A visit to Dubai can be an amazing experience: from a mere trading establishment to one of the most advanced and upcoming Gulf States, this multicultural city combines entrepreneurial skills with excellent foresight in the advancement of its educational sector. The Ministry of Education, in keeping with the global business environment, has made giant leaps in the educational infra structure investing a lot of money into enhancing the system making it viable for expatriates to educate their children in Dubai and not have to worry about putting them in boarding schools back home. This system was established in the 1970s and comprises of a four-tier system which covers 14 years from nursery to college. Both primary and secondary education is provided free of cost for the citizens.
Nurseries in Dubai are numerous and admit children from the age of 12 months to 3 years. It would be advisable to take a Dubai tour around the residential area and choose the nursery close to one’s home or workplace. Most of them are based on the Montessori Method. The curriculum allows the child freedom to explore with hands on activities, play in a secure area with toys, games and study materials which aid in bringing out the potential of each child in a carefully planned environment facilitating entry into kindergarten by the time they are three to four years old.
A list of some of the nurseries is given below:
1. Kangaroo Kids: Baby club at this nursery accepts children from 6 months to 14 months. The toddler’s program is available from 15 months to 2 years. The Nursery program starts from 2 to 3 years. This Nursery comes complete with mini amphitheatre, traffic parks, swimming pool and baby gym.
Contact Kangaroo Kids
Umm Suqeim Branch, P.O Box 11984, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: +9714 3955518
Fax: +9714 3944799
Burj Dubai Branch, P.O.Box 119849, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: +9714 4205250
Fax: 4205251
Email: adminburjdxb@kangarookids.ae
2. Garhood Village: Established in 2000, this nursery has a floor area of 350 square meters and an even bigger playground of 800 square meters. With a capacity to house 70 children, they cater to indoor and outdoor activities with a swimming pool and play area. Take a guided Dubai tour and visit some of the nurseries to see the effort put in by them to train young minds in the right direction.
Contact: Garhood Village,
Garhood, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714 2827046
Fax: +9714 2829954
Email: dubainursery@gulfmontessori.com
3. Kids Cottage Nursery: A large villa of 12,000 square feet has been successfully converted to an education center and approved by the Governments Department of Health. Actively involved with most British, American and International Schools, children from these nurseries find it easy to transit from here to any other school.
Contact: Kids Cottage Nursery
P.O. Box #900,Dubai U.A.E
Tel: +9714 3942145
Email: kcndubai@emirates.net.ae
4. Cocoon Nursery: This nursery admits children from the first year in the foundation stage.
Contact:
Kids Island Nursery,
P.O. Box 7994, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: +9714 3942578
Fax: +9714 3942580
Email: info@kidsislandnursery.com
5. Ladybird Nursery
P.O. Box 215093, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +9714 3441011
Fax: 3494477
Email: info@ladybirdnursery.ae
6. Little Woods,
P.O. Box 215243, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +9714 3946155
Fax: 3946955
7. Palms Nursery
P.O box 51814, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel: +9714 3947017
Fax: 3947017
Email: info@palmsnursery.com
The above mentioned are just a few of the very many nurseries catering to toddlers.
Kindergarten: The age for kindergarten is generally from 4 to 5 years. From the age of 5 schooling is compulsory for the citizens and free schooling is provided for them. Children absorb the essence of understanding, are quick in developing their physical and creative skills and social and emotional development. Musical talent is encouraged and religious indoctrination begins. Most of these schools are English, American or Australian based. When you travel Dubai, take time to discuss with other parents at length before choosing the school. A list of some of the kindergarten schools are given below.
1. Al Difayah High School: One of the prestigious kindergarten schools located near the new Medical Centre was founded nearly 25 years ago. It is also a primary and secondary school. They have pick and drop facilities.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 2671115
Fax: 2671337
Email: principal@difayahschool.ae
2. Al Kaleej National School: An American based curriculum school located in the Al Garhoud suburb. The school operates from Kindergarten right up to Grade 12.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 2671115
Fax: +9714 2671337
Email: alkhalej@emirates.net.ae
3. Dubai Carmel School: British school accredited by University of Cambridge trough British Council is geared up for children starting from kindergarten to O level.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 2675427
Fax: +97142675424
Email: info@dubaicarmelschool.com
Primary Schools: Children from the age of 6 to 12 are put in these schools. While English is the main language of instructions in most of the primary schools in Dubai, the curriculum ranges from British, American, Australian or even Japanese systems. Schools in foreign languages like French, Hindi and Russian are also located in Dubai. Most British Schools start their term in September. Schools are closed in July and August and some reopen in May. It is advisable for those visiting Dubai to register their child in May or they would have to waste a whole year before joining school. Dubai travel should be arranged ideally before May if one is planning to put their child in primary school.
1. Dubai International Academy: Located in the Emirates Hills, the International Baccalaureate Organization Program’s curriculum was first offered by this prestigious Academy. From Nursery to Grade 12, admission is offered. It is not easy to get into this school and there is quite often a waiting period.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 3684111
Fax: +97143248866
Email: info@diadubai.com
2. The Jumeirah Primary School: Ideally located for Safa and Jumeirah residents near Sheik Zayed Road, this school is a member of the Global Education Management Systems (GEMS)
Contact:
Tel: +9714 3943500
Fax: +97143943960
Email: office@psdubaisch.ae
3. Jebel Ali Primary School: One of the oldest schools founded in 1977 is located on two campuses near the Jebel Ali Village. All subjects are taught here and it is recognized by the Ministry of Education.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 8846485
Fax: +9714 8845373
EMail: jaschool@emirates.net.ae
4. Deira International School: This state of the art campus located in Dubai Festival City was started as late as September 2005 in accordance with the Ministry of Education directives and based on the National curriculum of England and Wales.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 2325552
Fax: +97142325151
Secondary Schools: Admission to Secondary schools begins from 12 to 18 years for a period of 3 years. A Certificate or Diploma is handed over to the student after they finish Secondary school prior to going to College. Uniforms are compulsory as in primary school. While science, sociology history and computer studies are optional, Arabic, math, social studies and physical education are compulsory. Travel Dubai too many of these schools before choosing the right one. Listed below are only a few.
1. Al Mizhar American Academy for girls: The advantage of this all girl school is that it allows several opportunities for development of leadership skills while offering Advanced Placement courses in the high school.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 2887250
Fax: +97142887251
Email: dscotto@aag.ae
2. Cambridge High School: Located near Creek side in Garhoud, this very well maintained school is based on the British National curriculum.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 2824646
Fax: 2824109
Email: Cambridge@emirates.net.ae
3. Dubai College: This secondary school is located in Umm Suqeim and is based on British curriculum catering to grades from 7 to 13.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 3999111
Fax: 3999175
Email: dubcoll@emirates.net.ae
4. Emirates International School: Located in Jumeirah, this school is both accredited by Middle States Association of Schools (Philadelphia, U.S.A) and recognized by IGCSE and International Baccalaureate – Geneva. Both American and English text books are used here.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 3489804
Fax: 3482813
Email: mail@eischool.com
Colleges & Universities in Dubai
Colleges and Universities have mushroomed all over Dubai as locals, foreigners and expatriates are now comfortable in sending their children for higher studies rather than leaving them back in their own countries. Furthermore, these Universities are affiliated to major recognized institutions internationally as the Ministry of Education is leaving no stone unturned to make their own colleges and universities state of the art and modern. With English as the main language, post graduate courses are also offered. There are public and private colleges for all. Some of the major ones are listed below.
1. American University in Dubai: Founded in 1995, this University is open to both UAE nationals as well as international students. The aim of this University is to promote global understanding in a culturally diverse atmosphere. The career-oriented education is professionally conditioned and extremely skill based.
Contact: P.O. Box 28282 Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714 3999000
Fax: 3998899
2. University of Wollongong, Dubai: Located in Dubai Knowledge Village, Blocks 5 and 15. Competitions and Events are conducted in this great academic environment and they even have separate prayer rooms for the students. A well stocked food court with different cuisines is available.
Contact: P.O.Box 20183, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714 3672400
Fax: 3672760
Email: info@uowdubai.ac.ae
3. British University in Dubai: Established in 2004, this post Graduate University is the first research based university in the Middle East. Aiming to promote technological growth and advancement in the Arab world, it works in partnership with leading UK universities. Their Masters programs have accredited eligibility from Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
4. Dubai University College: Recognized by the Ministry of Education, University of Dubai is a corporate academic university in collaboration with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, developing both public and private sectors. They have the College of Business Administration in which Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, Marketing, Finance, Banking and Accounting is taught and the College of Information Technology where you get a degree in Bachelor of Science in Internet Computing or Computing & Information Systems
Contact: P.O Box 14143
Al Masaood Campus Tel: +9714 2242472
DCCI Campus Tel: +9714 2225411
Business School: Most of the above mentioned colleges and universities offer masters in Business Administration, Information and Technology and Research. Apart from these there is a few which specialize in business school management.
1. Dublin Business School in Dubai: This is a private college and located at Block 18 in knowledge Village
Contact: P.O.Box 500675
Tel: +9714 3671292
Fax: 3664047
Email: admissions@dbsdubai.ae
2. London Business School in Dubai: Launched officially in November 2007 at the Dubai International Financial Centre, it comprises of a 16 month program for graduates to attain a full MBA degree in leadership, human resources, general management and finance.
Contact: P.O.Box 50663
Tel: +9714 4019301/2
Fax: 4019330
Email: dubai-london@london.edu
3. American University in Dubai: Founded in 1995, this university is non sectarian and offers career-oriented education which is world class. Decision making, use of tools, concepts, principles and techniques are all part of the MBA curriculum. International Finance, Marketing and Generalist MBA courses are offered here.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 3999000
Fax: 3998899
4. Dubai Polytechnic: Founded in 1997, Dubai Polytechnic Centre was the first business school in Dubai to be started by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. MBA and Master of Research Programs are carried out in a vibrant environment with diverse styles, talent and ideas.
Contact:
Tel: +9714 2242472
Fax: 2242151
A quick Dubai tour would not be possible considering the many schools and colleges that are available to choose from. Visit Dubai well in advance and mix with other expatriates as this is also a good way of socializing and getting to know people. Dubai education today is definitely on par with many international universities. It is evident when you travel Dubai that a lot of effort and investment has been put into the education sector.