The City School International, Dubai
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$4K – US$10K
Curriculum: British
Age Range: 3–18
Students: ~1,000
Location: Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
The City School International Dubai is a mid-market British curriculum school in Al Barsha that achieved its first 'Good' KHDA rating in 2025 after years of 'Acceptable' ratings. While the school offers competitive fees and serves a diverse student body of over 45 nationalities, recent discussions reveal mixed parent experiences with particular concerns about management practices and teaching consistency.
Established in 2012 as part of the Pakistani-founded City School network, the institution follows the British National Curriculum from Foundation Stage through A-Levels on a 5-acre campus near Mall of the Emirates. Under Principal Ms. Farah Merchant's leadership since 2022, the school serves approximately 1,800 students with a predominantly South Asian demographic (60% Pakistani/Indian). The school focuses on Cambridge International Examinations with recent A-Level results averaging 38 points and 85% A*-C grades at IGCSE level, positioning it as a solid academic option in Dubai's competitive mid-tier British school market.
Parent discussions reveal polarized experiences with the school community. While some families appreciate the diverse international environment and competitive fee structure (ranging from AED 35,000 for early years to AED 70,000 for A-Levels), others describe concerns about administrative efficiency and teaching quality consistency. The school's recent achievement of 'Good' KHDA ratings across all phases represents significant improvement from previous 'Acceptable' ratings, though it still trails established Dubai British institutions like GEMS Wellington or Kings' School in overall reputation and facilities. Recent investments include AED 5 million in new STEM labs and AI-integrated curriculum, suggesting commitment to educational enhancement.
What parents value
- –Competitive fee structure compared to premium Dubai British schools
- –Diverse international community with over 45 nationalities represented
- –Recent KHDA rating improvement to 'Good' across all phases in 2025
- –Strong university placement record with 95% acceptance to top institutions
- –Convenient Al Barsha location near Mall of the Emirates
- –Recent investment in STEM facilities and technology integration
- –Solid Cambridge International Examinations results
Points of consideration
- –Mixed parent feedback regarding administrative practices and communication
- –Teaching quality consistency concerns raised in recent discussions
- –Still building reputation compared to established Dubai British institutions
- –Limited extracurricular facilities compared to premium competitors
- –Predominantly South Asian student demographic may not suit all families
- –Recent rating improvements need time to establish sustained excellence
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 3 | 4,025 |
| FS2 | 4 | 4,108 |
| Year 1 | 5 | 4,482 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4,482 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4,482 |
| Year 4 | 8 | 4,482 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4,856 |
| Year 6 | 10 | 4,856 |
| Year 7 | 11 | 4,856 |
| Year 8 | 12 | 4,856 |
| Year 9 | 13 | 4,856 |
| Year 10 | 14 | 6,050 |
| Year 11 | 15 | 7,283 |
| Year 12 (Business) | 16 | 9,130 |
| Year 12 (Science) | 16 | 9,719 |
| Year 13 (Business) | 17 | 9,719 |
| Year 13 (Science) | 17 | 9,719 |
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 |
| Admission Fee | 272 |
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
Jumana A.A. Shehadeh - Principal
Jumana A. A. Shehadeh is the current Principal of The City School International Dubai, succeeding Frank Roman Fernandes who led the school from 2019. WhichSchoolAdvisor She was confirmed as Principal in official KHDA listings and presents on behalf of the school's governance, teaching, and administrative faculty on the school's website.