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Dar Al Marefa Private School

IB curriculum, Al Khwaneej First, Pre-KG–Grade 12

Latest documents: Full Inspection Report 2023–24Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24, Parent Report 2023–24Source B: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only, Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27Source C: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

Overall rating

Good

Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 6

2023–24

Earlier reports

  1. 12 earlier reports, see all years

Wellbeing Dubai focus area

Good

2023–24

Inclusion Dubai focus area

Good

2023–24

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B

    Parent Report 2023–24

    Summary only

    Checked 16 September 2026.

    Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.

  3. Back to text, source C

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Overview

The school

Curriculum
IB
Year groups
Pre-KG–Grade 12
Gender
Co-educational Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Report wording: Boys and girls
Languages of instruction
English, Arabic
Founded
2008
External examinations
IB Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Accreditation
IBDP, IBMYP & IBPYP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Extra-curricular activities
Athletics, Robotics and more, 2 confirmed

Students and staff

From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.

Students, 2024–⁠25
1,270 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
Teachers
110 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Students of determination
185 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Emirati students
1,041 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Largest nationality group
Emirati Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
Guidance counsellors
1 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

Leadership

Principal at the 2023–⁠24 inspection
Naira Hamdy Aly Tahoun Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Appointed 1 Jan 2020, as the report prints it. The current principal is under Contact.
Principals since 2011–⁠12
4 changes of principal
Shirine Bahhage Al Khudari, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → Jake Madden, 2014–15 to 2015–16 → Mr. Daljit Sohi, 2016–17 to 2018–19 → Naira Hamdy Aly Tahoun, 2022–23 to 2023–24 → STEVEN LLEWELLYN GILES, in KHDA's directory on 2026-09-18

Contact

Address
Al Khwaneej First
Phone and email
+971 4 288 5782steven.g@daralmarefa.aePrincipal: STEVEN LLEWELLYN GILES
As KHDA's directory listed it on 2026-09-18. Source C: KHDA school directory 2026–27

Around the school

The map shows the streets and places around the school. The same places are counted in «Within 1 km» below.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

to Dar Al Marefa Private School (opens Google Maps in a new tab)Directions (opens in a new tab)
  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2024–25

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  2. Back to text, source B

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 3

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source C

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Quality

KHDA ratings in the Full Inspection Report 2023–24. Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

KHDA visits schools again from 2026–27. A full inspection gives a new rating; a shorter monitoring visit does not.Source KHDA, 3 June 2026 (opens in a new tab)

  1. OverallOverall performance

    Good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 9 reports and Acceptable in 3 reports.

  2. WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing

    Good

    First rated in 2023–24

  3. InclusionProvision for students of determination

    Good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report.

  4. LeadershipLeadership and management

    Good

    Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report.

Checked 16 September 2026.

Ratings by phase, 2023–24KHDA rates these in each phase, with no single rating for the whole school. Phases are named as the report names them.

AreaKGPYPMYPDP
TeachingTeaching for effective learningGoodGoodGoodVery good
AssessmentGoodGoodGoodVery good
CurriculumCurriculum design and implementationVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptationVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good
SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protectionVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 6

    Checked 16 September 2026.

KHDA in brief

KHDA’s own one-page summary of its 2023–24 inspection, written for parents, word for word. The full inspection report remains the reference. Source A: Parent Report 2023–24, summary only

Students’ achievement

From the KG onwards, students acquire strong learning skills and achieve well in most subjects. In English, mathematics and science, attainment and progress are mostly good in KG, PYP and MYP, and very good in DP. Attainment and progress are also mostly good in Islamic Education and Arabic as both a first and additional language. Students of determination make good progress in relation to their learning goals

Personal and social development

Students' very good personal and social development makes a substantial contribution to the school’s positive learning atmosphere. Their behaviour is mostly considerate, and they display responsible attitudes to learning. Students appreciate and respect Islamic values and the culture and heritage of the UAE. They willingly take on the many leadership opportunities provided in the school. Students in DP display particularly well-developed personal, social and innovation skills.

Teaching, curriculum and care

Teaching is good in KG, PYP and MYP, and very good in DP. The best lessons are well-planned, and students are fully engaged in learning. Where teaching is less effective, teachers’ expectations of what students can achieve are often too low and the best use is not made of students' independent learning skills.

Wellbeing

The school places a strong emphasis on the well-being of the community. Teachers and leaders set a good example, and clear policies are in place. Counsellors help students and adults with any wellbeing concerns. Well-being information is collected through surveys and teacher feedback, and this is used to improve practice. Students can easily report their well-being concerns. The school culture and supportive atmosphere make everyone feel part of a caring community.

Inclusion

The school is committed to providing strong support for students of determination. Their learning is supported by detailed individual education plans. Parents feel well supported and their views are listened to they are also guided in the support their children’s learning at home. An improvement need is to develop the skills of teachers and support staff so that they can better adapt work for students of determination.

Leadership and management

School leaders share a commitment to the development of students as well-rounded, successful citizens. The school’s self-evaluation procedures do not provide school leaders and governors with an entirely accurate picture of the school’s performance. Parents are strongly supportive. Governors ensure that the school is well resourced. Staff are appropriately qualified and deployed effectively to match the needs of the curriculum.

  1. Back to text, source A

    Parent Report 2023–24

    Summary only

    Page 1

    Checked 16 September 2026.

    Found only in the summary for parents. Answers do not use it as evidence.

School year

31 Aug 2026 to 2 Jul 2027 · 185 school days

First midterm break
12 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20265 days
National Day
2 Dec 2026 to 3 Dec 20262 days
Winter break includes New year’s day
14 Dec 2026 to 1 Jan 202719 days
Eid al-Fitr
8 Mar 2027 to 11 Mar 20274 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting
Spring break
5 Apr 2027 to 9 Apr 20275 days
Eid al-Adha
17 May 2027 to 18 May 20272 daysexpected, subject to moon sighting

Public holidays are tentative and subject to official government announcements (KHDA).

Source Source A: KHDA school directory 2026–27

  1. Back to text, source A

    KHDA school directory 2026–27

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Academics

Academic outcomes, Dar Al Marefa Private School

Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.

SubjectFoundation StagePrimarySecondaryPost-16
Islamic EducationNot in this reportGoodGoodGood
ArabicNot in this reportGoodGoodGood
EnglishGoodGoodGoodVery good
MathematicsVery goodGoodAcceptableGood
ScienceGoodGoodGoodGood

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

Arabic at every school in Dubai: at least 4 lessons a week from Year 2 to Year 10 for a child of non-Arab nationality. Arab children have 4 to 6 lessons to Year 13; Muslim children also study Islamic Education.Source KHDA, Guidelines on National Mandatory Subjects, page 14 (opens in a new tab)

Subjects over the years

KHDA's words in every Full Inspection Report since 2015–16, each row and phase as the reports print them.

Subjects over the years, Dar Al Marefa Private School

Islamic Education, by inspection report

Rated2015–162016–172017–182018–192022–232023–24
Islamic Education attainmentDPAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentMYPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education attainmentPYPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressDPAcceptableAcceptableGoodAcceptableGoodGood
Islamic Education progressMYPGoodGoodGoodGoodGoodGood
Islamic Education progressPYPGoodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

International and benchmark tests

The National Agenda section of each Full Inspection Report since 2015–16: the school's results in PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS and benchmark tests against KHDA's targets. The only results in the reports that are not an inspector's judgement.

KHDA's verdicts, 2023–24

AspectWhole schoolEmirati cohort
International and Benchmark AchievementGoodVery good
Leadership: International and Emirati AchievementVery goodNot in this report
Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacyGoodGood
Overall school standards in the National Agenda ParameterGoodNot in this report

Registration requirements: Met Fully

  • The results of the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessments showed a significant improvement on the 2016 results and achieved the school’s set target.
  • Benchmark assessments showed improvement over a two-year period in science, and in the targeted MYP grades in mathematics.
  • There was no improvement in English, which continues to be weak in almost all grades.
  • The impact of these adaptations is seen in the improved PIRLS results.
  • Benchmark assessments indicate that the large majority of students are making expected progress in improving their reading proficiency.
  • Although the reading test assessment data indicate that the large majority of students are reading at, or above, the expected age-related standards, this is not reflected in the benchmark assessments in English.

Earlier reports

  • 2022–23: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
  • 2018–19: Overall, the school’s progression to achieve its UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
  • 2017–18: Overall, the school's provision for achieving National Agenda targets — meets expectations
  • 2016–17: Overall, the school’s improvement towards achieving its National Agenda targets — meets expectations
  • 2015–16: no verdict read

Recognised by UAE universities?

UAE universities ask for the Ministry of Education’s equivalency of the Grade 12 certificate. For this school’s curriculum, the student needs:

  • IB: the IB Diploma, or six IB subject certificates at grade 3 or above with 21 points, including English, maths and a science.

Arab students also need Arabic, and Muslim students Islamic Studies, in each of the last three years.
KHDA attests the certificate first. Ask the school which body accredits it.Source Ministry of Education, equivalency service, read 24 September 2026 (opens in a new tab)

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 6

    Checked 16 September 2026.

School life

Sports and activities

What the school lists on its own website and what KHDA’s inspectors mention in their reports. An activity missing here may still be offered.

Individual sports

  • Athletics · the Dubai marathon

Science & technology

  • Robotics · robotics activity

Facilities

  • Swimming pool
  • Art studio
  • Music rooms
  • Sports hall

Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports

  • Model United Nations
  • Martial arts
  • Basketball
  • Football

Also mentioned: the young author award, Happiness Ambassadors, an after-school activity to enrich students' understanding of the Holy Qur'an

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2022–23

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2022–23

    Page 17

    Checked 16 September 2026.

What the school offers

As the 2023–24 inspection report mentions them. Inspectors name these in passing, so this is not the school's full list: something not named here may still be offered. A line's page opens the report's sentence.

Languages besides English

  • Arabic · All children in KG are enrolled in Arabic as a first language.

External examinations

  • IB

Courses after 16

  • IB Diploma · full diploma programme
  • IB courses

Facilities

  • Library
  • Facilities for the performing arts
  • Facilities for sport

Support for students of determination and the gifted

  • Robust systems identify students of determination and those with gifts and talents. p. 18
  • Well-tailored, personalised plans guide curriculum adaptations, strategies and support. p. 18
  • The inclusion leader and the well-qualified teaching team are committed to providing the best support for students of determination. p. 19
  • The identification and assessment procedures are strong. p. 19
  • Individual education plans (IEPs) are detailed. p. 19
  • Some students receive support from the inclusion teachers in lessons and others through differentiated learning activities. p. 19

Source Source A: Full Inspection Report 2023–24

  1. Back to text, source A

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24

    Page 3

    Checked 16 September 2026.

Fees

Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1

AED 65,968 to AED 101,121Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

Pre-KG to Grade 12, 2026–27

Year group

Fees for Dar Al Marefa Private School
Compare with

Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.

Annual tuition by year group, Dar Al Marefa Private School, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26

Year group2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–272025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Foundation Stage
Pre-KGAED 65,968AED 65,968
KG1AED 65,968AED 65,968
KG2AED 65,968AED 65,968
Primary
Grade 1AED 79,163AED 79,163
Grade 2AED 79,163AED 79,163
Grade 3AED 79,163AED 79,163
Grade 4AED 79,163AED 79,163
Grade 5AED 79,163AED 79,163
Grade 6AED 81,940AED 81,940
Secondary
Grade 7AED 81,940AED 81,940
Grade 8AED 81,940AED 81,940
Grade 9AED 81,940AED 81,940
Grade 10AED 81,940AED 81,940
Post-16
Grade 11AED 101,121AED 101,121
Grade 12AED 101,121AED 101,121

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, note 1

    The range names the lowest and highest tuition on one Fees Fact Sheet. Fees are never averaged across year groups.

  2. Back to text, source A

    Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  3. Back to text, source B

    Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26

    Tuition for 15 year groups.

    Checked 16 September 2026.

  4. Back to text, note 2

    Change compares the same year group in the two fact sheets. Fees are never averaged across year groups.

What a year costs, 2026–27

Choose a year group above to see KHDA's total for it, what the school requires you to buy, and the services you can add.

Findings

7 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 3 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.

Group by

Checked 16 September 2026.

Islamic Education

Note 1

1 strength

  • Strength

    The Islamic values that are at the heart of the culture of the school

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3

Attainment and progress

1 strength

  • StrengthDP

    The improved provision and students’ outcomes in DP

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4

Parents and community

1 strength

  • Strength

    The strong support and commitment of parents

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5

Personal development and wellbeing

1 strength

  • Strength

    Students’ strong personal development

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6

Leadership and self-evaluation

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 5 of the last 5 reportsNote 2

    Improve school self-evaluation by ensuring that all judgements of the school’s performance are accurate and form a reliable base for improvement planning.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8

Teaching

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reportsKG and PYP and MYP

    Improve the quality and consistency of teaching in KG, PYP and MYP.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9

Curriculum and challenge

1 development point

  • Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reports

    Broaden the range of alternative curriculum pathways to cater for a wider range of students’ interests and needs.

    Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10

Findings from 1 of 10 reports

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.

  2. Back to text, note 2

    Recurring counts the school’s last 5 reports, 2016–17 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.

History

13 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.

History of Dar Al Marefa Private School
Rating

Overall rating by academic year, newest first

  1. 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
  2. 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
  3. 2023–24GoodSame as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  4. 2022–23GoodSame as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  5. 2019–20 to 2021–22No inspection.
  6. 2018–19GoodSame as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  7. 2017–18GoodSame as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  8. 2016–17GoodSame as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  9. 2015–16GoodSame as 2014–15Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  10. Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
  11. 2014–15GoodSame as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  12. 2013–14GoodUp from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  13. 2012–13AcceptableSame as 2011–12Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  14. 2011–12AcceptableSame as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  15. 2010–11AcceptableDown from GoodFull Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  16. 2009–10GoodSame as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab) PDF
  17. 2008–09GoodFirst reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab) PDF

Checked 16 September 2026.

  1. Back to text, note 1

    Change compares each report with the school’s previous report. Years with no inspection are skipped, never counted as a change.

Snapshots by year

Students and staff by academic year, Dar Al Marefa Private School

YearStudentsTeachersTeacher turnover
2024–251,270Not availableNot available
2023–241,215110Not available
2022–231,0481109%
2021–22907Not availableNot available
2020–21840Not availableNot available
2019–20810Not availableNot available
2018–197658622%
2017–1869877Not available
2016–177147540%
2015–166676515%
2014–15529Not availableNot available
2013–14437Not availableNot available
2012–13412Not availableNot available
2011–12350Not availableNot available
2010–11314Not availableNot available

Not available: KHDA did not publish that figure for the year.

Sources

Every document behind this page. Official documents open on the KHDA site in a new tab.

Full Inspection Reports · PDF, English

Parent Reports · PDF, English

A shorter summary for parents. Findings and answers use the Full Inspection Report.

Fees Fact Sheets · web page, English

KHDA school directory · web page, English

KHDA school directory 2026–27 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2024–25 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)