GEMS Al Khaleej International School (AKIS)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$8K – US$17K
Curriculum: American
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~2,400
Location: Al Warqa, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
GEMS Al Khaleej International School Dubai is an established American curriculum school serving students from kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1992 as part of the GEMS Education network, it offers a comprehensive American pathway with strong university placement rates, though it operates below Dubai's premium tier schools like Dubai College or JESS.
The school follows the American curriculum leading to a US high school diploma, with students progressing through elementary, middle and high school divisions. Over recent years, AKIS has maintained one of the better university admission rates among Dubai's international schools, with graduates accepted to over 1,050 university programs globally. The school serves a diverse international community and has built a reputation for academic achievement within the American curriculum pathway.
Located in Dubai and operating for over three decades, GEMS Al Khaleej provides the stability and resources of the GEMS network while maintaining a more accessible fee structure than Dubai's top-tier institutions. Parents report positive experiences with both elementary and kindergarten sections, praising the teaching staff for their dedication and the school's focus on transforming students' learning experiences. The school emphasizes building a culture of kindness and community engagement, with regular parent workshops and communication systems in place.
What parents value
- –Strong university placement record with graduates accepted to over 1,000+ programs globally
- –Established 30+ year history providing stability and experience
- –Part of the well-resourced GEMS Education network
- –Positive parent feedback on teaching quality and staff dedication
- –American curriculum pathway appeals to families planning US university study
- –Active parent community engagement and communication systems
- –More accessible than Dubai's premium tier schools while maintaining quality
Points of consideration
- –Limited public information available about specific facilities and programs
- –Sits below Dubai's most prestigious international schools in terms of reputation
- –American curriculum may not suit families preferring British or IB pathways
- –GEMS network schools can vary significantly in quality and management
- –Less visibility in international school discussions compared to top-tier Dubai institutions
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre KG | 3 | 8,353 |
| KG 1 | 3 | 8,747 |
| KG 2 | 4 | 8,747 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | 9,700 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | 9,700 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | 9,700 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | 10,667 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | 10,667 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | 10,667 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | 12,041 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | 12,041 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | 12,174 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | 14,194 |
| Grade 11 (American) | 16 | 14,194 |
| Grade 12 (American) | 17 | 14,194 |
| Grade 11 (IB) | 16 | 17,279 |
| Grade 12 (IB) | 17 | 17,279 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 143 |
Photos
Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Dubai's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from over 180 nationalities. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Ghadeer Abu-Shamat - Superintendent/CEO
Ghadeer Abu-Shamat is a bilingual educational leader with over 20 years of experience across Jordan, the UK, and UAE. She holds a Master's in Educational Management and Leadership from UCL, a Higher Diploma from AUB, and is a doctorate candidate at IOE-UCL.