Shaping the future: A look at new schools in Dubai
Backed by the Education 33 (E33) strategy, Dubai continues to strengthen its global reputation as a hub for world-class education. Each year, new schools open across the city, offering families more choices tailored to different curriculums, budgets and learning styles. From established British institutions expanding their reach to innovative schools introducing cutting-edge technology and IB programmes, the emirate is witnessing a wave of educational opportunities. Let’s explore some of the new schools in Dubai and see what they bring to the city’s educational landscape.
Schools Opening New Branches in Dubai
Dubai British School (DBS) – Mira
Opening in August 2025, Dubai British School Mira will mark the fourth branch of the prestigious DBS network under Taaleem. Serving the fast-growing Reem and Mira communities, this KHDA-approved campus will initially admit students from FS1 to Year 6, with gradual expansion to Year 13.
The school follows the British curriculum, echoing the academic strength and inclusive ethos that earned DBS Emirates Hills an ‘Outstanding’ KHDA rating. Facilities include cutting-edge science and tech labs, sustainable campus design and vibrant spaces for performing arts and sport.
- Fees: AED 51,477 – AED 58,836
- Curriculum: National Curriculum for England
- Location: Plot No. 921-6993, Al Yelayiss 1
- Contact: +971-54-586-8771
Victory Heights Primary School, City of Arabia
Victory Heights Primary School, one of the best primary schools in Dubai is expanding to a new campus in the City of Arabia. Scheduled to open in August 2025, the school will accommodate up to 850 students from Foundation Stage to Year 6. Building on its Outstanding KHDA rating in Sports City campus, the new site will reflect Victory Heights’ holistic approach, emphasising child-centred teaching and play-based discovery.
Purpose-built facilities will include a sports dome, creative arts block and outdoor learning zones. Offering mid-range fees, this expansion provides families in Dubailand access to an affordable yet high-quality British curriculum new school in Dubai.
- Fees: AED 40,138 – AED 54,733
- Curriculum: British
- Location: City of Arabia, Dubailand
- Contact: +971-4-560-2000
Dubai English Speaking School, Academic City
The city’s oldest UK curriculum school, DESS, is extending its legacy with a new Academic City campus, opening in September 2025. This new primary school in Dubai will offer FS1 to Year 6, complementing the Oud Metha and DESS College branches. Known for its not-for-profit model and whole-child philosophy, DESS is celebrated for its strong community and consistently high attainment.
DESS Academic City will feature capped class sizes, a forest school zone, an indoor pool and specialist facilities for languages, music and sport. The new campus will act as a feeder to DESS College, ensuring seamless transition into secondary education.
- Fees: AED 55,250 – AED 63,750
- Curriculum: British
- Location: Academic City
- Contact: +971-4-337-1457
GEMS School of Research and Innovation
Opening in August 2025, GEMS School of Research and Innovation will redefine Dubai’s education landscape. Positioned in Dubai Sports City, this KHDA approved new school in Dubai blends the British curriculum with advanced technology, research and real-world projects. The campus will include AI labs, innovation hubs, robotics workshops and a 600-seat auditorium, alongside Olympic-standard sports facilities.
Designed to nurture future leaders, the school offers personalised timetables, industry partnerships and global pathways for higher education. As one of the most ambitious new private schools in Dubai, it places technology, entrepreneurship and creativity at the heart of its vision.
- Fees: AED 116,000 – AED 206,000 AED
- Curriculum: British
- Location: Dubai Sports City
- Contact: +971-50-715-4955
NEW SCHOOLS IN DUBAI FOR 2026
Harrow International School Dubai
Bringing a 450-year British legacy to the UAE, Harrow International School Dubai is set to open in 2026 on Hessa Street. Operated by Taaleem, it will initially cater to Early Years through Year 6, expanding gradually to Year 13. Designed with neuroarchitecture principles, the school’s facilities include a Centre for Performing Arts, STEAM labs and expansive sports fields.
While boarding will not be offered, its small class sizes and values-driven leadership programmes ensure a highly personalised education. With its elite reputation, Harrow will join the ranks of British curriculum new schools in Dubai offering super-premium education.
- Curriculum: British
- Location: Hessa Street, near Emirates Hills
Ash Mount
Set to open in 2026, Ash Mount School will be a fully-fledged IB curriculum new school in Dubai. Located in Mudon, the purpose-built campus will welcome up to 2,400 students from ages 3 to 18, delivering the complete IB continuum. Operated by Interstar Education, the school promises global-minded education with modern facilities, inquiry-based learning and a strong academic ethos.
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
- Location: Mudon
FAQS
What innovative facilities and extracurricular options do the latest Dubai schools offer?
The latest schools opening in Dubai feature world-class facilities, including AI labs, performing arts theatres, STEAM hubs, Olympic-standard sports complexes, and forest school zones. Extracurricular activities range from robotics and coding clubs to drama, music, and competitive sports, offering children balanced opportunities for both academic and personal growth.
How does the GEMS School of Research and Innovation differentiate itself from other new schools?
Unlike many traditional schools, the GEMS School of Research and Innovation integrates advanced AI, robotics and design thinking into its curriculum. It partners with global technology leaders, provides personalised timetables and prepares students for real-world challenges.
Do these new schools offer discounts on the tuition fees?
Some of the upcoming schools in Dubai are currently offering a ‘Founder’s Discount’ and reduced fee structures for its first batch of students. You can contact the school administration directly for more details.
If you’re working within a tight budget, we have a list of affordable schools in Dubai that offer tuition at more affordable rates. You can also look at the government schools in Dubai, which offer a reasonable fee structure.
Are these schools offering a campus tour?
Most schools offer physical or virtual campus tours. It’s best to call in advance of your visit and confirm with the school.
The wave of new schools in Dubai 2025-26 highlights the city’s commitment to innovation, diversity and quality in education. It is truly delightful to see schools stepping up to the challenges of today, with the addition of extracurricular activities that prepare children for the outside world. You can look up the best schools in Dubai to pick from the finest educational establishments in the emirate.
If you’re looking for quality international education, you’ll find some of the finest American schools in Dubai offering world-class learning environments. For families considering the UK curriculum, the top British schools in Dubai are also worth exploring.
