Raffles International School Dubai (RIS)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$9K – US$24K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~1,400
Location: Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Raffles International Schools Dubai represents a group of schools under Innoventures Education, with Raffles World Academy serving as the flagship IB institution in Umm Suqeim 3. While the brand offers full IB programming and strong facilities with beachfront views, parent discussions suggest mixed experiences and the school group has faced stability challenges since ownership changes in 2010.
Operating since 2006 under Innoventures Education management, the Raffles brand in Dubai includes Raffles World Academy (the main IB school), Raffles International School, and eight nursery locations across the emirate. The flagship Raffles World Academy occupies a 30,000 square meter campus in Umm Suqeim 3 with views of Burj Al Arab, serving approximately 1,800 students through the full International Baccalaureate continuum from PYP through DP and CP programs. The school also offers BTEC qualifications and American High School Diploma pathways, positioning itself for academically ambitious families seeking curriculum breadth.
Parent discussions reveal polarized experiences with the Raffles schools. While some families appreciate the IB programming and facilities, others note concerns about consistency and value compared to Dubai's established international institutions. The school group experienced significant upheaval in 2010 when Emaar withdrew from education management, leading to staff changes and campus closures that affected community confidence. Reddit discussions from alumni describe the schools as 'mid' tier despite marketing claims, with some noting issues around mandatory purchases and administrative practices. The brand continues expanding with a new Sharjah campus planned for 2026-27, though it operates with considerably less visibility than tier-one Dubai institutions like Dubai College or JESS.
What parents value
- –Full IB continuum from Primary Years through Diploma and Career-related Programmes
- –Impressive beachfront campus location with views of Burj Al Arab
- –Broad curriculum options including BTEC and American diploma pathways
- –Strong facilities and extracurricular programming across 30,000 square meters
- –Diverse student body with balanced nationality representation
- –Sister school network providing potential transfer options within Innoventures group
Points of consideration
- –Mixed parent reviews regarding educational consistency and value proposition
- –Historical instability following 2010 ownership changes and campus closures
- –Limited visibility compared to Dubai's tier-one international schools
- –Some alumni describe the school as 'mid-tier' despite marketing positioning
- –Parent concerns about mandatory purchases and administrative practices
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS 1 | 3 | 9,273 |
| FS 2 | 3 | 9,273 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 11,461 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 14,726 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 14,726 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 14,726 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 17,394 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 17,394 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 17,686 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 19,678 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 19,678 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 19,678 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 20,863 |
| Year 12 | 16 | 23,639 |
| Year 13 | 17 | 23,639 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Assessment 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
Matthew Barrett - Principal
Matthew Barrett is an educational leader with nearly 20 years of experience in outstanding schools in the UK and Dubai.