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Universal American School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 40,377 - 82,925
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1243
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Introduction

Universal American School, located in Dubai Festival City, is an international day school that delivers an American education alongside International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP and DP) and offers Advanced Placement options, serving learners aged 3 to 18. English is the language of instruction throughout the school; Arabic is taught and required for all students through Grade 9 and for Arab passport holders through Grade 12, and additional world languages such as French and Spanish are offered. The curriculum is aligned to New York State/AERO standards and organised as a continuous pathway from Early Years to graduation, with experiential learning and workplace exposure supported through the school's membership of the Al‑Futtaim Education Foundation. Published campus facilities include specialist science and ICT laboratories, separate elementary and secondary libraries, a 546‑seat theatre, dedicated art and ceramics studios, a recording studio and radio/podcast rooms, a 25‑metre pool, multiple gymnasia, a 400‑metre running track, outdoor sports pitches and an on‑site medical clinic.

90, 58a Street, Rebat St, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Universal American School has 1,243 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Universal American School is located in Dubai Festival City, Al Badia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits within the Dubai Festival City area with convenient access from major roads and nearby transport links. The postal address is P.O. Box 79133.

Stages
The school serves students from Pre-K through Grade 12, covering both the early years and the primary/secondary cycles. The curriculum structure mirrors a PK–12 model with elementary and secondary divisions aligned to IB and US standards.

Type
The school operates as a co-educational day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents 83 different nationalities. The community is described as highly diverse, with families from many countries contributing to a broad international mix. The school notes that its enrollment includes a large international presence; no single national majority is publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support
Learning Support Services provide inclusive education through the Inclusion Department, developing individualized education plans and offering accommodations and modifications to support students with diverse learning needs and language abilities.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation stated; the school offers an American curriculum alongside the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is indicated in school materials; UAS presents itself as a secular, internationally minded institution.

School day structure
School days typically begin at 7:45 am. PreK and KG1 finish at 12:45 pm (with an extended day option to 3:15 pm); KG2–Grade 5 end at 3:15 pm; Grades 6–12 end at 3:20 pm.

Bus service
The school uses Maverick as its premier transport provider. Maverick offers safe, reliable bus services with driver training, real-time tracking, and bus attendants to support students, focusing on punctuality and safety.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding arrangements: Universal American School Dubai does not offer boarding. It operates as a day school for students from PreK to Grade 12. The IB program listing indicates 'Boarding facilities: DAY,' confirming that no on-site overnight accommodation is provided. There are no documented weekly or flexi-boarding options.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform requirement: Uniforms are supplied by SUMERU and can be ordered online with courier delivery. The sets include polos (100% organic cotton), chinos/trousers/skirts/shorts, PE tops and bottoms, and a fleece; footwear must be white, black, or beige and closed-toe, with sandals or high heels not permitted. Senior students may wear a senior jacket and may choose khaki or navy pants when wearing it.

Food Options
Food options: UAS contracts with Abela & Co to provide nutritious snacks and lunches for PreK–Grade 12. The cafeteria offers meals with a main course, side of vegetables or salad, and fruit, and uses a SPARE cashless payment system to view weekly menus and make purchases. The school operates a nut-free policy due to allergies.

Governance and Ownership
Governance and ownership: The school runs on a not-for-profit basis and is operated by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation. It is part of Al-Futtaim's education portfolio and carries the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation backing.
Fees

Annual tuition at Universal American School ranges from AED 40,377 to AED 82,925 for 2026/27.

Application and acceptance fees
- Application fee: AED 525 (one-time, non-refundable).
- Acceptance deposit to secure a place: AED 3,000 (non-refundable; payable within the timeframe specified on the acceptance and subsequently deducted from the first semester's tuition).

Tuition fees by year group (Academic Year 2025–2026) — full detail per term and per year group
Note: the table below shows the school's listed Current Fee, any KHDA discount shown, the Total discounted fee, and the three term instalments with the term dates as published (Term 1: Aug 25, 2025; Term 2: Dec 25, 2025; Term 3: Mar 25, 2026). These tuition figures do not include school uniform, meals and transportation.
- Pre KG — Current Fee: AED 40,377.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 40,377.00; Term 1 (Aug 25, 2025): AED 16,151.00; Term 2 (Dec 25, 2025): AED 12,113.00; Term 3 (Mar 25, 2026): AED 12,113.00.
- KG 1 — Current Fee: AED 43,745.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 43,745.00; Term 1: AED 17,499.00; Term 2: AED 13,123.00; Term 3: AED 13,123.00.
- KG 2 — Current Fee: AED 49,602.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 49,602.00; Term 1: AED 19,840.00; Term 2: AED 14,881.00; Term 3: AED 14,881.00.
- Grade 1 — Current Fee: AED 66,113.00; KHDA discount: AED 3,036.00; Total discounted fee: AED 63,077.00; Term 1: AED 25,231.00; Term 2: AED 18,923.00; Term 3: AED 18,923.00.
- Grade 2 — Current Fee: AED 66,113.00; KHDA discount: AED 3,036.00; Total discounted fee: AED 63,077.00; Term 1: AED 25,231.00; Term 2: AED 18,923.00; Term 3: AED 18,923.00.
- Grade 3 — Current Fee: AED 66,113.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 66,113.00; Term 1: AED 26,445.00; Term 2: AED 19,834.00; Term 3: AED 19,834.00.
- Grade 4 — Current Fee: AED 66,113.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 66,113.00; Term 1: AED 26,445.00; Term 2: AED 19,834.00; Term 3: AED 19,834.00.
- Grade 5 — Current Fee: AED 73,419.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 73,419.00; Term 1: AED 29,367.00; Term 2: AED 22,026.00; Term 3: AED 22,026.00.
- Grade 6 — Current Fee: AED 73,419.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 73,419.00; Term 1: AED 29,367.00; Term 2: AED 22,026.00; Term 3: AED 22,026.00.
- Grade 7 — Current Fee: AED 73,419.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 73,419.00; Term 1: AED 29,367.00; Term 2: AED 22,026.00; Term 3: AED 22,026.00.
- Grade 8 — Current Fee: AED 73,419.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 73,419.00; Term 1: AED 29,367.00; Term 2: AED 22,026.00; Term 3: AED 22,026.00.
- Grade 9 — Current Fee: AED 82,925.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 82,925.00; Term 1: AED 33,169.00; Term 2: AED 24,878.00; Term 3: AED 24,878.00.
- Grade 10 — Current Fee: AED 82,925.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 82,925.00; Term 1: AED 33,169.00; Term 2: AED 24,878.00; Term 3: AED 24,878.00.
- Grade 11 — Current Fee: AED 82,925.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 82,925.00; Term 1: AED 33,169.00; Term 2: AED 24,878.00; Term 3: AED 24,878.00.
- Grade 12 — Current Fee: AED 82,925.00; KHDA discount: —; Total discounted fee: AED 82,925.00; Term 1: AED 33,169.00; Term 2: AED 24,878.00; Term 3: AED 24,878.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The tuition instalments are shown as three term payments with the published term dates: Term 1 (listed as Aug 25, 2025), Term 2 (listed as Dec 25, 2025) and Term 3 (listed as Mar 25, 2026). Parents should expect fees to be billed in line with those term dates.
- To secure an offered place, the non-refundable AED 3,000 deposit must be paid within the timeframe stated on the acceptance; that deposit is deducted from the first semester's tuition.
- Dishonoured cheque fee: AED 250.

Boarding fees
- The school operates as a day school only; there are no boarding fees.

Other costs and fees
- Uniforms: Uniforms are supplied by SUMERU and are ordered separately (online ordering and courier delivery available; an additional courier charge applies). Uniform costs are not included in the tuition figures.
- Meals and canteen charges: Meals are charged separately and are not included in the tuition figures.
- Transportation: Transport is charged separately. Example published 2024–2025 transport fees by area (illustrative of typical charges) show two-way and one-way annual fees such as Area A: AED 4,700 (2-way) / AED 3,290 (1-way); Area B: AED 8,200 / AED 5,740; Area C: AED 8,600 / AED 6,020; Area D: AED 9,300 / AED 6,510. Transportation fees are billed in addition to tuition and may vary by route/area and academic year.
- KHDA administrative fees (examples): issuance/attestation of some student certificates and transfer documents are listed as AED 126 (inclusive of VAT) per item in the KHDA fee list shown by the school.

Refund information
- Refunds are calculated according to the KHDA refund policy as published by the school: fees paid prior to the beginning of the academic year are refundable with the registration/re-registration fee deducted; if the student was enrolled for two weeks or less a month's fees will be deducted; if enrolled between two weeks and one month two months' fees will be deducted; if enrolled for more than a month the full term's fees will be deducted.

Fee payment options and instructions
- Online payment via the school's parent portal (PowerSchool).
- Cash or cheque (cheques should be drawn in the name of Universal American School — Branch of Al-Futtaim Education Foundation LLC).
- Electronic bank transfer / direct deposit; when paying by bank transfer parents must notify accounts@uasdubai.ae with payment details and student name/grade.
- Blue FAB (Al-Futtaim) credit card payment benefits and promotions are available for tuition payments as described by the school.
- Zenda app (introduced January 2025) is an available payment/financing option for school fees and selected school payments; new local and international trips and events are payable via zenda from January 2025.

Notes and published disclaimers
- The published tuition document notes that discounted fee structures are subject to terms and conditions. Tuition figures published do not include uniform, meals and transportation charges. Parents should follow the school's published payment instructions when making transfers or online payments.
Academics

Universal American School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Elementary School (Grades 1–5) offers an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) aligned with New York State Standards and UAE MOE standards, with Arabic introduced from PreK and specialist classes in Music, PE, and Art. Middle School (Grades 6–8) is NYSS-based with emphasis on higher-order thinking and inquiry-driven instruction, and it offers elective classes in languages and the arts, including a Week Without Walls learning program. High School (Grades 9–12) is aligned to NYSS and provides two university pathways: the IB Diploma Programme or the AP/NYSS pathway, both leading to an American high school diploma. IB Diploma Pathway requires six courses over two years with external examinations; the University Pathway uses AP courses with externally examined exams that can earn college credit. Instruction is primarily in English; Arabic is taught from PreK, and French and Spanish are offered from Grade 5; UAS is KHDA-accredited for IB PYP and IBDP and is also accredited by MSA and ECIS.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
UAS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its Learning Support Services and Inclusion programs. The Learning Support Services provide equitable opportunities for students with diverse learning needs and language abilities to reach their full learning potential. The Inclusion Department reduces barriers to learning and provides access to the general education curriculum by developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and delivering differentiated instruction, accommodations, and modifications. The English Language Learning (ELL) department supports English language acquisition while encouraging maintenance of mother tongue languages and culture, with focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Counseling services are provided across elementary and secondary divisions to address academic, social/emotional, and behavioral development, complemented by an Advisory curriculum to equip students with tools for well-being and respectful global citizenship. The school emphasizes collaboration with families and the broader community to promote wellbeing and positive social growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
UAS provides Learning Support Services to support students with diverse learning needs and language abilities, with the aim of equitable opportunities to reach learning potential. The Inclusion Department reduces barriers to learning and provides access to the general education curriculum by developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and offering intensive instruction, differentiation, accommodations, and modifications. The Inclusion Department maximizes inclusion opportunities for SEND students in general education through collaboration with teachers and stakeholders and emphasizes ongoing professional development to apply best practices. The English Language Learning (ELL) department supports language acquisition while encouraging maintenance of mother tongue languages and culture, with services covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and collaboration with teachers to support ELL students in general education. Gifted and Talented (G&T) provision develops individualized plans to extend learning and maximize opportunities for students with exceptional abilities. UAS presents inclusive education within the general curriculum rather than advertising itself as a separate specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the main language of instruction at UAS. Arabic is taught from Pre-K, and French and Spanish are offered from Grade 5. English Language Learning (ELL) support helps students acquire English across speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while encouraging maintenance of mother tongue languages and culture as part of students' development. ELL services emphasize daily practice and building academic and social vocabulary, and they work with general education teachers to support ELL students in regular classes. ELL staff participate in ongoing professional development to implement current best practices for language learners.

Mental Wellbeing
UAS provides a wellbeing program addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. The Wellbeing vision is to create a happy, safe, and caring environment with services addressing mental health and emotional well-being through counseling, support groups, and referrals to community resources as needed. The program includes education to prevent bullying and harassment, backed by a zero-tolerance policy for such behaviours. Elementary and Secondary counseling teams advocate for students and deliver academic, social/emotional, and behavioral support, complemented by an Advisory curriculum to promote healthy development. The school emphasizes community involvement and collaboration among parents, staff, and students to foster resilience and inclusive wellbeing.

Safeguarding
UAS publishes a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy (updated January 2025) that outlines procedures to keep students safe, including screening of employees, a Professional Code of Conduct for adults and volunteers, supervision of private providers, thorough investigation of complaints, and reporting to authorities such as the police and KHDA as required by Wadeema's Law. The policy designates a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Leads, with clear quick-reference contacts and a stepped process for handling concerns or disclosures, including use of CPOMS and time-bound actions. It emphasizes our staff's duty of care, multi-agency collaboration, and an ethos of “if you see something, say something.” Early Help and liaison with KHDA/Community Development Authority are described as part of safeguarding practice.
Parent Experience

History
Universal American School (UAS) in Dubai was founded in 2005 as a not-for-profit international school serving the Dubai Festival City area. The school is operated by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation (AFEF), a not-for-profit initiative launched by the Al-Futtaim family to advance education in the UAE and beyond. AFEF provides strategic direction and operational support through the Al-Futtaim School Management Company (AFSMC) and funds facilities upgrades, reinforcing a not-for-profit model across its schools. UAS delivers a US/IB curriculum and has KHDA rating Very Good. AFEF supports initiatives such as scholarships and experiential learning to enrich opportunities for students.

Community
The UAS community is diverse, with over 80 nationalities represented. Administrators, teachers, and staff work with a broader family of parents and guardians to enrich learning and create a dynamic, caring school environment. The school hosts a range of events and programs that bring families together, including International Day of Tolerance and Diversity and other activities highlighted in What's New. Momentum Magazine and the Meet Our UAS Families feature provide ongoing updates and personal stories from families, reinforcing the sense of community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent involvement at UAS is described through family-focused channels rather than a named PTA. The Meet Our UAS Families page highlights parent voices and experiences from a multicultural community. Momentum Magazine serves as a family-facing publication that shares student achievements, parent stories, and school events. The Al-Futtaim Education Foundation's scholarships and experiential learning programs involve families in opportunities beyond classroom learning. Public events such as International Day of Tolerance and Diversity illustrate active family participation in school life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Universal American School campus sits on a 70,000 square meter site in Dubai Festival City. It includes expansive science and ICT labs; a fully equipped athletic field and track, a natural grass football pitch, and a multi-sport gymnasium. There are extensive indoor and outdoor covered play areas and a multi-purpose hall. The school provides two large art studios, language specialist rooms, and separate elementary and secondary libraries, along with a medical clinic. A recording studio, radio station and podcast room, and a ceramics room enhance creative and media learning, and a cafeteria with a community cafe supports student life.

Sports Facilities
The campus has a fully equipped athletic field and track and a natural grass football pitch. It includes a multi-sport gymnasium for indoor activities and extensive indoor and outdoor covered spaces for physical education and team sports. A swimming pool is on site to support swim programs and water-based activities. These facilities support a broad PE curriculum and inter-school participation.

Academic Facilities
Expansive science and ICT laboratories support science and technology learning. Language specialist rooms provide dedicated spaces for language development. There are separate elementary and secondary libraries to support reading, research, and inquiry across grade levels. The campus integrates technology resources within learning spaces to facilitate digital literacy and research.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Two large, fully equipped art studios and a ceramics room support visual arts and hands‑on creativity. A recording studio, radio station and podcast room enable media production and performance activities outside the classroom. Additional creative spaces are available for drama and arts‑related clubs and events. The Cafeteria and Community Cafe provide social spaces for student gatherings and after‑school activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Universal American School offers the New York State Standards curriculum (NYSS) and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) in Elementary School. In grades 6–10, courses align to NYSS. In grades 11–12, students may choose either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or an AP/NYSS pathway, both leading to an American high school diploma; the IB Diploma pathway yields an IB Diploma, while the AP/NYSS pathway can provide university credit through AP exams.

Arts & Creative
Elective classes include visual arts, theatre, band, and choir. Two large art studios support arts education. Language specialist rooms are available to support language learning and integration of arts.

Cultural & Language
World Languages program includes Spanish, French, and Arabic. Arabic is taught from PreK; French and Spanish are offered from Grade 5. The campus also maintains libraries with resources in seven languages to support multilingual learning.

Social & Hobbies
LEAP is the after-school program offering extended day care for PreK through Grade 6, with LEAP Junior available for younger students. The Week Without Walls program extends learning beyond the classroom. A broad range of activities and clubs are offered as part of after-school programming.

Community & Service
Service-learning opportunities include internships with the Al-Futtaim Group and other community programs. The Al-Futtaim Education Foundation offers scholarships, including Emirati scholarships and various academic/talent scholarships. Community, Activity and Service programs support student engagement with local and global communities.

Leadership & Professional
Internships with the Al-Futtaim Group provide students with professional experience.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school provides nutritious meals through its cafeteria, with a cashless SPARE payment system. Campus facilities include an athletic field, track, swimming pool, gym, and outdoor/indoor sports spaces, as well as a medical clinic on site.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the main language of instruction. Arabic is taught starting in PreK. French and Spanish are offered starting in Grade 5.
Reputation

Awards
IB/US curriculum accreditation and KHDA rating mentioned on site

Accreditations
KHDA Very Good; IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and IB/US curriculum pathway; Al-Futtaim Education Foundation affiliation; ECIS/IB World School logos shown on site
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the online application form. An acknowledgement is sent containing the next steps of the registration process. A member of the admissions team will contact you to take you through the next steps. Applications must be submitted online, and a 525 AED application fee (one-time nonrefundable) is payable prior to the assessment. 2. If a place is offered, a letter of acceptance will be issued along with joining information. To secure the place, a non-refundable deposit of 3,000 AED should be paid within 3 days of receiving the acceptance, and this amount will be deducted from the first semester's tuition fees. 3. Documents to submit with the application: Student's Passport; Parents' Passports; Student's Recent Report Card (past 2 years, in English); Recent Standardized Test Scores (e.g. 4. Special note: Once all required documents have been submitted, the application will be processed within one to two working days; the admission file review is completed by the divisional principal to ensure proper grade level placement. 5. Documents to submit upon acceptance include: Birth Certificate; Emirates IDs (student and parents); Digital photos; Final report card (current academic year); Vaccination records; Health form; Transportation form (if applicable); Mandatory Transfer Certificate (electronically via KHDA for Dubai transfers; for transfers from outside Dubai, the original Transfer Certificate must be translated and attested as required); for certain regions attestation requirements may apply; if residency visas and Emirates IDs are not available at acceptance, they can be submitted later.

Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation. Categories include Emirati students (academic excellence) with up to 100% scholarships, Talent and Sports with up to 50% discounts, and IBDP Academic Excellence with up to 50% discounts. Scholarships are annual and subject to terms; the 2025-2026 scholarship applications have closed. The scholarships are valid for applicable years as specified (e.g., Emirati and IBDP awards for Grade 11–12).
School Events
The school has not added events
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