Dar Al Marefa Private School
Curriculum
International Baccalaureate
KHDA
Good
Location
Dubai, Al Khwaneej 1
Fees
AED 40K - 82K
Dar Al Marefa Private School
The Executive Summary
Dar Al Marefa Private School Dubai occupies a genuinely singular position in the emirate's education landscape: it is Dubai's only bilingual English and Arabic IB curriculum school, offering the full continuum from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP), all delivered in both languages simultaneously. Owned by the Al Ghurair Group - one of the UAE's most prominent conglomerates - and located in Al Khwaneej 1, the school serves a predominantly Emirati student body (85% of its 1,225 students hold UAE nationality), making it one of the most culturally distinct IB schools in the region. Its KHDA rating of Good, held consistently since 2013-2014, reflects a school that delivers reliably but has not yet broken into the Very Good tier despite clear ambitions to do so. School fees Dubai families will pay range from AED 39,917 to AED 81,880 annually, positioning it as a premium-band school that is nonetheless more accessible than many comparable IB institutions. For families seeking an IB education that is deeply rooted in Emirati and Islamic values - rather than a Western-inflected international experience - this is a compelling and largely unrivalled option among Al Khwaneej 1 schools.
Only Bilingual IB School in Dubai85% Emirati Student BodyKHDA Good Rating 2023-2024Al Ghurair Group OwnedFull IB Continuum PYP-DP
“What sets Dar Al Marefa apart is that my children are genuinely learning in both Arabic and English - not just token Arabic lessons. The IB framework gives them critical thinking skills while the school keeps them connected to their Emirati identity. That combination is very rare in Dubai.”
— Grade 8 Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
Dar Al Marefa delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum - the only school in Dubai to do so in a genuinely bilingual Arabic and English format. The PYP covers Pre-KG through Grade 5, organising learning around six trans-disciplinary themes including Who We Are, How the World Works, and Sharing the Planet. Inquiry-based learning is the pedagogical spine: students are expected to ask questions, investigate, and construct understanding rather than receive it passively. The MYP runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10, with eight subject groups including Language and Literature in both English and Arabic, Mathematics, Integrated Sciences, Design Technology, Visual Arts, Drama, Physical and Health Education, and Islamic Studies. The IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12 is one of approximately 30 DP offerings in the UAE, and uniquely delivers a full bilingual Arabic-English DP - a distinction no other Dubai school can claim. Students study six subjects across two levels (Higher and Standard), complete a Theory of Knowledge course, write an Extended Essay, and fulfil Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) requirements. The maximum score is 45 points.
The DSIB inspection report for 2023-2024 provides a nuanced picture of academic performance. In the Diploma Programme, attainment and progress in English are Very Good and Outstanding respectively - the strongest single data point in the report. Mathematics attainment in KG is Very Good, though it drops to Acceptable in MYP, which is a meaningful gap that parents should note. Science attainment is Good across all phases, with Very Good progress in DP. Arabic as a First Language shows Good attainment across PYP, MYP and DP, with Very Good progress in DP. Islamic Education attainment is Good across all phases, with Very Good progress in PYP. Teaching quality is Good in KG, PYP and MYP, and Very Good in DP, indicating that the school's strongest academic delivery is concentrated in the senior years. The school's self-evaluation procedures were flagged by DSIB as not always providing an accurate picture, which has implications for improvement planning. There is no vocational or alternative pathway currently available for students less suited to the full academic IB programme, though the school has indicated it is exploring the IB Career-related Programme (CP) as a future addition. Books are included in the tuition fee, which reduces the hidden cost burden for families. University destinations include prestigious institutions, with the school's website showcasing acceptance to leading universities, though specific acceptance rate data is not published.
Outstanding
English Progress in DP
DSIB 2023-2024 - highest single academic rating in the inspection report
Very Good
English Attainment in DP
DSIB 2023-2024 inspection finding
Acceptable
Mathematics Attainment in MYP
Notable dip from Good in KG and PYP - area flagged for improvement
45
Maximum IB Diploma Points
42 subject points plus up to 3 for TOK and Extended Essay
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Dar Al Marefa positions its extracurricular programme as an integral extension of the IB philosophy rather than an optional add-on. The school's ECA offering spans a wide spectrum of physical, creative, cultural and academic pursuits. On the sporting side, students can participate in activities ranging from triathlons, swimming, CrossFit, martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu to wall climbing, yoga and ballet - a breadth that is genuinely impressive for a school of this size. The school's commitment to physical education aligns with the IB's CAS requirement, ensuring that senior students in particular engage meaningfully with active pursuits as part of their Diploma Programme obligations.
The performing and creative arts are represented through drama, visual arts, pottery, and calligraphy - the last of these being a culturally significant addition that reflects the school's Emirati identity. Robotics and artificial intelligence clubs signal a commitment to future-facing skills, and language clubs provide additional academic enrichment. One of the most distinctive ECA offerings is the Islamic programme, described by the school as one of its most sought-after activities, encompassing Holy Quran studies, ethics and values in a structured format. Quran recitation sessions are offered as both a curricular and extracurricular activity. Community service and social responsibility are embedded in the MYP's Action and Service component and the DP's CAS requirement. DSIB noted that DP students in particular take their leadership roles seriously, raising funds for global charitable causes. The school also organises cultural visits, readings by Emirati writers, and events that celebrate the UAE's national heritage. The KHDA inspection confirmed that a wide range of extra-curricular activities offers additional achievement opportunities, though precise club counts are not published by the school.
Outstanding
DP Social Responsibility and Innovation Skills
DSIB 2023-2024 - highest rating in personal and social development for DP students
Holy Quran Studies ProgrammeRobotics and AI ClubsBrazilian Jiu-JitsuIB CAS IntegratedEmirati Cultural Events
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care at Dar Al Marefa is structured around a clear commitment to student safety, emotional well-being, and Islamic values. The DSIB 2023-2024 inspection rated Health and Safety as Very Good across all phases - KG, PYP, MYP and DP - and Quality of Support as Very Good across all phases, which represents one of the most consistent high-scoring areas in the entire report. Child protection and safeguarding procedures are supported by regular staff training, and students are carefully supervised both within school and on school transport. The school's medical personnel and physical education teachers actively promote an active lifestyle, and the cafeteria provides healthy food options.
The school has invested in dedicated wellbeing infrastructure, including the appointment of a Head of Whole School Wellbeing, a Head of Whole School Safeguarding, and Student Wellbeing Advisors - roles added specifically to reflect the KHDA's increasing focus on wellbeing outcomes. Wellbeing lessons are embedded in the curriculum to help students articulate their feelings and emotions. Access to a guidance counsellor is available, though the school operates with only one counsellor for 1,225 students, which is a ratio that warrants monitoring as enrolment grows. The DSIB wellbeing assessment rated overall wellbeing provision as Good, noting that while leaders collect wellbeing data through surveys and use it to provide personalised support, the embedding of wellbeing across all aspects of the curriculum is still a work in progress. Students in MYP in particular were identified as needing improvement in self-awareness and self-control. The school has introduced unique roles including a Cultural Ambassador and a Happiness Ambassador to actively promote inclusivity and positivity across the community. Personal development ratings are Very Good across all four phases, reflecting a school where students feel safe, respected and valued.
“The school genuinely feels like a family. My daughter has never felt like an outsider - the values here, the way teachers treat the children, it reflects our own home values. The pastoral team is approachable and they actually follow up.”
— Grade 5 Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
The Dar Al Marefa campus is one of its most compelling selling points. Located on 47th Street in Al Khwaneej 1, the building was designed by RCR Arquitectes, the Spanish firm that won the Pritzker Prize - architecture's equivalent of the Nobel Prize - in 2017. This is not a generic school building: the campus was conceived from the ground up to stimulate discovery, learning, growth and creativity. Shadows, colours and geometric shapes create intricate patterns throughout the school's pathways and spaces, generating an environment that is visually stimulating and emotionally engaging. For parents who understand that the built environment shapes how children feel about learning, this is a meaningful differentiator.
The school describes its campus as purpose-built to maximise students' learning potential, and the DSIB inspection confirmed that management, staffing, facilities and resources are rated Very Good - one of the highest-rated leadership and management sub-categories. Key facilities include science laboratories (though DSIB noted that regular, challenging practical lab work is not consistently delivered in all phases), a swimming pool, sports facilities, art studios, music rooms, and dedicated spaces for drama and performing arts. KG classrooms operate as bilingual, free-flow learning environments with central play spaces and open-ended learning resources at child level. Technology is used to support learning across all phases, with students competent in using digital tools for research and independent study. The campus also houses a cafeteria providing healthy food options. The school's location in Al Khwaneej 1, close to Mirdif and accessible from Emirates Road, makes it convenient for families in the eastern residential communities of Dubai. Planned facility expansions have not been publicly detailed at the time of this review.
Very Good
Facilities and Resources Rating
DSIB 2023-2024 - Management, staffing, facilities and resources sub-category
2017
Pritzker Prize Won by Campus Architects RCR
Architecture's highest honour - campus designed to stimulate learning
Pritzker Prize-Winning ArchitecturePurpose-Built IB CampusSwimming Pool On-SiteBilingual KG Learning SpacesScience LaboratoriesArt and Drama Studios
Teaching & Learning Quality
The DSIB 2023-2024 inspection provides an honest and differentiated picture of teaching quality at Dar Al Marefa. Teaching for effective learning is rated Good in KG, PYP and MYP, and Very Good in DP - a pattern that reflects a school where the strongest pedagogical practice is concentrated in the senior years. In the best lessons observed by inspectors, teachers used subject knowledge and questioning skills very effectively to plan purposeful and engaging lessons. Students responded well to questioning and collaborated productively. However, inspectors also found that where teaching is less effective, expectations are often too low and students' independent learning skills are underutilised. This inconsistency across KG, PYP and MYP is the single most significant teaching quality issue identified in the report and forms one of the key DSIB recommendations.
The school's largest nationality group of teachers is British and Irish, supplemented by native English speakers from the USA, Australia and South Africa, as well as Arabic-speaking teachers from Syria, Lebanon and other countries - representing over ten nationalities in total. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:11 (110 teachers to 1,225 students), which is favourable by Dubai standards and enables a level of individual attention that larger schools cannot match. Average class sizes are capped at 24 students. Teacher turnover is reported at approximately 9%, which is relatively low for Dubai's competitive international school market and suggests reasonable staff retention. The impact of professional development is most clearly demonstrated in DP classes, where training investment is visibly translating into stronger outcomes. Assessment is rated Good in KG, PYP and MYP, and Very Good in DP. A noted weakness is that internal assessment data has not always been reliable, with internal results frequently higher than external data and lesson observations - a gap that DSIB has flagged as a priority for improvement. Technology is integrated into learning across all phases, with students demonstrating competence in digital research tools.
1:11
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
110 teachers to 1,225 students - favourable by Dubai standards
9%
Teacher Turnover Rate
Low by Dubai international school standards - suggests good staff retention
24
Maximum Class Size
Average class size cap across all year groups
Leadership & Management
Dar Al Marefa is owned by the Al Ghurair Group, one of the UAE's most prominent and diversified family conglomerates, with a well-established commitment to education through the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education - one of the largest privately funded philanthropic education initiatives in the Arab world. The Board of Governors includes prominent Emirati and international members, with independent governors bringing backgrounds in UAE and international education. Governance is rated Good by DSIB.
Leadership of the school transitioned in July 2024 when Mr. Steven Llewellyn Giles was appointed as Principal. Mr. Giles brings significant IB curriculum experience, having previously served as Head of Secondary at Raffles World Academy - an IB school - before becoming Principal of Raffles International School, where he successfully elevated the school's KHDA inspection rating to Very Good. His appointment signals a clear ambition at Dar Al Marefa to break through the Good ceiling. The school website lists the principal as Mr. Steven Giles, which is the authoritative source for leadership information. The previous principal, Ms. Naira Hamdy Aly Tahoun, served from January 2020 to July 2024 and was noted as Vice Chair of the UAE IB Association.
The leadership team has been strengthened with strategic appointments including a Head of Ministry of Education Subjects (covering Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies), a Head of Teaching and Learning, a Head of Whole School Wellbeing, and a Head of Whole School Safeguarding. The school's self-evaluation and improvement planning is rated Good by DSIB, though inspectors noted that judgements are not always accurate enough to form a fully reliable base for improvement planning - a gap that the incoming principal will need to address. Parent engagement is rated Very Good, with the inspection noting strong parental support and commitment. Communication with parents includes digital channels, and the school operates an online portal for admissions and engagement. The school's strategic direction is focused on strengthening bilingual IB delivery, improving teaching consistency across KG, PYP and MYP, and exploring the addition of the IB Career-related Programme.
KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The DSIB inspection conducted in January 2024 confirmed Dar Al Marefa's overall rating as Good - a rating the school has held continuously since 2013-2014, with the exception of three Acceptable years from 2010-2013 when the school was in its early development phase. The school has not yet achieved a Very Good rating, despite clear aspirations in that direction. The 2023-2024 report is broadly positive but identifies specific areas where improvement is needed before the school can make the next step.
In terms of students' achievement, the standout finding is the Outstanding progress in English in the Diploma Programme - the only Outstanding rating in the entire academic attainment section. DP performance is the school's academic high-water mark, with Very Good ratings in English attainment, mathematics progress, and science progress. The weakest academic finding is Acceptable mathematics attainment in MYP, which represents a meaningful dip that parents of middle school students should factor into their decision. Students' personal and social development is rated Very Good across all phases, with DP students achieving Outstanding in both Understanding of Islamic Values and Social Responsibility and Innovation Skills - a genuine strength of the school's culture.
The curriculum is rated Very Good across all phases in both design and adaptation, which is a strong finding. However, DSIB flagged that the curriculum does not provide a suitable alternative pathway for students less suited to the full academic IB programme. The National Agenda Parameter - which assesses schools' performance in international assessments such as PIRLS, TIMSS and PISA, with particular focus on Emirati students - was rated Good overall, with the Emirati cohort achieving Very Good in international and benchmark assessments. PIRLS 2021 results showed significant improvement over 2016. The wellbeing parameter was rated Good, with leaders praised for collecting and using wellbeing data, but with embedding of wellbeing across the curriculum still in progress. The inclusion rating is Good, with students of determination receiving good support.
Outstanding DP English Progress
DSIB awarded Outstanding for English progress in the Diploma Programme - the single highest academic rating in the 2023-2024 inspection. DP students demonstrate rapid improvement in extended writing and literary analysis, underpinned by a fast pace of learning and constructive teacher feedback.
Very Good Personal and Social Development
Students across all four phases (KG, PYP, MYP, DP) are rated Very Good for personal development, with DP students achieving Outstanding for understanding of Islamic values and social responsibility. Students demonstrate strong community leadership, charitable initiative, and a well-developed sense of Emirati cultural identity.
Very Good Curriculum Design Across All Phases
The curriculum is rated Very Good for both design and adaptation across KG, PYP, MYP and DP. The integration of IB frameworks with UAE Ministry of Education requirements - including Arabic, Islamic Education and Social Studies - is executed with skill, and the bilingual delivery model is a genuine structural strength.
Teaching Consistency in KG, PYP and MYP
DSIB identified inconsistency in teaching quality below the DP level as the primary area for improvement. Where teaching is less effective, expectations are too low and students' independent learning skills are not fully utilised. Improving the quality and consistency of teaching in KG, PYP and MYP is one of the three key DSIB recommendations.
Self-Evaluation Accuracy and Alternative Pathways
DSIB flagged that the school's self-evaluation does not always provide an accurate picture of performance, with internal assessment data frequently higher than external results. Additionally, the curriculum currently lacks alternative pathways for students less suited to the full academic IB programme - a gap that limits inclusivity for a wider range of learners.
Inspection History
2023-2024
Good
2022-2023
Good
2018-2019
Good
2017-2018
Good
2016-2017
Good
2015-2016
Good
2014-2015
Good
2013-2014
Good
2012-2013
Acceptable
2011-2012
Acceptable
2010-2011
Acceptable
2009-2010
Good
2008-2009
Good
Fees & Value for Money
Dar Al Marefa Private School offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum as the only bilingual IB school in Dubai, with tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year ranging from AED 39,917 for Pre-KG through KG2, up to AED 81,880 for Grades 11 and 12. The school positions itself as offering affordable fees relative to the quality of its IB programme, and notably, all required books are included in the tuition fee, reducing the additional cost burden on families.
AED 39,917
Annual Fees From
AED 81,880
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Pre-KG
AED 39,917KG1
AED 39,917KG2
AED 39,917Grade 1
AED 49,333Grade 2
AED 49,333Grade 3
AED 54,655Grade 4
AED 54,655Grade 5
AED 54,655Grade 6
AED 66,118Grade 7
AED 66,118Grade 8
AED 66,118Grade 9
AED 71,440Grade 10
AED 71,440Grade 11
AED 81,880Grade 12
AED 81,880Fees are payable in three termly installments, with the first payment due on 15 August, the second on 15 December, and the third on 15 March. The split for each grade follows an approximate 40/30/30 ratio across the three terms. Families benefit from a sibling discount of 5% on the third child (youngest) and 10% on every subsequent child, making the school more accessible for larger families. Credit card holders can also convert school payments into 0% installments through a banking partnership.
The school has maintained a Good DSIB rating consistently since 2013–2014, reflecting strong value for the fees charged. Additional partnerships with select card providers offer further benefits to employees of affiliated organisations. With books included and a structured payment plan, Dar Al Marefa provides a transparent and family-friendly fee structure for its bilingual IB education.
Discounts & Concessions
Sibling Discount – Third Child5%%
Sibling Discount – Fourth Child and Beyond10%%
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Dar Al Marefa is a school with a genuinely distinctive identity in Dubai's crowded education market. Its combination of full IB continuum delivery, authentic bilingual Arabic-English instruction, deep Emirati cultural grounding, and a Pritzker Prize-winning campus is unmatched by any other school in the emirate. The KHDA Good rating - sustained for over a decade - tells you this is a reliable school that educates its students well. The Outstanding DP English progress rating and Very Good personal development scores across all phases tell you there is real quality here, particularly in the senior years. But the teaching inconsistencies in KG, PYP and MYP, the Acceptable mathematics attainment in MYP, and the absence of alternative curriculum pathways are honest limitations that parents must weigh.
The arrival of Principal Steven Giles - who has a track record of elevating KHDA inspection ratings - is the most significant development at the school in recent years and gives genuine grounds for optimism about the next inspection cycle. For families who are making a long-term commitment to Dubai and want their children to grow up with both strong IB credentials and a deep connection to Emirati culture and the Arabic language, Dar Al Marefa is the most logical choice in the city. For families prioritising the highest possible academic outcomes above cultural alignment, or those seeking a more internationally diverse community, there are stronger options in Dubai's IB landscape.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Emirati families and Arabic-speaking expatriate families who want a full IB education delivered in both English and Arabic, with Islamic values and Emirati cultural identity at the heart of school life. Also well-suited to families committed to Dubai long-term who value the IB's university preparation alongside genuine bilingual fluency.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families primarily seeking the highest academic outcomes in an internationally diverse IB environment, or students who need alternative vocational or non-academic curriculum pathways. Non-Arabic-speaking expatriate families may find the school's cultural orientation and predominantly Emirati community less of a natural fit.
“
We looked at several IB schools but none of them could offer what Dar Al Marefa does - real Arabic instruction at IB level alongside English, with Islamic studies built in properly. Our son is genuinely bilingual now and heading to university with an IB diploma. That is exactly what we wanted.
— Grade 12 Parent
Strengths
- Only bilingual English and Arabic IB school in Dubai - unique and unrivalled
- Outstanding DSIB rating for English progress in the Diploma Programme
- Pritzker Prize-winning campus architecture purpose-built for IB learning
- Very Good personal development ratings across all four school phases
- Books included in tuition fees - reducing total cost of attendance
- Favourable 1:11 teacher-to-student ratio with 24-student class cap
- Low 9% teacher turnover - strong staff stability for a Dubai IB school
- Sibling discounts of 5-10% benefit larger families
Areas for Improvement
- Teaching quality inconsistent in KG, PYP and MYP - flagged by DSIB as key improvement area
- Mathematics attainment drops to Acceptable in MYP - a meaningful academic gap
- No alternative curriculum pathway for students less suited to full academic IB
- Only one guidance counsellor for 1,225 students - wellbeing capacity is stretched
- School self-evaluation not always accurate - limits reliability of improvement planning