Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (DIA)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$13K – US$23K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 3–18
Students: 1,700
Location: Al Barsha, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is a well-regarded IB continuum school opened in 2018 on a purpose-built 23-acre campus in Al Barsha. With 1,800 students from 90+ nationalities and a Very Good KHDA rating, it offers the full IB pathway from PYP through Diploma Programme, though it hasn't yet achieved the Outstanding status of its sister school in Emirates Hills.
Founded in 2018 by Innoventures Education Group, DIA Al Barsha took over the former GEMS Dubai American Academy site, creating a purpose-built IB campus serving Pre-KG through Grade 12. The school offers all four IB programmes - Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme with 21 subject options, and Career-related Programme - with plans to add BTEC technical streams. The 23-acre campus near Mall of the Emirates features sustainable elements including greenhouses and bee hives, a 400-seat auditorium, dedicated arts studios, and collaborative learning spaces designed for up to 3,000 students at full capacity.
With approximately 1,800 students representing over 90 nationalities and a teaching staff of 118 teachers plus 17 assistants, the school maintains favorable class sizes while building toward full enrollment. The school offers scholarships for high performers in academics, sports, and performing arts, and has partnered with the Centre for Musical Arts to strengthen its performing arts programme. Teacher discussions suggest DIA Al Barsha falls into the category of schools with challenging student behavior typical of Dubai's diverse international school environment, though specific academic outcomes and IB results aren't widely reported compared to the founding Emirates Hills campus.
What parents value
- –Full IB continuum from PYP through Diploma Programme with 21 DP subject options
- –Purpose-built 23-acre campus with modern facilities and sustainable features
- –Diverse student body with 90+ nationalities represented
- –Scholarships available for academic, sports, and performing arts excellence
- –Part of established Innoventures network with sister school holding Outstanding rating
- –Growing enrollment indicating parent confidence in the school
- –Strong arts programme through Centre for Musical Arts partnership
Points of consideration
- –Very Good KHDA rating rather than Outstanding status achieved by peer schools
- –Relatively new school (2018) still building its track record and reputation
- –Teacher discussions suggest challenging student behavior typical of Dubai schools
- –No specific IB Diploma Programme results or university placement data publicly available
- –Located in highly competitive Al Barsha school cluster with established alternatives
- –Still growing toward full capacity, indicating the school community is developing
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre KG | 3 | 13,018 |
| KG1 | 3 | 14,590 |
| KG2 | 4 | 15,313 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | 16,927 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | 16,927 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | 17,048 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | 17,048 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | 17,048 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | 19,233 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | 19,233 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | 19,233 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | 21,285 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | 21,285 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | 23,125 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | 23,125 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Entrance Test 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
Ian Thurston - Principal
Ian Thurston moved from the UK to Dubai in 2007 and has held school leadership positions since 2013, including Head of DP, Deputy Head Pastoral, and Head of Secondary before becoming Principal.