Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School, Dubai
Iranian School in Al Qusais 1, Dubai
Last updated
Curriculum
Iranian
KHDA
Acceptable
Location
Dubai, Al Qusais 1
Fees
AED 3K - 4K
The Executive Summary
Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School Dubai is one of the most distinctive institutions in the emirate's private school landscape - not because it competes with the city's premium international schools, but because it serves a purpose no other school in Al Qusais 1 fulfils: delivering a full Grade 1 to Grade 12 education entirely through the Iranian curriculum, in Persian, for boys aged 6 to 18. Established in 1995 and operating under the Directorate of Iranian Schools, the school carries a KHDA rating of Acceptable (2023-2024) - a position it has held consistently since inspections began in 2011. School fees Dubai parents will find genuinely rare: annual tuition ranges from AED 2,673 to AED 4,038, placing this firmly among the most affordable full-cycle schools in the city. For Iranian expatriate families prioritising cultural continuity, linguistic identity, and Islamic values within a tight budget, this school is not simply a choice - it is often the only logical one among Al Qusais 1 schools.
Iranian Curriculum, Grade 1-12KHDA Acceptable RatedAED 2,673 Lowest Fee DubaiStrong Science OutcomesVery Good Parental Partnership
“The school keeps our sons connected to their roots. The teachers understand our culture, the language of instruction is Persian, and the fees are manageable. For our family, there is no comparable alternative in Dubai.”
— Grade 7 Parent(representative)Academic Framework & Learning Style
The school follows the Iranian national curriculum, mandated by the Iranian Ministry of Education, and delivers all core instruction in Persian. The curriculum spans Grade 1 through Grade 12, encompassing Primary (Grades 1-5), Middle (Grades 6-9), and High School (Grades 10-12). Core subjects include Persian language and literature, Islamic studies, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arabic as an additional language, and English. In the upper secondary phase, students specialise into streams - Science, Social Studies, and Information Technology - each with a distinct examination pathway aligned to Iranian national assessments. The school does not offer internationally recognised qualifications such as IGCSE, A-Level, or IB; graduates sit Iranian national examinations and typically progress to Iranian universities or regional institutions. UAE Moral, Social and Cultural Studies (MSCS) is delivered for 90 minutes weekly across all grades, covering values including helpfulness, resilience, and civic responsibility, with group work, debate, and self-assessment forming part of the delivery method. According to the KHDA 2023-2024 inspection report, Science is the standout subject, achieving Good attainment and Good progress across all three phases - Primary, Middle, and High. This is directly attributed to consistent laboratory-based learning that develops investigative, observational, and experimental skills. English attainment is Good across all phases, though progress is only Acceptable because students have insufficient opportunities for independent reading and writing practice, particularly in Primary and Middle. Mathematics performance is strongest in High School, where both attainment and progress are rated Good, driven by specialist teachers with higher expectations and stronger examination alignment. In Primary and Middle, Mathematics attainment and progress are Acceptable, with KHDA recommending more real-life application and foundational reinforcement for younger learners. Arabic as an Additional Language is Acceptable in both attainment and progress across Primary and Middle, with speaking and listening skills outperforming reading and writing. The school has two guidance counsellors who support students with academic and career guidance, and operates a specialist support unit for students with more complex needs. Gifted and talented identification systems are still in early development. The pedagogical approach is broadly traditional and knowledge-focused, with skill development strongest in the High School phase where examination requirements drive closer attention to applied learning. KHDA notes that critical thinking, cross-curricular integration, and independent learning are not yet consistently embedded, particularly in Primary and Middle phases.
Good
Science Attainment - All Phases
KHDA 2023-2024: strongest subject across Primary, Middle and High
Good
English Attainment - All Phases
KHDA 2023-2024; progress remains Acceptable due to limited independent writing practice
Good
Maths Attainment and Progress - High School
KHDA 2023-2024; Acceptable in Primary and Middle
2
Guidance Counsellors
Supporting social, emotional and career guidance for 475 students
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)
Extracurricular provision at Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School is modest by the standards of Dubai's larger international schools, but it is purposeful and aligned with the school's community-focused mission. The KHDA 2023-2024 inspection report acknowledges that extra-curricular activities, while not extensive, contribute meaningfully to students' understanding of life as members of both the UAE and international communities. The programme is primarily oriented around three pillars: community service, physical health through sport, and cultural enrichment. Sport forms the backbone of after-school activity, with a new sports pitch added to the campus through parental contributions. Physical activity is encouraged across all phases, with students having regular movement breaks and access to outdoor facilities. The school participates in community-based sporting activities appropriate to its size and resources. Cultural and academic enrichment activities include participation in competitions organised by the Directorate of Iranian Schools across its network in the UAE and beyond. The school's website records participation in Golestan reading competitions for Iranian schools abroad, scientific Olympiad qualifications, and an AI Creativity Festival - reflecting an emerging focus on innovation and digital literacy. Students in the High School phase participate in science fair projects, demonstrating applied scientific skills and independent investigation. Religious and civic ceremonies are a regular feature of school life, including Teacher Appreciation Week events, Ramadan observances, and UAE National Day celebrations. Students take on leadership roles as class monitors, student council representatives, and flag bearers, contributing to a structured sense of civic responsibility. The Wednesday Wellbeing initiative adds a health and lifestyle dimension to the weekly schedule. Community service and environmental awareness are integrated into student life, with students participating in recycling initiatives and sustainability campaigns. KHDA notes that opportunities for innovation, enterprise, and entrepreneurial thinking are being considered but are not yet formally embedded in the programme. The school's counsellors and the student council provide additional channels for student voice and participation. While the ECA offering cannot match the breadth of larger or higher-fee schools, it is coherent, culturally grounded, and appropriate to the school's size and community.
90 min/week
UAE MSCS Programme
Delivered across all grades, Grades 1-12, covering values and civic responsibility
Science Olympiad ParticipationAI Creativity FestivalStudent Council ActiveWednesday Wellbeing InitiativeCommunity Service Focus
Pastoral Care & Well-being
Pastoral care at Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School is one of its more reliable strengths. The KHDA 2023-2024 inspection rates Health and Safety as Good and Care and Support as Good across all three phases. The school operates in an atmosphere of mutual respect between students and teachers, and the whole community - students, staff, and families - understands and supports the school's code of behaviour. Behaviour management is effective, with systems for attendance and punctuality working well. Students demonstrate high levels of self-discipline, particularly in Middle and High School, and arrive at school and to lessons on time. The school has two dedicated guidance counsellors who address students' social and emotional needs and advise on career pathways and future options. A specialist support unit provides an alternative pathway for students with more complex needs, offering personalised, weekly sessions that are highly valued by parents and students alike. Safeguarding policies and practices are in place, including systems for managing cyber bullying and ensuring safe use of technology. However, KHDA identified a specific gap: not all new staff consistently sign child protection documentation on joining, which is a procedural weakness that leadership must address as a priority. The school's inclusive ethos is evident in its welcoming approach to students of determination. Identification systems are in place, and the specialist unit provides tailored support. However, KHDA notes that gifted and talented identification systems are still emerging and require further development. Wellbeing provision is rated Acceptable overall. Leaders are committed to embedding wellbeing across school life, and the Wednesday Wellbeing initiative has begun to influence healthy lifestyle choices. However, the use of student surveys and structured wellbeing data collection is limited, meaning the school does not yet have a fully evidence-based picture of student well-being. Curriculum planning that integrates wellbeing is underdeveloped, particularly in Primary and Middle phases. Despite these gaps, the personal care evident in classrooms and the strong parental partnership create a nurturing school culture that students and families clearly value.
“The counsellors are always available and genuinely care about the boys. When my son was struggling to settle, the school reached out to us before we even had to ask. That kind of attention is rare.”
— Grade 5 Parent(representative)Campus & Facilities
Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School occupies a functional, community-maintained campus in Al Qusais 1, one of Dubai's established residential districts with good road connectivity and proximity to Al Qusais Metro Station. The campus is modest in scale, as befits a school of 475 students operating within one of Dubai's lowest fee brackets. Facilities include standard classrooms, science laboratories, administrative offices, outdoor play areas, and a specialist support unit for students with complex needs. A new sports pitch was added through direct parental contributions, reflecting the community's active investment in the school's physical environment. Science laboratories are a genuine strength of the campus - KHDA inspectors note that regular laboratory-based learning is a key driver of the school's Good science outcomes. Equipment has been enhanced in recent years, again partly through parental support. The campus is clean and maintained to a reasonable standard, with routine safety checks conducted on essential equipment. Regular fire drills are carried out and results recorded. Transport arrangements are described by KHDA as safe and well managed. Technology infrastructure remains limited. While leaders have increased IT resources, including computers and software relevant to the Iranian curriculum, the use of technology in everyday teaching is not yet embedded. The school does not currently operate a 1:1 device programme or advanced digital learning platforms. Dedicated facilities for performing arts, music, drama, or advanced STEM maker spaces are not referenced in available school or KHDA documentation. The campus does not have a swimming pool. The school's location in Al Qusais 1 makes it accessible to Iranian families living across the Deira, Al Qusais, and Mirdif corridors. While the area is not a premium residential zone, it is well connected and affordable - factors that align with the school's community profile. Parents considering the school should calibrate their facility expectations accordingly: this is a working community school, not a purpose-built international campus, and its strengths lie in its people and its culture rather than its infrastructure.
475
Students on Campus
All boys, Grade 1-12, in a compact Al Qusais 1 setting
1995
Year Established
One of Dubai's longest-running Iranian curriculum schools
Science Labs OperationalNew Sports Pitch AddedSpecialist Support UnitSafe Transport ArrangementsAl Qusais Metro AccessParent-Funded Upgrades
Teaching & Learning Quality
Teaching quality at Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School is the area of greatest variability - and, frankly, the school's most significant challenge. The KHDA 2023-2024 inspection rates Teaching for Effective Learning as Good in High School but only Acceptable in Primary and Middle. Assessment is rated Acceptable across all three phases. The school employs 37 teachers and 3 teaching assistants, with the teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:13 - reasonable for a school of this size and fee level. The majority of staff are Iranian nationals, which is appropriate given that instruction is delivered entirely in Persian and aligned to the Iranian national curriculum. Specialist teachers in the High School demonstrate secure subject knowledge and achieve better-than-expected outcomes in Science and Mathematics. Their lessons show effective use of questioning, plenary sessions, and examination-aligned skill development. In Primary and Middle, however, KHDA identifies a consistent pattern of inconsistency: learning activities are not always matched to the needs, interests, and abilities of individual learners. Lesson planning does not sufficiently reflect assessment data, and student work observed in classrooms does not always align with what internal assessment records suggest students can do. This gap between assessment and practice is a systemic weakness that KHDA has flagged as a priority for improvement. Assessment practices across all phases are Acceptable. The school has identified the need to develop student self-assessment and peer assessment, but students currently lack the skills to apply these approaches effectively. Written feedback on student work varies considerably between teachers. Professional development is identified by KHDA as an area requiring urgent attention. Training opportunities for teachers are not yet sufficiently targeted to address specific weaknesses in teaching quality. Some teachers serve across more than one Iranian school in the network, which creates scheduling pressures and limits the depth of engagement with a single campus community. Technology use in teaching is limited. While leaders have stated an ambition to increase classroom technology, this has not yet translated into consistent practice. Critical thinking activities, inquiry-based learning, and research skills development are not yet embedded, particularly in the lower phases.
37
Teachers
All phases, Grade 1-12; majority Iranian nationals
1:13
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Calculated from 475 students and 37 teachers; reasonable for fee level
Good
Teaching Quality - High School
KHDA 2023-2024; Acceptable in Primary and Middle phases
Leadership & Management
The school is led by Principal Majid Ekhlasi, appointed in June 2023. His mandate is clear: raise academic expectations, strengthen teaching quality, improve self-evaluation processes, and deepen the school's engagement with KHDA's inspection framework. Early indicators suggest he is actively engaging with stakeholders and working to develop a coherent school vision, though KHDA notes that this process is still in its formative stages. The school is owned and governed by the Directorate of Iranian Schools in the UAE, an organisation that oversees a network of six schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all serving Iranian nationals. Governance is rated Acceptable by KHDA. Governors are responsible for resource allocation and strategic direction, but KHDA identifies limitations in the ongoing training of staff and the availability of modern resources - two areas where the governing body must take more decisive action. The school's self-evaluation processes are rated Acceptable and require significant improvement. KHDA notes that the school's own assessment of its performance is not sufficiently analytical, comprehensive, or reliable, and does not yet effectively inform strategic improvement planning. This is a meaningful weakness: without accurate self-knowledge, improvement is reactive rather than strategic. Parent and community engagement is a genuine strength, rated Very Good by KHDA - the highest rating awarded to any leadership or management indicator. Parents are actively involved in school life, have contributed materially to facility improvements, and maintain strong communication with the school. The school communicates with parents through meetings, events, counsellor contact, and a parent engagement portal accessible via the school's website. The student council provides a channel for student voice, and class monitors and flag bearers give students a structured sense of civic responsibility. Leadership capacity across middle management is developing but requires further investment in targeted professional development to accelerate improvement at classroom level.
KHDA Inspection Results (Decoded)
The KHDA 2023-2024 inspection rates Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School as Acceptable overall - a rating the school has held without interruption since KHDA inspections began in 2011-2012. That is more than a decade of consistent Acceptable performance, which tells a clear story: the school is stable, it is not declining, but it is also not improving at a pace that would move the needle to Good. The inspection reveals a school of two distinct halves. The High School performs at a Good level in Science, Mathematics, English attainment, teaching quality, and curriculum design - genuine pockets of strength that demonstrate what the school is capable of when specialist expertise and examination focus converge. The Primary and Middle phases, however, show persistent Acceptable performance across most indicators, with teaching inconsistency, weak assessment use, and underdeveloped critical thinking the primary concerns. Attainment in English is Good across all phases, which is a notable achievement for a school delivering instruction primarily in Persian. Science is consistently Good in both attainment and progress across all phases - the most impressive single data point in the inspection. Mathematics progress and attainment are Good in High School but only Acceptable elsewhere. Arabic as an Additional Language is Acceptable throughout. The Wellbeing rating is Acceptable and the Inclusion rating is Good. The Inclusion rating is particularly significant: it reflects the school's genuine commitment to students of determination, its specialist unit, and its personalised support approach. Parents and community engagement is rated Very Good - a standout result that underscores the exceptional parental partnership that has materially supported the school's development. Leadership effectiveness, self-evaluation, governance, and management are all Acceptable. KHDA's key recommendations centre on four priorities: deeper analysis of assessment data by subject and student group; universal implementation of high-quality teaching standards; more rigorous and analytical self-evaluation; and targeted investment in professional development and modern resources.
Science: Good Across All Phases
Science achieves Good attainment and Good progress in Primary, Middle, and High School - the only subject to do so. Regular laboratory-based learning is directly credited by KHDA inspectors for developing investigative and practical skills.
Very Good Parental Partnership
KHDA rates parent and community engagement as Very Good - the highest indicator in the leadership domain. Parents have contributed materially to facilities including IT equipment, air conditioning, and science lab resources, and maintain strong communication with the school.
Good Inclusion and Student Support
Inclusion is rated Good, reflecting the school's specialist support unit, two guidance counsellors, and personalised provision for students of determination. Parents of students with complex needs report high satisfaction with the quality of care.
Assessment Not Driving Teaching
KHDA identifies a systemic disconnect between internal assessment data and classroom practice. Lesson planning does not sufficiently reflect what assessment reveals about student needs, particularly in Arabic, English, and Mathematics. This is the school's most consequential improvement priority.
Teaching Consistency Across Phases
Teaching quality is Good in High School but only Acceptable in Primary and Middle. Professional development is not yet targeted enough to address specific weaknesses, and some teachers serve across multiple schools in the network, limiting depth of engagement. Leaders and governors must invest in structured, ongoing training.
Inspection History
2023-2024
Acceptable
2022-2023
Acceptable
2019-2020
Acceptable
2018-2019
Acceptable
2017-2018
Acceptable
2011-2012
Acceptable
Fees & Value for Money
Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School (also known as Khadijeh Kobra Iranian School) offers a KHDA-approved Iranian curriculum for Grades 1 through 12. The school's tuition fees are among the most affordable in Dubai, reflecting its community-oriented mission to serve the Iranian expatriate population. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition fees range from AED 2,673 for primary grades up to AED 4,038 for senior secondary grades, making it one of the lowest-cost private school options in the city.
AED 2,673
Annual Fees From
AED 4,038
Annual Fees To
Year / GradeAnnual Fee
Grade 1
AED 2,673Grade 2
AED 2,673Grade 3
AED 2,673Grade 4
AED 2,673Grade 5
AED 2,673Grade 6
AED 3,744Grade 7
AED 3,388Grade 8
AED 3,388Grade 9
AED 3,744Grade 10 (Maths)
AED 4,038Grade 10 (IT)
AED 4,038Grade 10 (Social)
AED 4,038Grade 10 (Science)
AED 4,038Grade 11 (Maths)
AED 4,038Grade 11 (Literature)
AED 4,038Grade 11 (Science)
AED 4,038Grade 11 (IT)
AED 4,038Grade 12 (Maths)
AED 4,038Grade 12 (Social)
AED 4,038Grade 12 (Literature)
AED 4,038Grade 12 (IT)
AED 4,038Grade 12 (Science)
AED 4,038In addition to tuition, the school charges fees for required educational supplies including uniform and books, as well as optional services such as medical cover, extra-curricular activities, English programmes, and skill programmes. These additional costs are standardised across all grade levels. For Grade 10, 11, and 12 IT-stream students, an additional AED 1,000 skill programme fee applies, bringing the total for those grades to approximately AED 8,467–AED 8,468 per year.
The school's fee structure is regulated and approved by the KHDA, ensuring transparency and affordability. With a DSIB overall rating of Acceptable for 2023–2024 and strong ratings in science and personal development, the school offers reasonable value for families seeking an Iranian-curriculum education in Dubai at a very competitive price point.
Additional Costs
Uniform400(annual)
Books650(annual)
Medical250(annual)
Extra Activities550(annual)
English Programmes650(annual)
Skill Programmes (IT stream)1000(annual)
The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?
Iranian Salman Farsi Boys School is not trying to be all things to all families - and that clarity of purpose is, paradoxically, one of its greatest strengths. It is a community school in the truest sense: built by and for Dubai's Iranian expatriate population, maintained partly through parental generosity, and sustained by a shared commitment to cultural identity, Islamic values, and Persian-medium education. Its KHDA Acceptable rating reflects real limitations - inconsistent teaching in the lower phases, underdeveloped assessment practices, limited technology integration, and a campus that cannot match the infrastructure of higher-fee schools. These are not minor footnotes; they are genuine constraints that parents must weigh honestly. But the school's strengths are also real. Science outcomes are Good across every phase. English attainment is Good throughout. The High School delivers solid examination-aligned teaching. Parental partnership is rated Very Good by KHDA - a reflection of a community that is deeply invested in this school's success. The specialist support unit provides genuinely personalised care for students of determination. And the fees, at AED 2,673 to AED 4,038 per year, are simply unmatched in Dubai for a school covering Grade 1 through Grade 12. The school is improving under Principal Majid Ekhlasi's leadership, but progress is measured. Families who choose this school are making a long-term cultural and community commitment, not a short-term academic gamble. That is a legitimate and considered choice - provided expectations are calibrated to what the school is, rather than what it is not.
THE “RIGHT FIT”
Iranian expatriate families seeking Persian-medium education aligned with the Iranian national curriculum, who prioritise cultural continuity, Islamic values, affordability, and community connection over premium facilities or broad extracurricular choice.
THE “WRONG FIT”
Families expecting modern campus infrastructure, a wide ECA programme, advanced technology integration, or a trajectory towards internationally recognised qualifications such as IGCSE, A-Level, or IB. Non-Iranian families or those requiring English-medium instruction will also find this school an unsuitable match.
“
We chose this school because we want our sons to grow up knowing who they are - Iranian, Muslim, and proud of it. The fees allow us to save for their university. That balance matters to our family.
— Grade 10 Parent
Strengths
- Science rated Good across all phases by KHDA - a genuine academic strength
- English attainment Good in Primary, Middle, and High School
- Among the lowest annual fees of any full-cycle private school in Dubai
- Very Good parental partnership rated by KHDA inspectors
- Specialist support unit provides Good inclusion for students of determination
- Strong student behaviour, discipline, and Islamic values across all phases
- High School teaching rated Good with solid examination-aligned outcomes
- Culturally coherent Persian-medium environment for Iranian expatriate families
Areas for Improvement
- KHDA Acceptable overall rating held consistently since 2011 - no upward trajectory yet
- Teaching quality Acceptable in Primary and Middle; inconsistency a persistent concern
- Assessment data not effectively used to inform lesson planning across phases
- Campus facilities modest; no performing arts spaces, swimming pool, or advanced tech infrastructure
- Extracurricular programme limited compared to higher-fee Dubai schools