Dubai National School AlTwar
American curriculum, Al Twar 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
Earlier reports
Wellbeing Dubai focus area
Inclusion Dubai focus area
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Checked 16 September 2026.
- 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.
- Back to text, source C
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Overview
The school
- Curriculum
- American
- Year groups
- Pre-KG–Grade 12
- Languages of instruction
- English
- Founded
- 2000
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Scouts & guides, confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 1,080 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 120 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 95 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 744 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
- 10 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Malek Ahmad Saleh Daradkeh Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 7 Apr 2016, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2011–12
- 1 change of principal
- AMJAD JUBR,أمجد جبر, 2011–12 to 2013–14 → Malek Ahmad Saleh Daradkeh, 2014–15 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Twar First
- Phone and email
- +971 4 298 8555malek.daradkeh@dns.sch.ae
- 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
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2024–25
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
- 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)
OverallOverall performance
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 10 reports and Acceptable in 3 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Good in 1 report and Acceptable in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
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.
| Area | KG | Elementary | Middle | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TeachingTeaching for effective learning | ||||
| Assessment | ||||
| CurriculumCurriculum design and implementation | ||||
| Adapting the curriculumCurriculum adaptation | ||||
| SafeguardingHealth and safety, including child protection |
- 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
Elementary school students excel in Islamic education and perform well in all subjects and phases. However, their math attainment is acceptable in elementary and middle school. Progress is generally good across subjects, except for Arabic in middle school and English in elementary school, which declined to acceptable levels. Notably, there's improved math progress in the elementary phase.
Personal and social development
High school students exhibit robust responsibility and respectful behavior, while a few elementary school boys' behavior lack self-regulation. Students generally make healthy choices with excellent attendance. National and Islamic occasions are celebrated well, fostering understanding among the school’s mix nationalities. Social responsibility and innovation skills are strong across all phases, with older students actively involved in humanitarian initiatives, demonstrating ambition, work ethic, and innovative projects, including anti-bullying presentations.
Teaching, curriculum and care
Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge and incorporate practical activities for young learners, fostering positive interactions. However, critical thinking opportunities are limited, and teaching methods lack consistency, hindering personalization. Positive attitudes and collaboration, especially in Arabic classes, are noted. Despite international benchmarking, the school's data analysis processes lack reliability and validity. Assessment information identifies learning gaps, but data-driven approaches vary. Teachers adjust pace and content based on feedback, emphasizing student challenge in better lessons.
Wellbeing
The school prioritises the holistic development of children and students fostering values through classes and extracurricular activities. Most students, including those with special needs, actively participate. Regular meetings, surveys, and council input promote well-being, addressing concerns promptly. The curriculum provides diverse pathways, balanced homework, and tailored support for all students, including those with determination. The open-door policy ensures a safe, supportive environment, with ongoing feedback from teachers and parents to enhance overall well-being.
Inclusion
The inclusion team, led by the vice principal, prioritizes support for students of determination through inclusive admissions and detailed plans for Level 3 students. However, consistency is lacking for Level 1 and 2 students in mainstream classes. Parents appreciate support and communication. The school provides an alternative pathway for students with complex learning profiles, and implements appropriate training for support assistants and teachers. Improved assessment systems and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) ensure students typically make at least expected progress.
Leadership and management
Leaders prioritize well-being, inclusivity, and national identity, but management skills vary. Recent initiatives reflect commitment, yet their impact on growth is inconsistent. The self-evaluation processes integrate data but are not always reliable or accurate. The development plan lacks specific, measurable targets. Parent engagement is effective. Governance would benefit from more educational expertise. The school’s management and procedures are effective, but daily routines lack essential elements like tutor times. Adequate staffing and facilities suggest room for improvement, particularly bespoke training.
- 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).
- Back to text, source A
KHDA school directory 2026–27
Checked 16 September 2026.
Academics
Attainment by subject and phase, 2023–24KHDA words for each subject in each phase.
| Subject | Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education | Not in this report | ||
| Arabic | Not in this report | ||
| English | |||
| Mathematics | |||
| Science |
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, Dubai National School AlTwarIslamic Education, by inspection report
| Rated | 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 | 2018–19 | 2019–20 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Education attainmentMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentElementary | |||||||
| Islamic Education attainmentHigh | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressMiddle | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressElementary | |||||||
| Islamic Education progressHigh |
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
| Aspect | Whole school | Emirati cohort |
|---|---|---|
| International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
A. Registration Requirements Met Fully
- Students’ scores on the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) test have improved between 2016 and 2021, and exceeded the target set for the school.
- On the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test, students’ scores, including those of Emirati students, improved in language usage, reading, mathematics and science.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessments — meets expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progression towards achieving its UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching expectations
- 2018–19: Overall, the schools progression to achieve the UAE National Agenda targets — is approaching 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: Progress towards meeting the National Agenda targets — as expected
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:
- American: five approved subjects a year in Grades 10 to 12 (D or 60%), an English score (EmSAT 1100, IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 61) and a maths score (EmSAT 500 or SAT 450). Without the scores, the equivalency is limited.
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)
- 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.
Award programmes
- Scouts & guides · Scouting
Facilities
- Swimming pool
· - Art studio
- Sports hall
· - Playing field
· - Sports courts
· - Makerspace
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Art
- Debate & public speaking
- Robotics
- Chess
- Drama
- Design & fashion
- Swimming
- Photography & film
Also mentioned: Poem Recitation, Spelling Bee
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 24 September 2026
Checked 24 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 · The school offers Arabic to all children in KG for seven periods of 40 minutes each week.
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · Advanced Placement (AP)
Facilities
- Suite of classrooms is designated for students of determination
- Elevator
- Swimming pools
- Astroturf
- Hard surface areas for sport
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- Individual education plans (IEPs) are detailed. p. 19
- Students receive specific intervention support in small classes. p. 19
- Support in lessons is mainly through differentiated learning activities, but there is a lack of consistency. p. 19
- The school’s identification and assessment procedures have improved. p. 19
- Alternative pathways are provided for students with the most complex needs. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 10
Checked 16 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 19,872 to AED 38,836Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Pre-KG to Grade 12, 2026–27
Tuition is the same as in 2025–26 for every year group.
Annual tuition by year group, Dubai National School AlTwar, 2026–27 compared with 2025–26
| Year group | 2026–27Source A: Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27 | 2025–26Source B: Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Stage | ||
| Pre-KG | AED 19,872 | AED 19,872 |
| KG1 | AED 23,690 | AED 23,690 |
| KG2 | AED 23,690 | AED 23,690 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 25,887 | AED 25,887 |
| Grade 2 | AED 25,887 | AED 25,887 |
| Grade 3 | AED 25,887 | AED 25,887 |
| Grade 4 | AED 28,003 | AED 28,003 |
| Grade 5 | AED 28,003 | AED 28,003 |
| Grade 6 | AED 28,003 | AED 28,003 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 32,316 | AED 32,316 |
| Grade 8 | AED 32,316 | AED 32,316 |
| Grade 9 | AED 32,316 | AED 32,316 |
| Grade 10 | AED 37,227 | AED 37,227 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 38,836 | AED 38,836 |
| Grade 12 | AED 38,836 | AED 38,836 |
Checked 16 September 2026.
- 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.
- Back to text, source A
Fees Fact Sheet 2026–27
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- Back to text, source B
Fees Fact Sheet 2025–26
Tuition for 15 year groups.
Checked 16 September 2026.
- 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
8 findings in the last report: 4 strengths, 4 development points, 4 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Islamic Education
Note 11 strength
StrengthElementary school
The elementary school students’ progress in Islamic Education.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Personal development and wellbeing
1 strength
Strength
Students’ social and personal development and understanding of Islamic values and Emirati culture.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The protection, care, guidance and support of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Parents and community
1 strength
Strength
The effective partnerships with parents and the community.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Leadership and self-evaluation
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Improve the capability of leaders, particularly subject leaders, to drive improvement.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 8
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that all of the data used to inform self-evaluation and improvement planning are accurate.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Teaching
2 development points
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Improve the quality and consistency of teaching and learning.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Ensure that in lesson planning teachers make full use of assessment information to match learning activities to the needs of students.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Findings from 1 of 11 reports
- Back to text, note 1
Topics follow the order of the KHDA inspection framework, not how good or bad a finding is.
- Back to text, note 2
Recurring counts the school’s last 5 reports, 2017–18 to 2023–24. Findings come only from Full Inspection Reports, never from Parent Reports.
History
14 KHDA inspection reports on file, 2008–09 to 2023–24.
History of Dubai National School AlTwarOverall rating by academic year, newest first
- 2026–27Inspections resume this year. No report yet.
- 2024–25 and 2025–26KHDA paused full inspections. The 2023–24 rating is still the latest. About the pause
- 2023–24Same as 2022–23Note 1Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- 2022–23Same as 2019–20Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- 2020–21 and 2021–22No inspection.
- 2019–20Same as 2018–19Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- 2018–19Same as 2017–18Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- 2017–18Same as 2016–17Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Six-level scale starts in 2015–16. Earlier reports used four levels.
- 2014–15Same as 2013–14Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- 2013–14Same as 2012–13Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- 2012–13Down from GoodFull Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- 2011–12Same as 2010–11Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- 2010–11Same as 2009–10Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- 2009–10Same as 2008–09Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- 2008–09First reportFull Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
Checked 16 September 2026.
- 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, Dubai National School AlTwar
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 1,080 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 1,159 | 120 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 1,069 | 129 | 9% |
| 2021–22 | 1,204 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,327 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 1,475 | 149 | 14% |
| 2018–19 | 1,524 | 157 | 13% |
| 2017–18 | 1,732 | 203 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 1,739 | 206 | 21% |
| 2015–16 | 1,768 | 206 | 25% |
| 2014–15 | 1,957 | 199 | 25% |
| 2013–14 | 2,072 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 2,110 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 2,105 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,988 | Not available | Not 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
- Full Inspection Report 2023–24 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2019–20 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2018–19 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2015–16 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2014–15 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2013–14 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2012–13 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2011–12 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2010–11 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2009–10 (opens in a new tab)
- Full Inspection Report 2008–09 (opens in a new tab)
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 2022–23 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2021–22 (opens in a new tab)KHDA school directory 2020–21 (opens in a new tab)