Cities / Dubai / The City School International Dubai
The City School International Dubai
Dubai campus of the Pakistani-founded City School network, opened 2006 on a 5-acre site near Mall of the Emirates, running the English National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through A Levels for around 1,800 pupils.
In brief
Established in 2012 as part of the Pakistani-founded City School network, the institution follows the British National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through A-Levels on a 5-acre campus near Mall of the Emirates. Under Principal Ms. Farah Merchant's leadership since 2022, the school serves approximately 1,800 students with a predominantly South Asian demographic (60% Pakistani/Indian). The school focuses on Cambridge International Examinations with recent A-Level results averaging 38 points and 85% A*-C grades at IGCSE level, positioning it as a solid academic option in Dubai's competitive mid-tier British school market.
Parent discussions reveal polarized experiences with the school community. While some families appreciate the diverse international environment and competitive fee structure (ranging from AED 35,000 for early years to AED 70,000 for A-Levels), others describe concerns about administrative efficiency and teaching quality consistency. The school's recent achievement of 'Good' KHDA ratings across all phases represents significant improvement from previous 'Acceptable' ratings, though it still trails established Dubai British institutions like GEMS Wellington or Kings' School in overall reputation and facilities. Recent investments include AED 5 million in new STEM labs and AI-integrated curriculum, suggesting commitment to educational enhancement.
Strengths
- Competitive fee structure compared to premium Dubai British schools
- Diverse international community with over 45 nationalities represented
- Recent KHDA rating improvement to 'Good' across all phases in 2025
- Strong university placement record with 95% acceptance to top institutions
- Convenient Al Barsha location near Mall of the Emirates
- Recent investment in STEM facilities and technology integration
- Solid Cambridge International Examinations results
Considerations
- Mixed parent feedback regarding administrative practices and communication
- Teaching quality consistency concerns raised in recent discussions
- Still building reputation compared to established Dubai British institutions
- Limited extracurricular facilities compared to premium competitors
- Predominantly South Asian student demographic may not suit all families
- Recent rating improvements need time to establish sustained excellence
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | AED 14,781 |
| FS2 | 4 | AED 15,087 |
| Year 1 | 5 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 2 | 6 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 3 | 7 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 4 | 8 | AED 16,460 |
| Year 5 | 9 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 6 | 10 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 7 | 11 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 8 | 12 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 9 | 13 | AED 17,833 |
| Year 10 | 14 | AED 22,220 |
| Year 11 | 15 | AED 26,746 |
| Year 12 (Business) | 16 | AED 33,530 |
| Year 12 (Science) | 16 | AED 35,694 |
| Year 13 (Business) | 17 | AED 35,694 |
| Year 13 (Science) | 17 | AED 35,694 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | AED 500 | |
| Admission Fee | AED 1,000 |
Reviews
A British school in Nad Al Hamar that sits at the affordable end of Dubai's UK curriculum market, with fees from around AED 15,000 in early years to the high 30,000s at A Level. KHDA has rated it Good since 2017-18. Academic results in English, maths and science are the headline strength, and IGCSE and A Level outcomes draw families chasing university placement on a tighter budget. The campus is villa-style and compact, the parent community skews Pakistani, and enrichment outside the academic core is thinner than at the larger British schools further west.
Positives
- Academic results. Strong attainment in English, maths and science across primary and secondary. IGCSE pass rates run at or near 100%, A Level cohorts feed into international universities, and PIRLS reading scores sit above international averages.
- Fees and value. Among the cheaper British through-routes in Dubai. Annual fees run roughly AED 15,000 to AED 39,000 from FS1 to Year 13, well below the larger UK curriculum names.
- Pakistani-majority community. Student body and a sizeable share of staff are Pakistani, with a clear South Asian community feel. Families looking for that cultural anchor settle in quickly.
Considerations
- Inconsistent teaching across departments. Teaching quality varies by phase and subject. Parents talk about strong individual teachers alongside weaker ones, and inspectors have flagged the same uneven picture.
- Facilities and enrichment. Compact villa-style site with limited sports and arts space. The co-curricular offer tilts academic, and creative and performing arts run thinner than at larger British peers.
- Wellbeing and SEN support. Wellbeing provision sits at the lower end of KHDA's scale, and support for students of determination is uneven, with IEP quality and challenge for more able pupils flagged as needing work.
- Reporting to parents. Inspectors describe progress reporting as light on detail and short on next steps. Parents talk about wanting clearer feedback on where their child actually stands.
Leadership
Jumana A.A. Shehadeh
Jumana A. A. Shehadeh is the current Principal of The City School International Dubai, succeeding Frank Roman Fernandes who led the school from 2019. WhichSchoolAdvisor She was confirmed as Principal in official KHDA listings and presents on behalf of the school's governance, teaching, and administrative faculty on the school's website.
Accreditations
- KHDA 01
- British Schools in the Middle East accreditation 02