Dar Al Marefa Private School vs Emirates International School Meadows

	D Dar Al Marefa Private School Dubai, United Arab Emirates	E Emirates International School Meadows Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 39,917 - 81,880	Fees / year AED 28,990 - 85,976
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,225	Pupils 1,876
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size 27
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Arabic	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Dar Al Marefa is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Al Khawaneej district at Khawaneej 1 – 47th Street (PO Box 112602). The Al Khawaneej area is a residential community with convenient road access to central Dubai. The campus is a purpose-built, two-storey facility designed to support IB programmes and a broad range of facilities.	Location Emirates International School Meadows is located in the Meadows community in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is in the Meadows 4 area, with easy access to the Lakes and Dubai Marina developments. The campus is described as conveniently located within a residential area that serves families living in the coastal Dubai corridor.
Stages	Stages The school offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum from Pre-KG through Grade 12, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Instruction is delivered in English and Arabic.	Stages The school provides education from Early Years 1 to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18). It offers the International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for EY1–Year 6, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7–11, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Years 12–13. The IB continuum is an explicit feature of the school.
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school. It is the only bilingual English-Arabic IB curriculum school in Dubai.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day international school. KHDA data show the student body as mixed gender (boys and girls). The school does not offer boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Student nationality mix includes representation from many countries; sources indicate students from over 35 nationalities attend the school. Emirati students are the largest local group, with a substantial international presence.	Pupil nationality mix The student body comprises 1,876 students, with Emirati students numbering 15 and 155 students identified as students of determination. The largest nationality group among students is Arab. The school serves a multinational population with students from 85+ countries. Local to international ratio is approximately 15 UAE nationals to 1,861 international students (roughly 1 local for every 124 international students).
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school provides support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN). It maintains an inclusive policy and provides services for students of determination.	Additional learning support The campus includes dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Inclusion facilities to support learners with diverse needs. Admissions notes indicate that students who are learning English or who have Special Educational Needs (SEN) are given due consideration in the admissions process.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliation with the United Arab Emirates. The curriculum aligns with UAE MOE requirements and KHDA oversight.	Country affiliation The school has no stated formal country affiliation and presents itself as a broad international IB school.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation; however, the curriculum includes Islamic Studies for Muslim students in accordance with UAE MOE requirements, and Arabic language instruction is required.	Religious affiliation Religious affiliation is not stated; external sources describe the school as non-denominational.
School day structure	School day structure School hours are 7:30am to 3:30pm from Monday to Thursday, with a Friday schedule of 7:30am to 12:00pm.	School day structure The school day generally runs from around 7:40 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday, with a shorter day on Friday (about 12:00 pm). Extended hours exist for Early Years.
Bus service details	Bus service details Dar Al Marefa offers its own bus transport for eligible students. Arrangements are coordinated with the RTA; pick-ups and drop-offs occur at designated meeting points, and routes may change only with RTA and school approval. Students must follow bus rules and wear seatbelts where fitted.	Bus service details A formal school bus service is provided through Diamondlease LLC, with door-to-door pickup and drop-off. The fleet is RTAs-compliant and staffed with trained drivers and bus attendants. Bus registration for 2025–26 costs AED 8,900 for two-way transportation, and seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact details for the EIS Meadows transport team are provided.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Tuition fees (annual and per-term by year group) - Pre‑KG — Annual: AED 39,917; Term 1 (due August 15): AED 15,967; Term 2 (due December 15): AED 11,975; Term 3 (due March 15): AED 11,975. - KG1 — Annual: AED 39,917; Term 1: AED 15,967; Term 2: AED 11,975; Term 3: AED 11,975. - KG2 — Annual: AED 39,917; Term 1: AED 15,967; Term 2: AED 11,975; Term 3: AED 11,975. - Grade 1 — Annual: AED 49,333; Term 1: AED 19,733; Term 2: AED 14,800; Term 3: AED 14,800. - Grade 2 — Annual: AED 49,333; Term 1: AED 19,733; Term 2: AED 14,800; Term 3: AED 14,800. - Grade 3 — Annual: AED 54,655; Term 1: AED 21,861; Term 2: AED 16,397; Term 3: AED 16,397. - Grade 4 — Annual: AED 54,655; Term 1: AED 21,861; Term 2: AED 16,397; Term 3: AED 16,397. - Grade 5 — Annual: AED 54,655; Term 1: AED 21,861; Term 2: AED 16,397; Term 3: AED 16,397. - Grade 6 — Annual: AED 66,118; Term 1: AED 26,448; Term 2: AED 19,835; Term 3: AED 19,835. - Grade 7 — Annual: AED 66,118; Term 1: AED 26,448; Term 2: AED 19,835; Term 3: AED 19,835. - Grade 8 — Annual: AED 66,118; Term 1: AED 26,448; Term 2: AED 19,835; Term 3: AED 19,835. - Grade 9 — Annual: AED 71,440; Term 1: AED 28,576; Term 2: AED 21,432; Term 3: AED 21,432. - Grade 10 — Annual: AED 71,440; Term 1: AED 28,576; Term 2: AED 21,432; Term 3: AED 21,432. - Grade 11 — Annual: AED 81,880; Term 1: AED 32,752; Term 2: AED 24,564; Term 3: AED 24,564. - Grade 12 — Annual: AED 81,880; Term 1: AED 32,752; Term 2: AED 24,564; Term 3: AED 24,564. Application and registration charges - Application fee (one‑time, new students): AED 500 (assessment fees included). - Registration / enrolment deposit on acceptance: up to 10% of the tuition fee; this payment secures the place and is deducted from Term 1 fees. - Re‑enrolment fee for existing students: up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher); this fee is non‑refundable and deductible from Term 1 fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Term payment dates: Term 1 due August 15; Term 2 due December 15; Term 3 due March 15. - The registration/enrolment deposit (up to 10%) must be paid within the timeframe specified in the offer to secure a place (payment window noted in admissions process). - Online payments are accepted; payments normally reach the school bank account within two working days. The school does not accept liability for delayed or declined card payments. Credit‑card holders can convert school payments into 0% instalments through partner schemes. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school and provides transport services (school bus) as an optional paid service. Other costs and typical ranges - Required books: included in the tuition fees. - Uniform: AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 (uniforms supplied by the school's approved supplier). - Stationery: AED 500 to AED 700. - Laptop / digital device (typical range): AED 2,000 to AED 6,000. - Transport (optional school bus): AED 8,500 to AED 10,500 (range depending on route). - Extracurricular activities, camps, trips and optional services: typical ranges shown on the fact sheet (examples: clubs, camps and overseas trips vary from a few hundred to several thousand AED depending on activity). Sibling discount - A sibling discount is applied: 5% on the third sibling (youngest child) and 10% on every subsequent child in each family. Refund and cancellation details (financial terms that apply) - The registration/enrolment deposit (up to 10% of the tuition fee) is non‑refundable and non‑transferable but is deductible from Term 1 fees. - Re‑enrolment fees (existing students) are non‑refundable and deductible from Term 1 fees (up to 5% of tuition or AED 500, whichever is higher). - Students must have cleared all financial obligations to remain registered and to be eligible for promotion; unpaid fees can affect the student's continued enrolment. Fee payment options - Online payment (credit/debit card) — school uses an online payment facility; payments normally settle to the school bank account within two working days. - Bank transfer. - Cash and cheque options are accepted where applicable. - Credit‑card instalment plans (0%) are available via partner schemes for eligible cardholders.	Fee details Application fee - Application fee: AED 525 (VAT inclusive). Payable with the application for all new admissions. Tuition fees (annual and term breakdown by year group) - EY1: Annual AED 28,990 — Term 1 AED 11,596; Term 2 AED 8,697; Term 3 AED 8,697. - EY2 & Year 1: Annual AED 38,046 — Term 1 AED 15,218; Term 2 AED 11,414; Term 3 AED 11,414. - Year 2 & Year 3: Annual AED 45,292 — Term 1 AED 18,117; Term 2 AED 13,588; Term 3 AED 13,587. - Year 4, 5 & 6: Annual AED 50,734 — Term 1 AED 20,294; Term 2 AED 15,220; Term 3 AED 15,220. - Year 7, 8 & 9: Annual AED 59,790 — Term 1 AED 23,916; Term 2 AED 17,937; Term 3 AED 17,937. - Year 10 & 11: Annual AED 68,858 — Term 1 AED 27,543; Term 2 AED 20,658; Term 3 AED 20,657. - Year 12: Annual AED 80,621 — Term 1 AED 32,248; Term 2 AED 24,187; Term 3 AED 24,186. - Year 13: Annual AED 85,976 — Term 1 AED 34,390; Term 2 AED 25,793; Term 3 AED 25,793. - Late joiners: tuition is prorated according to the month of joining. The tuition figures above include books and core learning subscriptions as part of the all-inclusive tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing schedule (Academic Year): Term 1 payable 18 August; Term 2 payable 19 November; Term 3 payable 27 February (dates shown for the academic year schedule). Fees are displayed as annual figures but may be settled in three payments spread across the academic year. The enrollment deposit is deductible from the tuition for the academic year and the balance follows the invoice schedule. Parents may alternatively pay the full annual tuition once the KHDA school-parent contract is signed. Deposits and re-enrolment - New admissions: enrollment deposit equal to 10% of the tuition fee to reserve a place; payable within 7 days of the offer and deductible from that year's tuition. - Existing students (re-registration): re-enrollment deposit 5% of the tuition fee to reserve a place (deductible from that year's tuition). - Enrollment deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable as a matter of policy. Other fees and expected extra costs - Elements not covered by tuition: field trips and excursions; school uniform; meals/snacks/drinks; external examination/assessment fees (IB/MYP); paid extra-curricular activities; official school photographs and the Yearbook; replacement costs for lost/damaged books or equipment; and school transportation. Core textbooks and routine in-house medical treatment are included in tuition. - Specific additional/optional charges (examples shown): - IB & MYP examination fees: depend on subject choices and external exam board charges. - EAL (if recommended after assessment): AED 5,000 (annual, where applicable). - EY Extended Hours (EY1/EY2): AED 4,000 (AED 500/month). - KHDA attestation fee: AED 120 per attestation (paid separately). - Transportation: provided by a third-party operator (fees and booking are handled directly with the transport provider). - Uniforms, excursions and activities: arranged through the school's approved suppliers. - Typical cost ranges reported for optional items (indicative ranges): uniform AED 200–1,200; transport AED 8,800–10,000; extracurricular activities AED 500–4,000; local trips AED 50–2,000; school canteen AED 100–2,000; class photograph AED 100–200. These are presented as supplementary/optional costs. Boarding - No boarding provision applies; the school operates as a day school (boarding fees not applicable). Refund information - Enrollment deposits and advance registration deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds of tuition (when applicable) are calculated by term depending on the official date of withdrawal or last date of attendance: - If enrolled two calendar weeks or less, one month's fees will be deducted. - If enrolled between two weeks and one month, two months' fees will be deducted. - If enrolled for more than one month, a full term's fee will be deducted. - Exceptional refund requests will not be considered after 15 August (per the printed refund policy). Student clearance and release of documents are conditional on settlement of all prior-year arrears and the current year's first term fee. Discounts and scholarships - Sibling discounts: 3rd and 4th siblings 10% each; 5th and 6th siblings 20% each (schemes and caps apply as listed in the policy). - Merit scholarships: up to 25%; referral discount: 5% on each referral; other discounts (community, corporate, foundership, alumni and staff) available under specified terms. Fee payment options - In person: school fees may be paid to the School Cashier. Fees should not be accepted by class teachers, secretaries or other school personnel. - Bank transfer: bank details are provided for fee payment (bank-transfer instructions and account details are supplied in the school bank-details document). - Online payment / payment app: an online payment option is available through the school's accepted parent payment platform (payment app/platform supports card payments and payment plans). - For transport and some services, third-party providers and suppliers manage bookings and payments directly and their own terms apply. Notes and important points - Tuition figures are quoted in UAE Dirhams (AED) and are shown as annual totals but commonly invoiced in three termly instalments. - The school follows KHDA fee guidelines and the published schedule above; some services/charges are delivered by third parties and are subject to those third parties' terms and pricing. - Outstanding prior-year arrears must be cleared before re-enrolment or issuance of school documents.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is not provided. The school operates as a day school. The IB information lists boarding facilities as DAY.	Boarding arrangements The Emirates International School Meadows operates as a day school; no boarding is offered. There are no weekly or full boarding arrangements. The campus does not provide housing facilities for students.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniforms are produced by ZAKS Uniforms. The full uniform catalogue is available via the linked document on the School Policies page.	Uniform requirement The school uses a published uniform policy. Uniforms are supplied via Right Fit ReadyMade Garments Trading Co. LLC, with an online pre-order form and a uniform catalogue for the current academic year. The uniform shop is located at the Primary School Building (Right Side Entrance) and follows the listed shop hours.
Food options	Food options The cafeteria offers a healthy menu with local, sustainable ingredients, and meals and drinks are provided at reasonable prices. The program emphasizes nutrition education linked to cafeteria choices.	Food options The campus has a canteen with supervised lunchtimes. EY1 and EY2 students may receive a hot meal if a school meal plan is purchased; Year 1 to Year 6 may visit the canteen to purchase food. The school follows a nut-free healthy eating policy and accommodates dietary requirements where possible.
House system	House system —	House system Pupils are grouped into houses and participate in house events and activities. A House T‑shirt is worn for these events as part of the school's house system.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Governance is via a Board of Governors. The board includes Ibrahim Al Ghurair as Chairman and Badr Al Ghurair as Chief Executive Officer, among others. Ownership details are not disclosed on the site.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Dar Al Marefa is an IB World School in Dubai offering the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–10, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, and Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19, with instruction delivered in English and Arabic. Arabic language is taught per UAE Ministry of Education requirements, with Arabic A for native speakers from listed Arab countries and Arabic B for non-natives when approved by KHDA; Islamic studies are also offered to Muslim students. PYP focuses on inquiry-based learning across transdisciplinary themes and fosters global citizenship, including Early Years within the programme. MYP connects studies to real-world contexts as the middle phase of the IB continuum. DP comprises six subject groups plus the core (TOK, EE, CAS); students in grades 11–12 may follow the Diploma Programme or a Diploma Programme Course stream, with a maximum of 45 points and KHDA equivalency considerations. Assessment and planning employ IB tools such as ManageBac to plan, assess, and report progress.	Curriculum details The school offers all three IB programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Years 1 through Year 6, Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). The IB education is delivered in English and aims to develop the whole person—academic, physical, social and creative growth. The Primary School offers the PYP, and the school is authorized to offer all three IB programmes including the DP in the high school. The Meadows campus opened on 10 September 2005, and the school serves Early Years 1 to Year 13 with more than 1,835 students from over 85 countries. The IB framework emphasizes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking through well-crafted curricular and co-curricular activities.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio The school lists 150 experienced teachers and more than 1,835 enrolled students, yielding an approximate student‑teacher ratio of about 12:1.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Graduates go on to prestigious universities worldwide. Examples include Purdue University and Western Washington University (USA); Concordia University, York University, and University of Toronto (Canada); American University Dubai, Middlesex Dubai, and the University of Sharjah (UAE); and institutions such as King's College London, University College London, and the University of Leeds (UK). These destinations reflect a track record of admissions to universities across North America, the Middle East, and Europe.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates attend universities worldwide, with examples including Purdue University and Western Washington University in the USA; Concordia University, York University, and University of Toronto in Canada; American University Dubai, Middlesex Dubai, and the University of Sharjah in the UAE; and institutions such as King's College London, University College London, and the University of Leeds in the UK. These destinations illustrate the school's progression pathway to higher education across multiple regions.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The IB programmes emphasize critical thinking and curiosity through inquiry-based learning and a broad, challenging curriculum across Primary, Middle, and Diploma levels.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Dar Al Marefa approaches school life holistically, focusing on fostering a positive emotional state among students alongside academic achievement. Student well-being is an essential element and a determinant of success, with the environment and facilities designed to support mental health and well-being. The school emphasizes positive social relationships and active participation as part of its inclusive ethos. It follows UAE values and the Dubai Inclusion Education Policy Framework and provides and monitors special education services to support individual learning needs, enabling inclusive participation. During online learning, nine mindfulness strategies have been developed to relieve stress and provide direct individual support to students who need it.	Social & emotional learning Emirates International School Meadows provides social and emotional learning through a formal pastoral care framework. The pastoral structure includes a Head of Pastoral for Primary and a Head of Pastoral for High School to support student welfare and behaviour across the campus. An Inclusion lead (Head of Inclusion) and an Inclusion framework are in place, reflecting a focus on social and emotional development for a broad range of learners. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is offered, providing experiential opportunities that support personal growth and resilience. A four-house system (Khanjars, Falcons, Dhows and Camels) promotes belonging, teamwork and school community.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states a commitment to inclusive education and provides and monitors special education services to support the individual learning needs of students with a learning need, adhering to UAE values and to the Dubai Inclusion Education Policy Framework. It aims for all students, including those with disabilities or SEN, to progress and participate as equal citizens within the learning community. The school is described as an inclusive bilingual IB Curriculum school rather than a specialist SEN institution. KHDA's 2023-2024 inspection rated Wellbeing as Good and Inclusion as Good, reflecting its inclusion practices. The school's public materials do not specify exact SEN categories or list a dedicated SEN center.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has an Inclusion lead and a SEN department, indicating formal SEN governance and support structures. KHDA's 2023-2024 DSIB rated Inclusion as Very Good, reflecting strong inclusion practices. There are dedicated Inclusion spaces on campus (two Inclusion areas) to support learners. Admissions policy states that the school is inclusive for students with special educational needs and will consider such needs in admissions. The kinds of SEN the school can support are not publicly disclosed; the materials describe inclusion provisions but do not publish a specific SEN categories list. The school is not described as a specialist SEN institution in publicly available materials.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school is the only bilingual IB Curriculum school in Dubai, offering instruction in English and Arabic. The language of instruction for the IB program is English. No separate EAL program is publicly disclosed in available materials; English is used as the language of instruction, with Arabic as the other language of instruction. Given the bilingual nature, EAL support may be integrated within the general provision, but explicit EAL program details are not published.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction at Emirates International School Meadows, an IB World School. The school provides EAL support, evidenced by two EAL rooms on campus. Admissions notes inclusive admissions for students whose first language is not English. Detailed, publicly disclosed EAL programmes or staff rosters are not provided beyond these points.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Well-Being page describes a holistic approach to student welfare, stating that well-being is essential to student success and that the architecture and layout of the campus support mental health. It notes a focus on fostering positive emotional states and on social and emotional development. The school emphasizes well-being as part of daily life, beyond academics. For online learning contexts, nine mindfulness strategies were developed to relieve stress and provide direct individual support to students who need it. These elements are part of the school's broader commitment to mental health and well-being.	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a strong pastoral care framework led by the Head of Pastoral in Primary and the Head of Pastoral in High School. There is an Inclusion lead and SEN department focused on student welfare and inclusion. KHDA DSIB 2023-2024 rated Wellbeing as Very Good, indicating robust wellbeing provisions across the school. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award offers activities that promote resilience and personal growth. The house system further supports belonging and community, contributing to positive social-emotional experiences.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school states an inclusive policy and follows the Dubai Inclusion Education Policy Framework, providing and monitoring special education services to support student safety and learning. It emphasizes equal participation for all students, including those with disabilities or SEN. Online safety policies and restrictions are described for distance learning to protect students in virtual settings. Safeguarding and well-being are interwoven with inclusion and are reflected in KHDA inspection outcomes, which show Good Wellbeing and Good Inclusion.	Safeguarding The school publishes a Safeguarding Policy (2025-26) in its Policies section. KHDA DSIB 2023-2024 rates Wellbeing as Very Good and Inclusion as Very Good, reflecting strong safeguarding and student welfare practices. The Health & Safety Policy is also published publicly in the Policies section. The safeguarding framework is supported by dedicated pastoral and inclusion leadership on campus.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Dar Al Marefa's campus is a purpose-built IB facility designed for learning across ages. The campus houses a well-resourced central library, a 400-seat auditorium, eight science labs, and dedicated ICT, art and design, and music studios. Indoor sports facilities include a double-volume, climate-controlled sports hall and a gym, with a temperature-controlled swimming pool, while the outdoor layout features a large floodlit field and two tennis courts. The campus also includes a health-conscious cafeteria, extensive shaded walkways, and well-equipped playgrounds. The learning spaces are complemented by small class sizes of up to 24 students to support individual attention.	Facilities overview The school has extensive facilities that support teaching and learning. It has over 85 classrooms, 9 science labs, 3 art rooms, 3 drama rooms, and 3 music rooms. It includes 2 exam halls, a library, and an indoor swimming pool (25 metres) with changing rooms, an astro turf, a gym, 2 PE halls, and a dance/ballet studio. All Primary School rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboard technology. Several facilities are available for hire.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Indoor facilities are designed for year-round use and include a fully equipped gymnasium and a large double-volume sports hall for activities such as netball, basketball, badminton, volleyball, wall climbing, gymnastics, table tennis, tennis, football, and swimming. The campus also offers a temperature-controlled swimming pool. Outdoor facilities include a large floodlit sports field and two outdoor tennis courts to support a range of activities and teams. These spaces enable a breadth of PE and extracurricular sport throughout the year.	Sports facilities The school has facilities to support a broad sporting programme. The indoor swimming pool is 25 metres long with changing rooms. The school has two PE halls and a gym. The school has an astro turf for outdoor sports. These facilities support physical education and school-wide sports activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Auditorium seating is 400 with a central stage. The school provides eight fully equipped science labs, two for each of the sciences: chemistry, physics, biology and general science. Classes are capped at 24 students to support individual attention. The central library offers extensive books and digital resources, plus a dedicated study space with computers and internet access. Art & design studios, ICT labs with the latest software and 3D printers, and dedicated music studios support creative and technical learning.	Academic facilities The school has a range of academic facilities to support learning. The school has 9 science labs, 3 art rooms, 3 drama rooms, and 3 music rooms. The school has 2 exam halls and a library. All Primary School rooms are fixed with interactive whiteboard technology. These facilities support the IB curriculum and foster inquiry-based learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Dar Al Marefa offers a broad Extracurricular Activities Programme delivered by experts, with opportunities across academic subjects, expressive arts, performance arts, language, design, artificial intelligence, robotics, calligraphy, Islamic cultures, and sporting activities. The programme uses the school's facilities for after-school and lunchtime clubs and engages the wider community where possible. The IB curriculum-based activities are structured across three terms: Term 1 (September–December), Term 2 (January–March), and Term 3 (April–June). Participation is encouraged across abilities to help every student pursue their interests.	Extra curricular facilities The school has spaces that support extracurricular activities. The Dance/Ballet Studio enables performing arts extracurriculars. Arts spaces include 3 Art Rooms, 3 Drama Rooms and 3 Music Rooms for clubs and rehearsals. The indoor pool, gym and astro turf enable sports and physical activity clubs. The library provides space for reading clubs.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Dar Al Marefa opened in September 2008 as Dubai's bilingual English-Arabic IB continuum school, an educational initiative by Al Ghurair. It offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) in English and Arabic. The school celebrated its first graduating cohort in 2016, marking its growth into a complete IB-through school. In 2019 the school moved to a purpose-built campus in Khawaneej, Dubai, designed with architecture by RCR Arquitectes and equipped to support up to 2000 students across the three IB programmes. The campus environment and facilities were developed to sustain long-term growth and a broad IB offer.	History Emirates International School – Meadows opened on 10 September 2005 in the Meadows community of Emirates Hills, initially admitting children from KG2 to Year 10. It is part of the Al Habtoor Group and is the second Emirates International School, with its sister campus Emirates International School – Jumeirah founded in 1991. The Meadows campus later expanded to offer Early Years through Year 13 and provides a full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP). The school has undergone international accreditation processes and was re-accredited by the Council of International Schools on 14 January 2022. As of the 2023/24 academic year, the campus serves around 1,830 students from more than 85 nationalities.
Community	Community The school community is rooted in Emirati and Islamic values and aims to cultivate curious, confident lifelong learners who participate as active global citizens. Dar Al Marefa emphasizes partnership with parents, friends, and the local community to contribute to the UAE's next generation. The Extracurricular Activities Programme offers a broad range of opportunities—across arts, sports, languages, design, artificial intelligence, robotics, calligraphy, and Islamic cultures—delivered by specialists and open to the surrounding community. Alumni achievements demonstrate ongoing engagement with and contributions from graduates, reflecting the school's long-term community ties.	Community The EIS Meadows community comprises students and families from over 85 nationalities. Parents are actively involved in school life through the Parents Corner and a Parent Representative Group (PRG) that facilitates collaboration with school leadership. PRG meetings occur monthly, and its remit includes gathering parent feedback, helping plan events such as International Day, Ramadan Iftar, cultural activities, reading time, and charity fundraisers, and contributing to KHDA/IB quality-management practices. The school maintains open communication channels with families via newsletters, emails, social media, coffee mornings, consultation evenings, handbooks and reports.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Public documentation does not describe a standalone PTA body; however, parent engagement is structured and encouraged through formal channels. The school arranges regular parent–teacher meeting sessions to discuss student progress, and a parent portal provides updates on school activities and holidays. In addition, WhatsApp groups are used to share instant notifications, and parents can contact teachers or staff to join these groups. The school's communications emphasize a partnership with parents and the wider community to support student development and wellbeing.	Parent teacher association The PTA at Emirates International School Meadows is organized through the Parent Representative Group (PRG), a formal body that represents parents and guardians to the school management. PRG members are nominated before each academic year and include representatives for Primary and High School; meetings are normally monthly. The PRG's remit includes collecting parent feedback, helping plan events (e.g., International Day and Ramadan Iftar), and supporting KHDA/IB quality-management activities, while not handling school finances or governance. Parents volunteer to organize activities and share expertise on topics such as education, careers, health and wellbeing, with opportunities to engage in classroom involvement and workshops. The school maintains open channels of communication and hosts events that rely on parent participation, with broader partnerships such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award contributing to student development.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is bilingual in English and Arabic and uses the International Baccalaureate Curriculum. It offers the IB across the full range from Early Years to Grade 12, with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16 and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) covers Early Years (ages 3–5) and Primary Years (ages 3–10). The DP core includes Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, Service, and the Extended Essay. The school also aligns the British curriculum with the IB framework.	Academic & intellectual Emirates International School Meadows offers the International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Early Years 1 through Year 6, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Years 7–11, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for Years 12–13. The Primary Years Programme uses six transdisciplinary themes and includes Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts, and Personal, Social and Physical Education. The Middle Years Programme comprises eight subject groups: Language Acquisition; Language and Literature; Individuals and Societies; Sciences; Mathematics; Arts; Physical and Health Education; and Design, with eAssessments and ePortfolios to earn the IB certificate. The school is fully authorised to offer PYP, MYP and DP, and instruction is in English.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Arts are an IB core area of study at the school. In the IB Middle Years Programme, Arts is one of eight subject groups. The High School offers Music, Visual Arts and Drama as IB subjects. In the Primary Years Programme, Creative Arts is a dedicated strand within the curriculum. Facilities include 3 Art Rooms, 3 Drama Rooms and 3 Music Rooms.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Language of instruction is English. The High School subject list includes English Language and Literature, Arabic Language Acquisition, French and Spanish Language Acquisition. The Primary Years Programme includes Language as a strand in its transdisciplinary approach.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies After-school activities (ASA) include a broad program featuring Model United Nations, World Scholar's Cup and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. ASA sessions run in the late afternoon, with online sign-up via Google Forms.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award to students over 14, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels and staff guidance to support participants.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are provided through participation in Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which foster independent thinking, responsibility and teamwork.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus includes a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a gym, PE halls and dedicated spaces for physical education and arts. The Primary Years Programme emphasizes Personal, Social and Physical Education, and after-school activities support sports, health and well-being.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages of instruction are English and Arabic in a bilingual IB environment across the Early Years (ages 3–5), Primary Years (ages 3–10), Middle Years (ages 11–16), and Diploma Programme (ages 16–19). The IB curriculum is delivered in English and Arabic, and the British curriculum is aligned with the IB framework.	Language provision The school teaches in English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school is bilingual in English and Arabic. English and Arabic are used as languages of instruction across the IB curriculum. The school is described as the only bilingual English and Arabic IB Curriculum school in Dubai. From Early Years through Grade 12, learning emphasizes inquiry-based approaches and Emirati and Islamic values.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Dar Al Marefa offers the full IB Curriculum continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) in English and Arabic. The admissions process requires completing the online Admissions Form, scheduling an assessment, paying 10% of the annual fee upon acceptance, and securing the place. Entry requirements include that Pre-KG entrants must be at least three years old by August 31 and toilet-trained; all students learn Arabic under UAE MOE guidelines with Arabic A for native speakers from certain Arab countries through Grade 12, and Muslim students take Islamic Education through Grade 12 (Arabic A or English B, per nationality). Online applications prompt a school representative to contact within 1-2 working days to arrange a visit and entrance assessment; the language of instruction is English and Arabic.	Admissions The school is Emirates International School – Meadows in the Meadows community of Dubai. It opened on 10 September 2005 and now educates more than 1,835 students from Early Years 1 to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18). The pupil body represents over 85 countries. The school offers a broad international IB education in English.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships The page does not publish scholarships.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist The page does not publish a separate waitlist or pool system details.
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