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GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 7,828 - 16,299
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 4659
Type Boys School
Opened 2005
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum CBSE Curriculum
Taught languages Hindi, French, Malayalam, Urdu, Arabic
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a is a boys' school in Dubai delivering the CBSE (Indian) curriculum to students aged 4 to 18. Established in 2005 as a single-shift facility affiliated with Our Own English High School, it now serves 4,700 students with around 218 teachers. The school offers Primary, Middle, Secondary and Senior Secondary levels, preparing for AISSE and AISSCE under the NCERT framework. DSIB inspectors have rated the school GOOD for seven consecutive years. The campus features spacious air-conditioned classrooms, a large multipurpose hall, an indoor play area, an art and craft room, a well stocked library and multiple science and computer laboratories. Sports facilities include two basketball courts, a volleyball court, cricket nets and an Astro-turf field. Robotics, STEAM and F1 in Schools are central to curriculum; the school also offers Visual Arts, Performing Arts and co-curricular activities, including public speaking, Olympiads and field trips.

5CV2+2H4 - Al Warqa 1, Near Aswaq Supermarket - Al Warqa 2 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa has 4,659 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Find us in the heart of Al Warqa'a, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Mailing address: PO Box 35519, Al Warqa'a 1. The campus is in the Al Warqa'a area.

Stages
KG 1 to Grade 12; Primary School; Middle School; Secondary School; Senior Secondary

Type
Boys' school

Additional learning support
Inclusive education with provisions for students of determination. DSIB inspectors recognized the Inclusion Department as a success story. There is an open-door policy with the counsellor and accommodations are provided in line with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework and UAE law.

Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates

Bus service
STS Group provides transport services for Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a. Buses are equipped with CCTV, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking and RFID; supported by a 24/7 Operations Control Centre. There are dedicated pickup/drop-off points in areas such as Al Warqa'a 1 and 2, Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis and other zones; registration is via the school's Service Delivery Executive. Transport fees apply and route availability cannot be guaranteed for all requests.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school has a hygienic canteen on campus.

House System
A flourishing house system enables senior students to work together for the benefit of the community and to take on responsibilities.

Governance and Ownership
GEMS Education operates the school; Our Own High School, Al Warqa'a, is a GEMS school created in 2005.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa ranges from AED 7,828 to AED 16,299 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- An application fee of AED 525 is payable upon acceptance of the Offer Letter. This fee is not applicable to current GEMS students and is non‑refundable, non‑transferable and non‑adjustable.

Registration / enrolment deposit

- A Registration Deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee is collected at admission. This deposit is non‑refundable, non‑transferable but is adjustable against the total tuition fee for the academic year (deducted from tuition). For returning students there is a re‑enrolment charge of up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from the first term fees.

Tuition fees (annual and per‑term breakdown using standard GEMS term split 40% / 30% / 30%)

- Tuition fees are quoted per academic year (p.a.). The school and GEMS use a standard term instalment split where the annual tuition is invoiced as 40% in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 30% in Term 3. The following shows the published annual fee and the corresponding term amounts calculated on a 40/30/30 basis:

- KG1 & KG2 — Annual: AED 7,828
- Term 1 (40%): AED 3,131.20
- Term 2 (30%): AED 2,348.40
- Term 3 (30%): AED 2,348.40.

- Grades 1–3 — Annual: AED 9,447
- Term 1 (40%): AED 3,778.80
- Term 2 (30%): AED 2,834.10
- Term 3 (30%): AED 2,834.10.

- Grades 4–5 — Annual: AED 9,558
- Term 1 (40%): AED 3,823.20
- Term 2 (30%): AED 2,867.40
- Term 3 (30%): AED 2,867.40.

- Grades 6–8 — Annual: AED 10,724
- Term 1 (40%): AED 4,289.60
- Term 2 (30%): AED 3,217.20
- Term 3 (30%): AED 3,217.20.

- Grades 9–10 — Annual: AED 13,276
- Term 1 (40%): AED 5,310.40
- Term 2 (30%): AED 3,982.80
- Term 3 (30%): AED 3,982.80.

- Grade 11 (Commerce) — Annual: AED 15,758
- Term 1 (40%): AED 6,303.20
- Term 2 (30%): AED 4,727.40
- Term 3 (30%): AED 4,727.40.

- Grade 11 (Science) — Annual: AED 16,299
- Term 1 (40%): AED 6,519.60
- Term 2 (30%): AED 4,889.70
- Term 3 (30%): AED 4,889.70.

- Grade 12 (Commerce) — Annual: AED 15,758
- Term 1 (40%): AED 6,303.20
- Term 2 (30%): AED 4,727.40
- Term 3 (30%): AED 4,727.40.

- Grade 12 (Science) — Annual: AED 16,299
- Term 1 (40%): AED 6,519.60
- Term 2 (30%): AED 4,889.70
- Term 3 (30%): AED 4,889.70.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The Registration Deposit (10% of the annual fee) is collected at admission and is adjustable against the annual tuition. Existing‑student re‑enrolment fees (where applicable) are charged at re‑enrolment and are deductible from the first term. The school enforces fee payment: students may be withheld from examinations and reports will be withheld if fees are not paid. Full first‑term fees (or applicable instalment) must be cleared before a student's first day of attendance under standard GEMS payment practice. Standard GEMS instalment timing is at the start of each term (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3).

One‑off, mandatory and examination fees

- A sum of AED 31.50 (including VAT) is charged for Bus ID card, Diary and Report Card.

- Board / external examination charges:
- Grade 10 board exam fee: AED 825.
- Grade 12 board exam fee: AED 900.

- CBSE registration charge:
- For Grade 9 and Grade 11: AED 100 each.

Other costs and optional fees

- Required education supplies and likely ranges (purchase from school or external suppliers): Uniforms AED 600–1,200; Books AED 163–400; Laptop / digital device AED 100–150. Optional services and variable costs include transport (approx. AED 4,380–6,000), canteen costs (approx. AED 50–2,500), class photographs, event costumes, local educational trips and school magazine. These are presented as typical mandatory / optional fee items and ranges.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. The school's published fee information and the KHDA School Fee Fact Sheet list transport and other optional day‑school services but do not include boarding fees or boarding facilities.

Refunds and non‑refundables

- The Application fee is non‑refundable, non‑transferable and non‑adjustable. The Registration Deposit (10% of the annual fee) is non‑refundable and non‑transferable but is adjustable against the annual tuition. Re‑enrolment fees (where applied) are non‑refundable and are deductible from the first term fees. These refund / non‑refund terms apply to the application, registration and re‑enrolment charges noted above.

Fee payment options

- Online payment via the GEMS Oasis payments portal is available. Parents paying by direct bank transfer must notify the fee counter with student details. The school fee counter accepts cash, credit card and cheques (payable to ‘Our Own High School‑Al Warqa\'a, Dubai'); post‑dated cheques are not accepted. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card is promoted for advance annual fee payments (discount/benefits as applicable). Contact addresses and fee counter timings are published for fee enquiries and payment.
Academics

GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa teaches CBSE Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows the Indian Curriculum and is one of the leading Indian Curriculum Schools in Dubai. Primary School provides an excellent grounding in basic skills while stimulating students' natural inquisitiveness. Middle School aims for students to reach their full potential through engaging learning. Secondary School helps students stay focused on their goals as they advance and broaden their knowledge. Senior Secondary programmes respond to individual needs and foster enthusiasm for learning. Teaching Principles ensure every student acquires a high standard of skills, and Inclusion underpins the school's policies and processes.

Student Teacher Ratio
The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of 1.63:1.

Higher Education Progression
University Destinations show that graduates are accepted by some of the world's most prestigious universities. The school prepares students to pursue tertiary education in their chosen fields and to be ethical and socially engaged leaders. Through the CBSE curriculum, students develop analytical capability, versatility, and critical thinking, traits that are highly regarded by universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
An inclusive pastoral system monitors students' academic progress and welfare. A counsellor is available for parents to discuss concerns. The inclusive ethos is recognized by DSIB as a success story, and the Inclusion Department is cohesive and well led. The school welcomes students with varied needs and provides appropriate provisions and accommodations in the classroom. The motto 'Every child is a Genius' underpins the school's approach to learning and development. The school maintains a transparent, open-door policy toward inclusion.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
DSIB recognizes the Inclusion Department as a success story. Students of Determination are welcomed, and staff provide provisions and accommodations in the classroom. The Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) and Federal Law No 29 of 2006 and Law No 2 of 2014 govern protection of rights of persons with disability in the Emirates of Dubai. An Inclusion Policy (2026) guides school support across all stages. The policy underscores the transparent approach to meeting diverse needs, and parents may discuss concerns with the school counsellor. Overall, inclusion is embedded in school policies and processes.

Mental Wellbeing
Optimus Wellbeing Award recognizes the school's commitment to mental health and wellbeing. The Wellbeing Award is developed by the National Children's Bureau and Optimus Education. The award highlights dedication to promoting mental health and wellbeing across the school community. The school continues to foster a supportive environment where every student thrives. The award demonstrates the school's emphasis on student wellbeing.

Safeguarding
GEMS Safeguarding Policy 2025 is listed. GEMS Safeguarding Policy - Arabic 2025 is listed. GEMS Child Safeguarding Commitment Statement is listed. Inclusion Policy 2026 is listed. These policies address safeguarding and child protection within the GEMS network.
Parent Experience

History
The school uses the CBSE curriculum to deliver a holistic education. GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a was created in 2005 as a single-shift facility for boys of Our Own English High School, Dubai, which was established in Bastakiya in 1968. Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a shares the same vision, ethos and work culture that has given the parent school its presence. Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a now has 4,700 students and 218 teachers. DSIB inspectors have awarded the school an overall GOOD for seven consecutive years.

Community
Our Own High School embraces the GEMS philosophy of preparing the whole child for the whole world. The school offers a kaleidoscope of co-curricular activities, community involvement programmes and school events, with an Activity period built into the timetable. Creative Expressions Visual Arts provides a platform for student creativity through art competitions and displays around the school. The Performing Arts develop vocal and instrumental skills and include musicals, cultural performances, dances, elocution and drama; there are also opportunities for public speaking, sports, scouting, field trips, and Olympiads.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent Partnership focuses on close communication between guardians and the school. Guardians receive progress updates through consultation evenings and written reports, and there is an open-door policy for speaking with staff. Parental engagement is supported by international research that shows it impacts student achievement. The program describes how parental involvement in daily learning activities can boost student outcomes. It also notes that parental engagement can enhance teacher effectiveness.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
General Facilities include spacious classrooms and centrally air-conditioned admin spaces, a large multi-purpose hall, an indoor play area, an art & craft room, a hygienic canteen, and a large canopy for morning assemblies. The library is well-stocked with periodicals, maps, charts, audio-visual materials, and provides computer access in the Senior Library. There are three large science laboratories, five computer laboratories with Pentium processors and interactive whiteboards, and a Composite Laboratory. The Play Field supports football, volleyball, basketball, cricket, badminton, table tennis, and athletics, with two basketball courts, a volleyball court, cricket nets, and an Astro-turf playground. Medicinal facilities include two first-aid centres with doctors, nurses, attendants and helpers. The campus also features a bookstore, a mosque, Robotics and STEAM programs, and participation in the F1 in Schools competition.

Sports Facilities
The school has two basketball courts, a volleyball court, cricket nets, and an Astro-turf playground. It supports activities in football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis and athletics, with additional coaching outside hours and transport provided for matches.

Academic Facilities
Three large science laboratories provide facilities for physics, chemistry and biology. Five computer laboratories with Pentium processors and interactive whiteboards offer independent workstations for each student. A Composite Laboratory supports mathematics and science concepts through hands-on activities. Robotics and STEAM education are integrated to broaden learning, and the school participates in the F1 in Schools program.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Our Own High School offers a kaleidoscope of co-curricular activities, community involvement programmes and school events, with an Activity period built into the timetable. Creative Expressions Visual Arts provides opportunities for art competitions and talent shows, with activities such as painting, crafts and other media. The Performing Arts program develops music through choirs and ensembles, with musicals, cultural performances, dances, elocution and drama. Public Speaking trains students in speeches, debates and elocution. Physical Education covers cricket, football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and basketball, with free coaching after hours and inter-school matches. Scouting, Educational Field Trips and Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science supplement the curriculum.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school runs KG 1 to Grade 12 and is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi. The curriculum is designed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to prepare students for leadership in the knowledge society. A pastoral system monitors students' academic progress and welfare. The school prepares students for AISSE (end of Grade 10) and AISSCE (end of Grade 12), enabling admission to universities worldwide.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts provides a wide platform for artistic energy, with art competitions and talent shows held throughout the year. Artworks are displayed around the school and students explore drawing, painting and three-dimensional work as well as crafts such as glass painting, fabric painting, sand painting, mask making and vegetable printing. The Performing Arts include vocal and instrumental development, participation in choirs and ensembles, and involvement in musicals, dances, elocution and drama. Public Speaking is taught from primary grades through high school, with debates and elocution to develop oral communication.

Social & Hobbies
A kaleidoscope of co-curricular activities, community involvement programmes and school events supports the all-round development of the students' personality. An Activity period is incorporated into the timetable for these activities. The activities span arts, sports and other informal interests, enriching the school experience.

Community & Service
The school conducts Educational Field Trips and outings that are interesting, fun-filled and educative, with student involvement as a prime objective. There are community involvement programmes and volunteering opportunities embedded in school life. Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science are organised by the Council of CBSE schools in the Gulf. These activities contribute to students' broader civic and educational experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Students participate in many physical activities including cricket, football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, gymnastics, athletics and swimming. Free coaching is provided after regular class hours. Facilities for physical education are provided through Etisalat Academy. Inter-school matches and sporting events promote teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision
Language of instruction is English. Arabic is offered as an Additional Language; Arabic as a First Language is not applicable. In the early years, Arabic instruction includes KG1 daily 15-minute cultural sessions for basic Arabic and KG2 two weekly sessions, taught by two Arabic-speaking teachers. The Arabic and Islamic curricula connect with Emirati culture, and English is used for Moral, Social and Cultural Studies and other subjects.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The school is for BOYS from Grade 1 to Grade 12. It has an open admission policy and welcomes all students regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion or medical diagnosis. First preference is given to siblings of students already enrolled. For Grade 1, the child must be 6 years old as of 31 March in the admission year. The new academic year commences on 1 April.

2. Registration is online in October each year. Admissions to Grade 2 and above depend on vacancies, which are known by February. For Grade 1 admissions, shortlisted applicants are invited for an admission and interaction session with the Supervisor and the Counsellor, after which admission is confirmed. For admissions to Grade 2 and above, an entrance test will be conducted if necessary. All admissions are subject to KHDA approval.

3. Documents required at the time of admission include: 2 copies of the student's passport with a valid UAE visa; 3 copies of the student's Emirates ID; 2 copies of the parents' Emirates IDs; 4 recent photographs of the child (plus one stamp-size photo for the identity card); 2 copies of the last examination mark sheet; and a Transfer Certificate. Transfer Certificates must be prepared according to the applicable attestations based on the student's origin as described in the Transfer Certificates section.

4. Transfer Certificates: For moves from Dubai, the original School Leaving Certificate must be collected from the previous school, and the parent must present the original certificate and the original Emirates IDs. For moves from another emirate in UAE, the original Transfer Certificate should be attested by the Ministry of Education in that emirate, with the parent bringing the original TC, a copy of the promotion report, and the original Emirates IDs. For moves from India, the Transfer Certificate must be attested by the District Education Officer in India and then attested in Dubai by the Indian Consulate and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For moves from Gulf countries other than the UAE, the original Transfer Certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education of that country, the Indian Consulate, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the UAE Consulate/Embassy in that country.

5. Parent School Contract: After submitting the original Transfer Certificate and registering with Emirates ID in the KHDA school system, the Parent School Contract is signed online through the mobile app or electronically in school. The contract is a one-time agreement when the child joins the school and is renewed every year unless the child changes schools.

6. Enrolling Online: Enquiries are made through the school's own website. A guide on how to fill out the online form is provided, and a service request number is issued. Print a copy of the receipt or note the service request number if you cannot print. The service request number must be provided to the school Registrar to proceed with admission.

7. New Admission Fees: An Application Fee of AED 525 is due upon acceptance of the Offer Letter (non-refundable and not applicable for GEMS Students). A Registration Deposit of 10% of the annual fee is collected during admission and is non-refundable but adjustable against the total tuition for the academic year.

8. Payment of Fees: Online fee payment is available. If online access has issues, contact the school. Fees can also be paid at the School Fee Counter by cash, card, or cheques (made payable to Our Own High School-Al Warqa'a, Dubai). Please bring the Student ID Number when paying. Students will not be permitted to take examinations if fees are unpaid, and reports may be withheld.
School Events
The school has not added events
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