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GEMS World Academy Dubai

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 42,271 - 123,442
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2100
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Typical class size 23
Introduction

GEMS World Academy – Dubai is an international IB World School in Al Barsha South, Dubai, offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP and the IB Career-related Programme) and a purpose-built Senior School campus. The Academy enrols children from early years through secondary (ages 2 to 18) and publishes a nursery/early‑childhood programme for 2‑ to 3‑year‑olds. English is the language of instruction; Arabic is taught from the early years (KG2) and the school operates a Language Institute and an extensive mother‑tongue programme (14 languages). Facilities on a 42,000 m² campus include 112 classrooms, a 600+‑seat auditorium, a 3D/70‑seat planetarium, advanced design and science laboratories, language and IT labs, a music recording studio, a 50m Olympic swimming pool and extensive indoor/outdoor sports provision. The Academy is authorised to deliver all four IB programmes and highlights its mother‑tongue provision and entrepreneurship/innovation offerings as distinctive elements of its programme.

Al Barsha South First, Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS World Academy Dubai has 2,100 pupils, typical class sizes of 23, instruction in English.

Location
GEMS World Academy – Dubai is located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, UAE. The 42,000 m² campus includes a dedicated Senior School for Grades 9–12 and is easily accessible for families from Meadows, Springs, Lakes, Arabian Ranches and Damac Hills, with Mall of the Emirates nearby.

Stages
GWA offers Nursery through Grade 12 and delivers the International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). A Senior School campus serves students in Grades 9–12.

Type
Co-educational; day school with no boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school has over 2,100 students from more than 100 nationalities; there is no publicly published single most represented nationality, and the local-to-international student ratio is not published.

Additional learning support
An Inclusion department provides learning support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) alongside counselling services. The KHDA/DSIB inspection notes inclusive provision and describes the school as fully inclusive.

Country affiliation
None. The school operates as an international IB World School within the UAE-based GEMS Education network.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation. Islamic Education is provided where required by UAE law; Muslim students must take Islamic Education from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

School day structure
The Academy day starts between 07:45 and 08:00. Students are dismissed at 15:20 Monday to Thursday and 12:00 on Fridays; enrichment activities run 15:20–16:20 Monday to Thursday.

Bus service
The school contracts School Transport Services (STS) to provide bus transport. STS operates a network of routes with safety features (CCTV, GPS) and assigns a dedicated Service Delivery Executive; a route and fee schedule is published by the school.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is not provided. The school operates as a day school with no on-site boarding facilities or accommodation options. Students attend campus daily during the standard school day.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for all students when attending the Academy or participating in Academy-organised events. Uniforms are supplied by Threads and can be purchased at Threads stores located in Cityland Mall and Times Square Centre Dubai. A Uniform Guide is available to help families choose the right items.

Food Options
Meals are prepared on-site in a live kitchen and served in the Academy's Cafeteria or Parent Cafe. The cafeteria offers hot meals, salads, and beverages, with snacks available at break. Students may bring their own lunches and snacks; payments are cashless via student cards.

House System
Every pupil is assigned to a house: Zuhr, Razi, Sina, or Battuta. There are termly house competitions and activities that promote school spirit and teamwork.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of the GEMS Education network and is operated by GEMS Education, a private international school group that runs a network of schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS World Academy Dubai ranges from AED 42,271 to AED 123,442 for 2026/27.

Application fee and registration deposit

- Application fee: AED 525 (inclusive of VAT). The application fee is refundable if the Academy does not offer the student a place; it is non‑refundable if a place is offered and the family chooses not to accept it. The application fee is not deductible from total tuition.

- Registration deposit: 10% of the total tuition fees. The registration deposit is payable after an offer is accepted, is deductible from the total tuition for the academic year and is non‑refundable.

Tuition fees (annual and per‑term)

- Nursery: AED 42,271 per year — Term 1: AED 16,909; Term 2: AED 12,681; Term 3: AED 12,681.

- Pre‑K: AED 71,113 per year — Term 1: AED 28,445; Term 2: AED 21,334; Term 3: AED 21,334.

- KG 1: AED 71,113 per year — Term 1: AED 28,445; Term 2: AED 21,334; Term 3: AED 21,334.

- KG 2: AED 88,960 per year — Term 1: AED 35,584; Term 2: AED 26,688; Term 3: AED 26,688.

- Grade 1: AED 88,960 per year — Term 1: AED 35,584; Term 2: AED 26,688; Term 3: AED 26,688.

- Grade 2: AED 88,960 per year — Term 1: AED 35,584; Term 2: AED 26,688; Term 3: AED 26,688.

- Grade 3: AED 88,960 per year — Term 1: AED 35,584; Term 2: AED 26,688; Term 3: AED 26,688.

- Grade 4: AED 88,960 per year — Term 1: AED 35,584; Term 2: AED 26,688; Term 3: AED 26,688.

- Grade 5: AED 102,378 per year — Term 1: AED 40,952; Term 2: AED 30,713; Term 3: AED 30,713.

- Grade 6: AED 102,378 per year — Term 1: AED 40,952; Term 2: AED 30,713; Term 3: AED 30,713.

- Grade 7: AED 102,378 per year — Term 1: AED 40,952; Term 2: AED 30,713; Term 3: AED 30,713.

- Grade 8: AED 102,378 per year — Term 1: AED 40,952; Term 2: AED 30,713; Term 3: AED 30,713.

- Grade 9: AED 112,709 per year — Term 1: AED 45,083; Term 2: AED 33,813; Term 3: AED 33,813.

- Grade 10: AED 112,709 per year — Term 1: AED 45,083; Term 2: AED 33,813; Term 3: AED 33,813.

- Grade 11: AED 123,442 per year — Term 1: AED 49,376; Term 2: AED 37,033; Term 3: AED 37,033.

- Grade 12: AED 123,442 per year — Term 1: AED 49,376; Term 2: AED 37,033; Term 3: AED 37,033.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment timing: 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 that payments can be processed before the start of the term.

- Term split: The first term payment is 40% of the annual tuition, the second term is 30%, and the third term is 30% (i.e., 40% / 30% / 30%). Once the signed offer letter and registration deposit are received, the full first semester's tuition is due prior to the student starting. If a student joins during the academic year, tuition can be charged from the beginning of the month of enrolment.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: The Academy does not operate a boarding provision; fees for boarding are not applicable.

Other costs and exclusions

- Tuition fees are exclusive of: school uniform, food services (lunch), transport, and any English language or special needs learning support the student may require. These items will incur additional charges where applicable.

- The school's KHDA fee factsheet and the published fee listings include the tuition and term breakdowns; items such as loaned books or devices (where provided) and the inclusion/exclusion of internal extracurricular registration vary by level.

Refunds and withdrawal calculations

- Application fee refund: refundable only if the Academy does not offer a place (except where registration is carried forward); non‑refundable if an offer is made and not accepted. Registration deposit is non‑refundable.

- Tuition refund calculation on withdrawal: tuition paid prior to the beginning of an academic year is refundable subject to deduction of registration/re‑registration deposit; where a student has been enrolled, the refundable amount is calculated according to the length of enrolment (examples used for calculation include: if enrolled two weeks or less — one month's fees retained; if enrolled between two weeks and one month — two months' fees retained; if enrolled more than one month — a full term's fees retained). Refunds are returned to the original payee and, where payment was made by card/online, refunded back to the card; cash is refund‑issued by cheque.

Fee payment options

- The Academy offers payment via the FAB GEMS World Credit Card with specific benefits for paying annual tuition in advance. The school processes payments online and by card; refund wording confirms card/online and cash refund channels. Specific bank‑transfer or account details and other payment channels are provided by the Academy at invoice or on request to the admissions/accounts team.

Notes on mid‑year enrolment and non‑payment

- When students enrol mid‑term, fees may be charged from the beginning of the month of enrolment and can be prorated in some circumstances. Failure to pay fees on time may result in withholding of reports, loss of place, or other actions in line with the Academy's policies.
Academics

GEMS World Academy Dubai teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
GEMS World Academy – Dubai offers the IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-K to Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) for senior students. The PYP uses inquiry-based learning across six subject areas—Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, and Physical, Social and Personal Education—and six transdisciplinary themes, with learner dispositions, key concepts, and action guiding learning. The MYP spans Grades 6–10 and comprises eight subject groups (Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals and Societies, Design, The Arts, Physical and Health Education) and includes Contextual Learning, Conceptual Understanding, Service as Action, and the Personal Project (started in Grade 9 and completed in Grade 10). The DP is a two-year, university-preparatory programme with six subject groups and a Core of CAS, the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge. The CP combines two DP courses with a four-component Core and a career-related study, including a BTEC-Business Level 3 Extended Diploma, for Grades 11–12.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
GEMS World Academy – Dubai emphasizes a strong pastoral approach and personal well-being as part of its ethos. The Student Leadership program includes wellbeing champions among over 250 student leaders who organise activities to foster community spirit and support peers and families. The school's ethos is student-centred, with learning designed to keep students safe, secure and successful, and its values underpin personal development, behaviour and welfare. Emotional well-being is a stated focus, with the KHDA noting attention to the emotional well-being of all students through support and guidance sessions and the school maintaining an inclusive environment for diverse learners. The on-campus Language Institute also supports student well-being indirectly via a University and Careers Counselling Centre that helps students plan for their next steps. These provisions reflect a holistic SEL approach that combines peer-led initiatives, pastoral care and access to counselling resources.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
GEMS World Academy – Dubai operates with an inclusive ethos and systems designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of students, including those identified as students of determination and exceptional learners. KHDA inspection content states the school's inclusive curriculum and effective systems for meeting diverse needs, highlighting outcomes for students with SEN within a general, non-specialist setting. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution in the public materials available, and specific SEN categories or dedicated staff lists are not publicly detailed. KHDA notes that the emotional well-being of all students is a focus within the inclusive provision. Overall, SEN support appears embedded within the school's inclusive framework rather than as a separate specialist service.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is not named as a separate, stand-alone programme on public pages. The school's Language Institute supports language learning in a multilingual, intercultural context, described as the largest mother tongue language programme among UAE schools and offering multilingual opportunities. This suggests language development support is integrated through language programming rather than a distinct EAL department. The Language Institute page also notes a University and Careers Counselling Centre on campus, which complements language development by supporting students' broader academic planning. No explicit EAL policy or staffing details are published beyond these language-focused provisions.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through a strong pastoral framework and a focus on emotional well-being. The school describes itself as offering excellent pastoral support to ensure students feel safe, secure and able to challenge themselves, consistent with its ethos of care. KHDA notes the school's focus on the emotional well-being of all students through support and guidance sessions, reflecting systematic attention to wellbeing. Student wellbeing is further supported by student leadership roles that include wellbeing champions who promote community and peer support. The accompanying safeguarding and inclusion context is reinforced by KHDA's comments on safe practices and healthy life styles.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a priority at GEMS World Academy – Dubai. KHDA inspection material highlights effective systems for keeping students safe and promoting healthy lifestyles, and notes an inclusive ethos that supports protection across a diverse student body. GEMS Education has pursued international accreditation for its safeguarding training, with programmes that certify Level 1 and Level 3 safeguarding training for staff, reflecting a systematic commitment to safeguarding across its network. KHDA's reports confirm ongoing attention to student safety and welfare within the school's provision. Taken together, these sources indicate a formal safeguarding framework supported by accredited staff training.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS World Academy – Dubai opened in 2008 as part of GEMS Education's expansion into premium international schooling. The academy is operated by GEMS Education. In November 2013, Gems Education sold the long lease of Gems World Academy in Dubai to Emirates REIT, while Gems continued to operate and manage the campus. In 2024, GWAD expanded to a second campus to serve senior students, with the new site near the original campus scheduled to open in August 2024. KHDA rated the school as Very Good in the 2017-2019 period.

Community
GWA has over 2,100 students representing more than 100 nationalities. The Senior School comprises around 250 students. The community connects students, parents, staff and alumni, including features such as 'Voices of our Community' highlighting diverse perspectives. Regular newsletters announce events such as concerts, exhibitions, and parent coffee mornings.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GWA maintains the GWA Parents Association (GWAPA), a body in which all parents are members and which is led by a volunteer core group of elected members who coordinate events and initiatives for students, parents and staff. GWAPA hosts events such as parent coffee mornings, World Teachers Day, Mental Health Awareness Day, Pinktober & Movember, UAE National Day, International Day, bake sales, welcoming new families, movie nights and support for all school events. Participation is encouraged through volunteering, attending meetings, and providing ideas and feedback. The association is led by President Ms Sehba Khan, a GWA parent since 2008. Contact: umar.sehba@gmail.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
GEMS World Academy – Dubai sits on a 42,000 m2 campus in Al Barsha South, offering a wide range of facilities across academic, sports and performing arts. The facilities include a 70-seat planetarium, a 600+ seat auditorium, a large library, a modern cafeteria, and a suite of science and technology labs. The main campus houses 112 classrooms, seven bespoke science labs, four IT labs, Mac labs, language labs and a design technology lab. A comprehensive sports complex includes a 50m Olympic-sized pool, flood-lit tennis courts, a main gym with side gyms, a climbing wall, indoor courts and a running track, along with outdoor pitches. A separate Senior School campus provides additional specialist spaces for Grades 9-12, including IT-enhanced research facilities, subject-specific rooms, performing arts spaces, and a dedicated examinations area.

Sports Facilities
Athletic facilities include a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool with diving blocks, three flood-lit tennis courts and a dedicated basketball court. The main gym is complemented by three smaller gyms, an 8m climbing wall, two indoor courts and a 400m rubberised running track. Outdoor facilities include a full-size astroturf field and cricket nets, providing flexible spaces for physical education and clubs.

Academic Facilities
The campus hosts a library and a range of science and technology facilities designed for cross-curricular learning. There are seven custom-built science laboratories and advanced design technology labs. Four IT laboratories, three Mac laboratories, and two language laboratories support computing, media and language study, with ICT resources for individual and collaborative work. The Planetarium (70 seats) provides immersive visualization for science, geography, art and history.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts and performing arts spaces include a Senior School Auditorium, a Music Recording Studio, and dedicated spaces for performance such as a theatre and black box room. A 3D Planetarium complements creative work across subjects, and there is a green-screen room and other media facilities. The campus also hosts an Innovation Hub, Language Institute and Entrepreneurship Hub to support enrichment programmes and student-led projects. A separate Senior School campus provides subject-specific rooms for food technology, product design, computer science and science labs, expanding opportunities for practical enquiry outside the classroom.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
GEMS World Academy – Dubai offers the International Baccalaureate continuum and is authorised to deliver the PYP, MYP, DP and CP. The IB Core integrates service, critical thinking and reflection to develop skills beyond academics. The MYP focuses on inquiry, conceptual understanding and interdisciplinary learning, with a Personal Project beginning in Grade 9 and a Service as Action requirement. The academy runs an Enrichment Programme with hundreds of weekly activities and an After-School Activities (ASA) programme across three terms.

Arts & Creative
The Arts are embedded in the MYP curriculum, enabling students to create, perform and present art. The IB framework supports cross-disciplinary learning that includes expressive arts as part of the student experience. The Entrepreneurship and Hub initiatives also provide avenues for creative and design-focused projects.

Cultural & Language
The IB language framework in the MYP includes Language Acquisition and Language and Literature, fostering multilingual communication and intercultural understanding. The programme emphasises developing language skills in multiple contexts as part of international education. The IB Learner Profile emphasises communication, open-mindedness and global citizenship.

Social & Hobbies
The Enrichment Programme offers hundreds of activities daily, with the ASA programme running in three term sessions of about eight weeks each. External enrichment opportunities, such as golf, swimming, cross-country, basketball, rock-climbing, horseback riding, skiing, dance and martial arts, are provided by external providers. The Hub and the Social Impact Challenge provide collaborative, interest-based experiences in entrepreneurship, coding and service projects.

Community & Service
Service as Action is a core IB value and is emphasised in the MYP. The CP Core includes four components: Service Learning, Personal and Professional Skills (PPS), a Reflective Project and Language Development. The Social Impact Challenge is a large-scale inquiry where students work in teams to develop a serviceable solution or product.

Leadership & Professional
Entrepreneurship and The Hub offer workshops with local and global entrepreneurs, coding competitions and other innovation experiences. The Personal Project, begun in Grade 9 and completed in Grade 10, develops independent research and project-management skills. The CP Core and CP activities emphasise professional skills and leadership through service and reflection.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school places a strong emphasis on physical and health education within the MYP. Facilities support extensive sport and fitness activities, including a 50m Olympic-sized pool, diving blocks, multiple tennis courts, a basketball court, a rock-climbing wall and a full athletics track. The campus provides inclusive access to sports and wellness programs to support student well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The Language Institute provides the largest mother tongue language programme among UAE schools. Arabic is taught as a compulsory language for Grades 1-9 per UAE MOE by-laws, with differentiated instruction for native and non-native speakers, and KG2 begins Arabic instruction a year earlier. Native Arabic speakers from certain Arab countries may study Arabic A through Grade 12, while non-native speakers may take Arabic B with KHDA approval. Intercultural understanding is emphasized, and multilingual opportunities support critical thinking in a diverse student body of more than 100 nationalities.
Reputation

Awards
None provided on the school pages

Accreditations
Council of International Schools; New England Association of Schools and Colleges (accreditations listed on Curriculum Overview)
Admissions

Admissions
1. Make an initial enquiry with the Admissions Team. The team guides you from your first enquiry to your child's first day and answers questions to help you feel confident about joining the international community. You can start the process by using Apply Now, Get a Call Back, or Book a Tour. Guided campus tours are available Monday to Thursday 08:00–15:30 and Friday 08:00–11:30; appointments must be booked in advance. 2. Schedule a campus visit. Tours provide information about the IB continuum and school life. Tours run Monday–Thursday 08:00–15:30 and Friday 08:00–11:30; please book in advance. 3. Submit the application and review requirements. Apply Now enables application submission. The IB continuum is offered across PYP, MYP, CP, and DP for ages 2–18. Arabic language instruction is required for Grades 1–9, and Muslim students from Grade 1 to 12 must take Islamic Education. If there are questions about grade-level placement, contact the Registration Team. 4. Grade placement and enrollment. GEMS World Academy – Dubai places students in age-appropriate grade levels in accordance with MOE/KHDA regulations. The country comparison chart helps align English and local grade naming (e.g., Year 2 in England is equivalent to Grade 1 at GWA). For placement questions, contact the Registration Team.
School Events
The school has not added events
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