GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa vs Gulf Indian High School
GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa and Gulf Indian High School are both in Dubai, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer CBSE programmes, and Gulf Indian High School also offers Indian. Published annual fees are AED 7,828 - 16,299 at GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa and AED 4,989 - 9,434 at Gulf Indian High School, which puts GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa roughly 67% higher. GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Gulf Indian High School from 3 to 18. GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa is the larger school, with around 4,659 pupils to Gulf Indian High School's 2,375.
Find us in the heart of Al Warqa'a, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Mailing address: PO Box 35519, Al Warqa'a 1. The campus is in the Al Warqa'a area.
Location
GIHS is located in Al Garhoud, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The postal address is P.O. Box 646, Dubai. The campus is accessible by road and the school provides transport services to multiple areas. Contact: gihs@gihsdubai.com; Tel: +971-46119400.
Stages
Stages
KG 1 to Grade 12; Primary School; Middle School; Secondary School; Senior Secondary
Stages
Divisions are Primary School (Kindergarten to Grade 2); Secondary School (Grades 3 to 10); Senior Secondary School (Grades 11 and 12).
School type
School type
Boys' school
School type
Co-educational.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Inclusive education with provisions for students of determination. DSIB inspectors recognized the Inclusion Department as a success story. There is an open-door policy with the counsellor and accommodations are provided in line with the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework and UAE law.
Additional learning support
Inclusion Policy is in place to support students with learning needs.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates
Country affiliation
CBSE (Central Board of Education), India.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
No official religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
KG1 and KG2 use two shifts: first shift 7:30 AM–10:00 AM, second shift 10:20 AM–12:50 PM. Grades 1–12 follow a two-session day: Morning 7:30 AM–12:50 PM, Afternoon 12:50 PM–6:05 PM. On Fridays, online sessions run 7:30 AM–11:30 AM and onsite sessions run 7:30 AM–11:25 AM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
STS Group provides transport services for Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a. Buses are equipped with CCTV, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking and RFID; supported by a 24/7 Operations Control Centre. There are dedicated pickup/drop-off points in areas such as Al Warqa'a 1 and 2, Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis and other zones; registration is via the school's Service Delivery Executive. Transport fees apply and route availability cannot be guaranteed for all requests.
Bus service details
GIHS operates a fleet of 24 air-conditioned buses. Routes include Al-Garhoud (near Choithram); Karama/Rashidiya; Satwa/Bur Dubai/Deira/Al-Shab Al-Ghusais; and Sharjah City up to Rolla.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee
- An application fee of AED 525 is payable upon acceptance of the Offer Letter. This fee is not applicable to current GEMS students and is non‑refundable, non‑transferable and non‑adjustable.
Registration / enrolment deposit
- A Registration Deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee is collected at admission. This deposit is non‑refundable, non‑transferable but is adjustable against the total tuition fee for the academic year (deducted from tuition). For returning students there is a re‑enrolment charge of up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non‑refundable and deductible from the first term fees.
Tuition fees (annual and per‑term breakdown using standard GEMS term split 40% / 30% / 30%)
- Tuition fees are quoted per academic year (p.a.). The school and GEMS use a standard term instalment split where the annual tuition is invoiced as 40% in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 30% in Term 3. The following shows the published annual fee and the corresponding term amounts calculated on a 40/30/30 basis:
- KG1 & KG2 — Annual: AED 7,828 - Term 1 (40%): AED 3,131.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 2,348.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 2,348.40.
- Grades 1–3 — Annual: AED 9,447 - Term 1 (40%): AED 3,778.80 - Term 2 (30%): AED 2,834.10 - Term 3 (30%): AED 2,834.10.
- Grades 4–5 — Annual: AED 9,558 - Term 1 (40%): AED 3,823.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 2,867.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 2,867.40.
- Grades 6–8 — Annual: AED 10,724 - Term 1 (40%): AED 4,289.60 - Term 2 (30%): AED 3,217.20 - Term 3 (30%): AED 3,217.20.
- Grades 9–10 — Annual: AED 13,276 - Term 1 (40%): AED 5,310.40 - Term 2 (30%): AED 3,982.80 - Term 3 (30%): AED 3,982.80.
- Grade 11 (Commerce) — Annual: AED 15,758 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,303.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,727.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,727.40.
- Grade 11 (Science) — Annual: AED 16,299 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,519.60 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,889.70 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,889.70.
- Grade 12 (Commerce) — Annual: AED 15,758 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,303.20 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,727.40 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,727.40.
- Grade 12 (Science) — Annual: AED 16,299 - Term 1 (40%): AED 6,519.60 - Term 2 (30%): AED 4,889.70 - Term 3 (30%): AED 4,889.70.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The Registration Deposit (10% of the annual fee) is collected at admission and is adjustable against the annual tuition. Existing‑student re‑enrolment fees (where applicable) are charged at re‑enrolment and are deductible from the first term. The school enforces fee payment: students may be withheld from examinations and reports will be withheld if fees are not paid. Full first‑term fees (or applicable instalment) must be cleared before a student's first day of attendance under standard GEMS payment practice. Standard GEMS instalment timing is at the start of each term (Term 1 / Term 2 / Term 3).
One‑off, mandatory and examination fees
- A sum of AED 31.50 (including VAT) is charged for Bus ID card, Diary and Report Card.
- CBSE registration charge: - For Grade 9 and Grade 11: AED 100 each.
Other costs and optional fees
- Required education supplies and likely ranges (purchase from school or external suppliers): Uniforms AED 600–1,200; Books AED 163–400; Laptop / digital device AED 100–150. Optional services and variable costs include transport (approx. AED 4,380–6,000), canteen costs (approx. AED 50–2,500), class photographs, event costumes, local educational trips and school magazine. These are presented as typical mandatory / optional fee items and ranges.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable. The school's published fee information and the KHDA School Fee Fact Sheet list transport and other optional day‑school services but do not include boarding fees or boarding facilities.
Refunds and non‑refundables
- The Application fee is non‑refundable, non‑transferable and non‑adjustable. The Registration Deposit (10% of the annual fee) is non‑refundable and non‑transferable but is adjustable against the annual tuition. Re‑enrolment fees (where applied) are non‑refundable and are deductible from the first term fees. These refund / non‑refund terms apply to the application, registration and re‑enrolment charges noted above.
Fee payment options
- Online payment via the GEMS Oasis payments portal is available. Parents paying by direct bank transfer must notify the fee counter with student details. The school fee counter accepts cash, credit card and cheques (payable to ‘Our Own High School‑Al Warqa\'a, Dubai'); post‑dated cheques are not accepted. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card is promoted for advance annual fee payments (discount/benefits as applicable). Contact addresses and fee counter timings are published for fee enquiries and payment.
Equivalent instalment amounts (standard school schedule)
- The school collects tuition across ten monthly instalments (fees are not collected for July and August). The equivalent instalment (monthly) amounts, calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 10, are: - KG 1 / KG 2: AED 499 per instalment. - Grade 1–3: AED 526 per instalment. - Grade 4–5: AED 581 per instalment. - Grade 6–8: AED 635 per instalment. - Grade 9–10: AED 735 per instalment. - Grade 11–12: AED 943 per instalment.
Application / admission fees
- Admission fee: AED 500 due at the time of registration. This admission fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-deductible.
Mandatory additional fees and one-off charges
- Stationery fee: AED 200 (annual). - Medical fee: AED 50 (annual). - ICT fee: AED 150 (annual). - CBSE affiliation/examination fee: AED 400 (as listed). - Note: Any additional payments for special facilities will be advised to parents by notice.
Transport (bus) fees
- Transport fees depend on route/location and are quoted as a monthly range: AED 370 to AED 550 per month. - Transport fees are paid on the same 10-month basis as tuition (monthly instalments across the 10 chargeable months).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is payable across ten instalments (monthly) for the academic year; there are no fees collected for July and August. Fees may also be paid in advance. - Fees must be cleared to permit students to sit school examinations; academic reports and certificates are withheld until all outstanding fees are cleared. - Post-dated cheques are not accepted.
Refund information (school policy as published)
- The admission fee (AED 500) is non-refundable. The school's published statement indicates that fees once paid are non-refundable.
Fee payment options and practical details
- Online fee payment (school portal/payment gateway) is available. - School fee counter accepts cash, credit card and cheques. Cheques must be made payable to 'Gulf Indian High School-Dubai'. - Fee counter timings: 8:00 am–4:00 pm Sunday to Thursday during school working days; Saturday 9:30 am–12:30 pm (timings vary seasonally and the school publishes updated hours).
Consequences for non-payment and other notes on collection
- Students with outstanding fees are not permitted to appear for school examinations and reports are withheld until dues are settled. - The school collects tuition and transport fees on the 10-month basis outlined above; any special facility charges are communicated separately.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school follows the Indian Curriculum and is one of the leading Indian Curriculum Schools in Dubai. Primary School provides an excellent grounding in basic skills while stimulating students' natural inquisitiveness. Middle School aims for students to reach their full potential through engaging learning. Secondary School helps students stay focused on their goals as they advance and broaden their knowledge. Senior Secondary programmes respond to individual needs and foster enthusiasm for learning. Teaching Principles ensure every student acquires a high standard of skills, and Inclusion underpins the school's policies and processes.
Curriculum details
GIHS Dubai follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. English is the medium of instruction; Arabic is compulsory from Grades 1 to 10. Second language options include Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil. Islamic Education is taught as part of the curriculum for Muslim students and Moral Science for non-Muslim students. The Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) format is used for Grades 1–10, and Senior Secondary School (Grades 11–12) follows CBSE with Science and Commerce streams.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of 1.63:1.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
Three-year Grade 12 results show year-by-year distributions. 2023: 83 students; 51–60: 2; 61–74: 19; 75–89: 45; 90–100: 17. 2024: 96 students; 61–74: 16; 75–89: 65; 90–100: 15. 2025: 106 students; 61–74: 11; 75–89: 67; 90–100: 28. There were no students in the <33, 33–50, or 51–60 bands in any of these years.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
University Destinations show that graduates are accepted by some of the world's most prestigious universities. The school prepares students to pursue tertiary education in their chosen fields and to be ethical and socially engaged leaders. Through the CBSE curriculum, students develop analytical capability, versatility, and critical thinking, traits that are highly regarded by universities.
Higher education progression
The Student Success Team guides students to explore academic goals and assists in course selection for their educational progression. Grade 12 graduates are prepared to pursue higher education and future opportunities as they transition from GIHS.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. The school is for BOYS from Grade 1 to Grade 12. It has an open admission policy and welcomes all students regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion or medical diagnosis. First preference is given to siblings of students already enrolled. For Grade 1, the child must be 6 years old as of 31 March in the admission year. The new academic year commences on 1 April.
2. Registration is online in October each year. Admissions to Grade 2 and above depend on vacancies, which are known by February. For Grade 1 admissions, shortlisted applicants are invited for an admission and interaction session with the Supervisor and the Counsellor, after which admission is confirmed. For admissions to Grade 2 and above, an entrance test will be conducted if necessary. All admissions are subject to KHDA approval.
3. Documents required at the time of admission include: 2 copies of the student's passport with a valid UAE visa; 3 copies of the student's Emirates ID; 2 copies of the parents' Emirates IDs; 4 recent photographs of the child (plus one stamp-size photo for the identity card); 2 copies of the last examination mark sheet; and a Transfer Certificate. Transfer Certificates must be prepared according to the applicable attestations based on the student's origin as described in the Transfer Certificates section.
4. Transfer Certificates: For moves from Dubai, the original School Leaving Certificate must be collected from the previous school, and the parent must present the original certificate and the original Emirates IDs. For moves from another emirate in UAE, the original Transfer Certificate should be attested by the Ministry of Education in that emirate, with the parent bringing the original TC, a copy of the promotion report, and the original Emirates IDs. For moves from India, the Transfer Certificate must be attested by the District Education Officer in India and then attested in Dubai by the Indian Consulate and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For moves from Gulf countries other than the UAE, the original Transfer Certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Education of that country, the Indian Consulate, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the UAE Consulate/Embassy in that country.
5. Parent School Contract: After submitting the original Transfer Certificate and registering with Emirates ID in the KHDA school system, the Parent School Contract is signed online through the mobile app or electronically in school. The contract is a one-time agreement when the child joins the school and is renewed every year unless the child changes schools.
6. Enrolling Online: Enquiries are made through the school's own website. A guide on how to fill out the online form is provided, and a service request number is issued. Print a copy of the receipt or note the service request number if you cannot print. The service request number must be provided to the school Registrar to proceed with admission.
7. New Admission Fees: An Application Fee of AED 525 is due upon acceptance of the Offer Letter (non-refundable and not applicable for GEMS Students). A Registration Deposit of 10% of the annual fee is collected during admission and is non-refundable but adjustable against the total tuition for the academic year.
8. Payment of Fees: Online fee payment is available. If online access has issues, contact the school. Fees can also be paid at the School Fee Counter by cash, card, or cheques (made payable to Our Own High School-Al Warqa'a, Dubai). Please bring the Student ID Number when paying. Students will not be permitted to take examinations if fees are unpaid, and reports may be withheld.
Admissions
1. Admissions are open for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grades 9 and 11 are full. Limited seats are available in other grades. Applicants are advised to apply promptly to secure a place before enrolment closes.
2. Applications are submitted online through the admissions portal. The Apply Online link is available on the site and the Apply Now button directs to the online portal gihs.ethdigitalcampus.com. Applicants initiate the process by selecting the appropriate grade and completing the form online. The online application collects required information to begin the admissions process.
3. For inquiries, contact the admissions team by email at gihs@gihsdubai.com. In addition, phone numbers are +971-46119400, +971-509361283, and +971-542475594. The school provides these contact options to assist applicants with the admissions process.
