GEMS Al Khaleej International School - Dubai Branch
American curriculum, Al Warqa Fourth, 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
- 1992
- External examinations
- AP Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Accreditation
- NEASC Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Extra-curricular activities
- Football, Basketball, Rugby, Swimming and more, 17 confirmed
Students and staff
From KHDA’s 2023–24 inspection report, unless another year is named.
- Students, 2024–25
- 3,064 Source A: KHDA school directory 2024–25
- Teachers
- 191 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Students of determination
- 111 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Emirati students
- 1,013 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Largest nationality group
- Arab Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- KHDA gives no share. Context only, never used in results.
- Guidance counsellors
- 4 Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Leadership
- Principal at the 2023–24 inspection
- Ghadeer Munther Abu-Shamat Source B: Full Inspection Report 2023–24
- Appointed 1 Jan 2017, as the report prints it.
- Principals since 2012–13
- 1 change of principal
- Nigel Cropley, 2012–13 to 2013–14 → Ghadeer Munther Abu-Shamat, 2015–16 to 2023–24
Contact
- Address
- Al Warqa Fourth
- Phone and email
- +971 4 217 3900ghadeer.a_akn@gemsedu.com
- 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 4 reports and Acceptable in 9 reports.
WellbeingStudents’ personal development and wellbeing
First rated in 2023–24
InclusionProvision for students of determination
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very good in 1 report and Good in 1 report.
LeadershipLeadership and management
Same as 2022–23 Earlier: Very 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
Students improved their understanding of Islamic Education with good performance in all grades. Arabic as a first language is good in all phases, and progress for Arabic as an additional language is very good in phases 3-4. Elementary students improved in mathematics. Kindergarten children improved in all three subjects. However, English attainment is acceptable in grades 1 through 12. Students' learning skills are strongest where they have active classes, especially in kindergarten and the high school.
Personal and social development
Outstanding personal and social development is a strong feature of the school, with students showing appreciation of others, and respect for all. Secure policies for student behavior make expectations very clear. Islamic values are practiced consistently, and there is appreciation for the heritage and culture of the UAE. Students create their own activities to show their caring for others, and their appreciation for the environment.
Teaching, curriculum and care
In Kindergarten (KG), teaching is designed to engage children through various learning methods, sparking their interest and nurturing independence. However, in other grades, particularly in science, the consistency of active learning opportunities varies. Assessments range from brief learning checks to comprehensive exams, yet the integration of external test data to address learning gaps in phases 2-3 needs improvement.
Wellbeing
Governors and leaders help promote a clear vision for well-being. Students, staff and the parent council are involved in sharing their ideas for strengthening well-being. Students feel valued in the school, and they know how to find a trusted adult or the counsellor if they need someone. Students are safe and happy. Well-being activities are interesting to students, and there are different ways which encourage a positive wellbeing atmosphere in classrooms.
Inclusion
The school community welcomes students with different learning needs. There are policies to help make sure the needs of all students are met. The staff work to improve inclusion in the school. Students of determination are assessed to find the best way to help their learning. Gifted students are given some challenge, although more is needed. The new building provides all students with access to resource rooms. The majority of students of determination are making progress.
Leadership and management
School leaders and teachers have worked to help students learn within a safe and protected well-being community. The school has sustained or improved almost all of the gains from the previous year in student performance, even with the increase in school numbers. Leaders work very well with parents and value their contribution to the school community. Governors support school leaders and provide needed resources for learning.
- 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
- 14 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 20263 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
- Second midterm break
- 8 Feb 2027 to 9 Feb 20272 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, GEMS Al Khaleej International School - Dubai BranchIslamic 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 |
|---|---|---|
| A. Registration Requirements | Met Fully | Met Fully |
| B. International and Benchmark Achievement | ||
| C. Leadership: International and Emirati Achievement | Not in this report | |
| D. Teaching and Learning: Improving reading literacy |
Registration requirements: Met Fully
- The school exceeded its targets in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) in 2021 and the average score improved.
- However, results were still below the PIRLS center point and performance are at the intermediate international benchmark.
- Comparison show that boys performed better than girls on the Grade 4 assessment.
- The performance of Emirati students fell below their peers, but their overall progression on PIRLS was very good.
- Attainment in National Agenda benchmark assessments (MAP) remains weak in English, mathematics, and science.
- The progression is also weak.
Earlier reports
- 2022–23: Progress in international assessment — is below expectations
- 2019–20: Overall, the school’s progress toward achieving the UAE National Agenda targets — meets expectations
- 2018–19: Impact of Leadership — meets expectations
- 2017–18: attainment on the N.A.P — is below 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:
- 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.
Ball sports
- Football
- Basketball
- Rugby
Water sports
- Swimming · Swimming-Girls
Racket sports
- Table tennis
Individual sports
- Gymnastics
- Martial arts · karate
- Yoga & fitness · Yoga · Zumba
Dance
- Cultural dance · Arabic Dance
Theatre
- Drama
Music
- Choir & singing · Junior Choir
Art & design
- Art · Art and Crafts
- Photography & film · Film Making · photography
Science & technology
- Robotics
- Science & engineering club · Science Club
Debate & strategy
- Debate & public speaking · Debating
- Chess
Facilities
- Makerspace
· - Playing field
· - Sports courts
- Sports hall
- Swimming pool
· - Art studio
- Music rooms
Mentioned in earlier KHDA reports
- Model United Nations
- Design & fashion
Also mentioned: Henna, Fun Mask Making, Origami, Harvard Foreign Policy Initiative, Injaz, Emirati Culture Club
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 23 September 2026
Checked 23 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, in KG for 160 minutes per week.
Courses after 16
- Advanced Placement · AP
External examinations
- AP
Facilities
- Laboratories
- Medical clinic
- Libraries
Support for students of determination and the gifted
- gifted students have more opportunities to be challenged in their learning. p. 4
- The processes for identification and support for students of determination are secure p. 4
- Students of determination and those who are gifted and talented are accurately identified. p. 18
- The learning needs of students of determination are accurately identified and then appropriate individual educational plans (IEPs) are developed. p. 19
- Individualized learning plan (ILPs) are developed for those who are gifted and talented. p. 19
- The inclusion staff provide a differentiated curriculum and support for almost all students based on the identification of need. p. 19
- Back to text, source A
Full Inspection Report 2023–24
Page 3
Checked 16 September 2026.
On the school's website
What the school says about itself on gemsakinternationalschool.com, read on 22 September 2026. The school's own words, not checked by KHDA; a figure here is the school's own count. The site's name beside a line opens that page.
Exam results
- «We are proud to be an authorized IB World School and thrilled to be offering the IBDP for the academic year 2025-26» gemsakinternationalschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
Admissions
- «We are now accepting Admissions for Academic Year 2026-2027» gemsakinternationalschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «GEMS Al Khaleej International School follows the KHDA age requirement for students entering KG1 - Grade 1*.» gemsakinternationalschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «We are now accepting applications for both the 2025–2026 for Term 2 and 3 and 2026–2027 academic years, with tuition fees starting from AED 30,675 per year.» gemsakinternationalschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
School buses
- «To register your child for the school bus service, please contact the school’s dedicated Service Delivery Executive (SDE): Email: sde-akn@sts-group.com Telephone : + 971 552207495» gemsakinternationalschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- «GEMS Al Khaleej National School has outsourced the school transport service to School Transport Services LLC (STS).» gemsakinternationalschool.com on the school's website, opens in a new tab
- Back to text, source A
School website, read 22 September 2026
Checked 22 September 2026.
Fees
Tuition across 15 year groupsNote 1
AED 33,932 to AED 52,129Source 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, GEMS Al Khaleej International School - Dubai Branch, 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 33,932 | AED 33,932 |
| KG1 | AED 36,096 | AED 36,096 |
| KG2 | AED 36,096 | AED 36,096 |
| Primary | ||
| Grade 1 | AED 39,712 | AED 39,712 |
| Grade 2 | AED 39,712 | AED 39,712 |
| Grade 3 | AED 39,712 | AED 39,712 |
| Grade 4 | AED 42,004 | AED 42,004 |
| Grade 5 | AED 42,487 | AED 42,487 |
| Grade 6 | AED 42,487 | AED 42,487 |
| Secondary | ||
| Grade 7 | AED 44,219 | AED 44,219 |
| Grade 8 | AED 44,219 | AED 44,219 |
| Grade 9 | AED 44,709 | AED 44,709 |
| Grade 10 | AED 52,129 | AED 52,129 |
| Post-16 | ||
| Grade 11 | AED 52,129 | AED 52,129 |
| Grade 12 | AED 52,129 | AED 52,129 |
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: 5 strengths, 3 development points, 3 recurring across the last 5 reports.
Personal development and wellbeing
Note 12 strengths
Strength
Students’ outstanding personal and social development in all phases
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 3
Strength
The very good sense of wellbeing, which is found in all aspects of school life within this inclusive school
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 7
Health, safety and safeguarding
1 strength
Strength
The excellent standard of health and safety which ensures all students are safe and secure
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 4
Early years
1 strength
StrengthKindergarten
Kindergarten children’s very good achievement across all subjects
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 5
Staffing, facilities and resources
1 strength
Strength
The abundance of learning resources across the school, both practical and technology-based
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 6
Reading and literacy
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 2 of the last 5 reportsNote 2
Improve students’ English language skills, particularly their reading and writing skills.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 9
Teaching
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 3 of the last 5 reports
Raise the level of challenge in every subject and every grade, with higher teacher expectations of what students can accomplish in each lesson.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 10
Attainment and progress
1 development point
Development required, recurring in 4 of the last 5 reports
Improve students’ performance on external assessments so that most students meet at least the minimum requirement.
Full Inspection Report 2023–24, page 5, paragraph 11
Findings from 1 of 9 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 GEMS Al Khaleej International School - Dubai BranchOverall 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)
- 2017–18Up from AcceptableFull Inspection Report 2017–18 (opens in a new tab)
- 2016–17Same as 2015–16Full Inspection Report 2016–17 (opens in a new tab)
- 2015–16Same as 2014–15Full 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)
- 2012–13Same as 2011–12Full 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, GEMS Al Khaleej International School - Dubai Branch
| Year | Students | Teachers | Teacher turnover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 3,064 | Not available | Not available |
| 2023–24 | 2,665 | 191 | Not available |
| 2022–23 | 2,446 | 158 | 16% |
| 2021–22 | 2,005 | Not available | Not available |
| 2020–21 | 1,998 | Not available | Not available |
| 2019–20 | 2,163 | 147 | 25% |
| 2018–19 | 2,129 | 142 | 23% |
| 2017–18 | 2,072 | 143 | Not available |
| 2016–17 | 2,136 | 134 | 30% |
| 2015–16 | 2,183 | 139 | 30% |
| 2014–15 | 2,075 | Not available | Not available |
| 2013–14 | 2,302 | Not available | Not available |
| 2012–13 | 1,958 | Not available | Not available |
| 2011–12 | 1,867 | Not available | Not available |
| 2010–11 | 1,501 | 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)