaces, with drama and music programmes focused on confidence and creativity. Student leadership is embedded through roles such as Head Students, House Captains, Student Council Members, Eco Ambassadors and Wellbeing Champions, plus two Leadership Inauguration Ceremonies each year.
What inclusion and SEN support does the school provide?
Inclusion and SEN provision is led by an Inclusion Support Team that offers individual assessments, IEPs and access to external therapies such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and ABA. Inclusion is a core, whole‑school approach with around 22% of students on the Inclusion Register.
How does the school support English language learners and student wellbeing?
About 10% of learners receive English language support through targeted EAL/ELL lessons delivered by dedicated staff, with termly progress reporting and parent language representatives. Wellbeing is supported through the Wellbeing Hive, pastoral care, mental health workshops, student leadership opportunities and a staff Wellbeing Committee.
Is GEMS Metropole School Al Waha a day school and what are the school hours?
The school is a co‑educational day school operating a 4.5‑day week. FS1 sessions run Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 13:00, FS2 to Year 2 finish at 14:45, and Year 3 to Year 10 finish at 15:00, with shorter sessions on Friday (for example FS1 finishes around 11:30).
What is the school uniform policy and where must uniforms be purchased?
Uniforms must be purchased exclusively from THREADS The Uniform Store and substitutes are not acceptable. The uniform is organised into four divisions (Infant, Junior, Prep and Senior), with footwear requirements such as black polished leather shoes (Velcro for FS–Year 9, plain black lace shoes for senior boys) and prompt replacement required if damaged.
What accreditations and external recognitions does the school hold?
The school holds accreditations and affiliations including AQA, the International Inclusive Award (IQM Inclusion), an Outstanding BSO Rating, AoBSO (Association of British Schools Overseas), Pearson Edexcel and BSME (British Schools in the Middle East). These reflect its delivery of a British/English curriculum with recognised qualifications and inclusive practice.
When did GEMS Metropole School Al Waha open and how large is the school community?
The school opened in September 2023 as GEMS Education's Metropole campus in Al Waha, Dubailand, and the Founding Principal is Jeremy Hallum. The purpose‑built campus covers about 26,383 square metres, serves around 1,600 learners from over 85 nationalities and was designed with capacity for up to 3,450 students in its initial phase.
How is Arabic taught and what are the requirements for native and non‑native speakers?
Arabic for native speakers is taught from Year 1 to Year 13, while Arabic for non‑native speakers is taught from Year 1 to Year 10. Non‑Arab students continue Arabic through Year 10 and it becomes optional from Year 11, in line with UAE MOE/KHDA requirements.
Are Islamic Studies taught and who must attend them?
Islamic Studies are provided according to UAE MOE/KHDA guidelines and are mandatory for Muslim students. The programme integrates classroom learning and practical components as part of the curriculum.
How can parents get involved with the school community and is there a parent association?
Parents can join Friends of MTW, the school's Parent Association of up to 20 volunteers, which organises events such as coffee mornings, International Day, car boot sales, awareness campaigns and second‑hand uniform sales. Parents may also act as parent ambassadors or volunteers by contacting Friends of MTW at [email protected].
What are the tuition fees at GEMS Metropole School Al Waha?
Annual tuition at GEMS Metropole School Al Waha ranges from AED 40,000 to AED 53,000 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.
