Ambassador International Academy Dubai (AIA)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$9K – US$20K
Curriculum: IB · British
Age Range: 2–18
Students: 1,600
Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Ambassador International Academy Mankhool is a new IB continuum school opening in August 2026 under founding principal Ruth Burke, backed by Bridge Education's established track record. With fees ranging from AED 65,000-95,000 and a purpose-built Mankhool campus, it addresses a significant gap in central Dubai's IB school options.
Led by founding principal Ruth Burke, who brings over 30 years of educational leadership across Ireland, UK, and UAE institutions including Swiss International Scientific School Dubai and GEMS Wellington International School, the school represents Bridge Education's most ambitious project to date. The group currently operates three UAE schools serving 4,500+ students from over 90 nationalities, with their flagship Ambassador International Academy in Al Khail achieving KHDA Good status with Very Good and Outstanding features.
The school will launch with Grade 8 in August 2026, expanding gradually to offer the full IB continuum through Grade 12. Specializing in AI, Digital, Business Innovation, and Start-ups, it fills a notable gap for families in central Dubai areas including City Walk, Downtown Dubai, La Mer, and Bur Dubai, where IB options have historically been limited. The purpose-built Mankhool campus and mid-to-upper tier fee structure of AED 65,000-95,000 positions it as a credible new option in Dubai's competitive IB sector.
What parents value
- –Experienced founding principal with 30+ years leadership across prestigious Dubai schools
- –Backed by established Bridge Education group with strong track record
- –Addresses significant gap in central Dubai's IB school options
- –Purpose-built campus designed for modern international education
- –Specialization in future-focused subjects like AI and digital innovation
- –Founding family discounts available during launch phase
Points of consideration
- –School hasn't opened yet - track record will develop over time
- –Initial launch with only Grade 8, requiring several years to reach full capacity
- –KHDA approval still pending for August 2026 opening
- –New school requiring time to establish community culture and traditions
- –Limited facilities information available until campus completion
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS 1/Pre-KG | 3 | 9,262 |
| FS 2/KG-1 | 3 | 10,022 |
| Year 1/KG-2 | 5 | 11,352 |
| Year 2/Grade 1 | 6 | 12,086 |
| Year 3/Grade 2 | 7 | 12,086 |
| Year 4/Grade 3 | 8 | 12,890 |
| Year 5/Grade 4 | 9 | 12,890 |
| Year 6/Grade 5 | 10 | 12,890 |
| Year 7/Grade 6 | 11 | 13,799 |
| Year 8/Grade 7 | 12 | 14,800 |
| Year 9/Grade 8 | 13 | 16,642 |
| Year 10/Grade 9 | 14 | 17,561 |
| Year 11/Grade 10 | 15 | 19,017 |
| Year 12/Grade 11 | 16 | 20,286 |
| Year 13/Grade 12 | 17 | 20,286 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | 136 |
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
James Lynch - Principal
James Lynch is the Principal of Ambassador International Academy Dubai, with 25 years of experience in education and 20 years in leadership roles. He previously served as the Founding Principal of the academy and is the success of each individual student, including their emotional and social development.