Uptown International School Dubai (UIS)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$8K – US$21K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 1–18
Students: ~1,400
Location: Mirdif, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
Uptown International School is a well-established IB Continuum school in Mirdif that opened in 2005 and holds the distinction of being one of Dubai's first full IB schools with a notably strong 30% Emirati student body. Under recent leadership changes, the school has shown marked improvement in IB Diploma results and teaching quality, though it maintains relatively low visibility in parent discussions compared to Dubai's tier-one international institutions.
Founded as Uptown Primary School and evolving into a full IB World School since 2009, UIS operates from a 14-acre purpose-built campus in Mirdif under Principal Colin Gerrie's leadership since 2023. The school offers all four IB programmes - PYP, MYP, DP, and Career-related Programme - serving students from pre-KG through Grade 12 within the Taaleem education group. Recent DSIB inspections recognize the school's Outstanding provision for Students of Determination and measurable academic progress, particularly in IB Diploma outcomes under current leadership.
The school's demographic profile sets it apart from many Dubai international institutions, with UAE nationals comprising nearly 30% of enrollment alongside a diverse international community. While UIS maintains solid academic standing and IB accreditation, it generates relatively modest discussion in parent forums compared to established Dubai education leaders. The 2021 IB examination cancellation discussions place UIS among schools that initially sought to maintain examinations, suggesting a commitment to academic rigor that aligns with recent improvements in teaching expectations and student outcomes under the current administration.
What parents value
- –Full IB Continuum school offering all four programmes including the Career-related Programme
- –Strong Emirati student representation (30%) creating authentic local-international balance
- –Outstanding DSIB rating for Students of Determination provision and support
- –Recent leadership improvements showing measurable progress in IB Diploma results
- –Purpose-built 14-acre campus with specialized facilities for IB programme delivery
- –Established IB World School status since 2009 with first DP graduates in 2017
- –Part of Taaleem group providing systematic educational support and standards
Points of consideration
- –Limited visibility in parent discussions compared to Dubai's premier international schools
- –Academic track record still developing under recent leadership changes
- –Mirdif location may be less convenient for families in central Dubai areas
- –Fee structure and detailed academic outcomes not readily available in public discussions
- –Relatively modest online presence and parent community engagement compared to established competitors
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | 3 | 8,481 |
| Rising 3s | 2 | 9,543 |
| Pre-KG | 3 | 11,036 |
| KG1 | 3 | 12,809 |
| KG2 | 4 | 14,283 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | 15,755 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | 15,755 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | 16,197 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | 16,197 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | 16,197 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | 18,407 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | 18,407 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | 19,879 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | 19,879 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | 19,879 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | 21,353 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | 21,353 |
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 | 143 |
| Registration Fee | 1,089 |
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
Colin Gerrie - Principal
Colin Gerrie joined Uptown International School as Principal in August 2023, following two years as Vice Principal and Head of Secondary at Taaleem's Greenfield International School in Dubai, where he contributed to improving the school's KHDA evaluation and achieving some of Taaleem's best IB Diploma Programme results.