Dar Al Marefa Private School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$11K – US$22K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~1,200
Location: Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Dar Al Marefa Private School is Dubai's only bilingual IB school offering education in both Arabic and English, located in Al Khawaneej. The school emphasizes respect for local culture while providing international education, though limited public information makes it challenging to assess current academic outcomes and community satisfaction.
Established as an IB World School in Al Khawaneej, Dar Al Marefa distinguishes itself as Dubai's sole bilingual international school delivering the International Baccalaureate curriculum in both Arabic and English. This unique positioning serves families seeking international education while maintaining strong connections to Arabic language and cultural heritage. The school's bilingual approach sets it apart from most Dubai international schools that operate primarily in English, making it particularly attractive to Emirati families and Arabic-speaking expatriates who value preserving their linguistic and cultural identity.
Recent recruitment activity suggests the school is expanding its special educational needs support, with September 2025 job postings seeking SEN/Inclusion teachers for English and Mathematics. KHDA inspection reports indicate parent engagement is rated as Very Good, suggesting strong family involvement in the school community. However, the school maintains a relatively low public profile compared to Dubai's more established international institutions, with limited discussion in parent forums or detailed academic performance data readily available online.
What parents value
- –Unique bilingual Arabic-English IB curriculum in Dubai
- –Strong emphasis on local culture and values alongside international education
- –Very Good rating for parent engagement from KHDA inspections
- –IB World School authorization providing internationally recognized qualifications
- –Active recruitment of specialized support staff for inclusive education
Points of consideration
- –Limited public information available about academic results and university placements
- –Relatively low profile in parent discussion forums and review sites
- –Location in Al Khawaneej may be less convenient for families in central Dubai areas
- –Smaller school community compared to established Dubai international schools
- –Limited transparency about fees and admission processes
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-KG | 3 | 10,869 |
| KG1 | 3 | 10,869 |
| KG2 | 4 | 10,869 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | 13,433 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | 13,433 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | 14,882 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | 14,882 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | 14,882 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | 18,004 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | 18,004 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | 18,004 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | 19,453 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | 19,453 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | 22,295 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | 22,295 |
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 | 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
Steven Giles - Principal
Steven Giles is an experienced education leader with a Master's in Education from the University of Exeter, a Bachelor's in Education, and a National Professional Qualification for Headship.