GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa vs Indian High School Dubai

	G GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa Dubai, United Arab Emirates	I Indian High School Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 7,828 - 16,299	Fees / year AED 8,246 - 12,238
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Boys School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum CBSE Curriculum	Curriculum CBSE Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 4,659	Pupils 12,637
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 30
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 1961
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 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 The Indian High Group operates three Dubai campuses: Oud Metha, Al Garhoud, and The Indian International School Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). The Oud Metha campus is located near Oud Metha Metro Station. The campuses are in Oud Metha, Al Garhoud, and Dubai Silicon Oasis in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Stages	Stages KG 1 to Grade 12; Primary School; Middle School; Secondary School; Senior Secondary	Stages Pre-KG to Grade 11
School type	School type Boys' school	School type Not-for-profit day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 An inclusive atmosphere with teachers adapting teaching techniques to involve all students, including those with disabilities.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation United Arab Emirates	Country affiliation India and the UAE
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
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 —
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. - Board / external examination charges: - Grade 10 board exam fee: AED 825. - Grade 12 board exam fee: AED 900. - 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.	Fee details Application & Enrollment Fees - Application fee (new students): AED 500 (one-time; assessment included). - Enrollment fee (new students): up to 10% of the tuition fee (one-time), non-refundable and deductible from the first term tuition. - Re-enrollment fee (existing students): up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher), non-refundable and deductible from the first term tuition. Tuition fees — per year and per term (listed currency: AED) Note: Tuition is published as an annual amount for a 10-month academic year. The per-term figures shown below are the annual tuition divided into three equal term instalments (three terms in the academic year: April–June, September–November, December–March). - Grade 5 — Per annum (10 months): AED 5,525. Per term (one-third): AED 1,841.67. - Grade 6 — Per annum (10 months): AED 6,696. Per term (one-third): AED 2,232.00. - Grade 7 — Per annum (10 months): AED 6,696. Per term (one-third): AED 2,232.00. - Grade 8 — Per annum (10 months): AED 6,696. Per term (one-third): AED 2,232.00. - Grade 9 — Per annum (10 months): AED 8,373. Per term (one-third): AED 2,791.00. - Grade 10 — Per annum (10 months): AED 8,373. Per term (one-third): AED 2,791.00. - Grade 11 — Per annum (10 months): AED 10,465. Per term (one-third): AED 3,488.33. - Grade 12 — Per annum (10 months): AED 10,465. Per term (one-third): AED 3,488.33. Mandatory annual and one‑off charges - Resource/annual fee (covers: exam materials, laboratory use, e-learning and online subscriptions, ID card, school diary & calendar, technology charges) — charged once a year by grade: - Grade 5: AED 1,000. Grade 6: AED 1,050. Grade 7: AED 1,100. Grade 8: AED 1,150. Grade 9: AED 1,200. Grade 10: AED 1,200. Grade 11: AED 1,250. Grade 12: AED 1,250. - Facility fee (one-off, non-refundable) for students newly enrolling at the Oud Metha campus: AED 2,100 (applies to new admissions only). - Board examination charges: charged by the examination board itself where applicable (separately billed). - Additional subject or laboratory charges may apply for some courses or practical subjects; these appear as separate line items in the school's published supplies/optional services schedule. Other costs and optional services - Required education supplies, uniforms, textbooks, transport (school bus), canteen/meal plans and optional extracurricular services are charged separately and appear under the school's optional services / supplies schedule. Transport is provided as a paid service (school bus) and the school publishes separate transport arrangements and charges for families who opt in. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is stated as an annual amount (10‑month academic year) and is collected according to the school billing schedule aligned with the three-term academic calendar. Receivables are processed through the school's billing cycle and must be paid by the published due dates for each term or instalment. - Receipts are issued only after the school verifies payment; allow up to three working days for official receipts to be issued after a bank deposit, transfer or online payment (longer during peak periods). The school requires parents to provide transaction details (name, GR number, date, amount) when using bank deposit or transfer so the payment can be allocated and a receipt issued. Payment methods and bank details - Online payment: via the campus parent portal (online payments processed through the school portal). - Bank transfer: separate Bank of Baroda accounts are used for the Oud Metha / Al Garhoud campuses and for the DSO campus. Examples of published account details (for bank transfer) include Bank Name: Bank of Baroda; IBAN and Swift details are provided to parents for the relevant campus account. Parents are required to email proof of transfer when necessary to ensure timely reconciliation. - Standing instruction / credit card: the school accepts payments via standing instructions on bank-issued credit cards where supported; parents should ensure their bank includes student details so the payment can be matched to the account. Refunds and non‑refundables - Application, enrollment and re-enrollment charges are non-refundable as published: application fee AED 500 (new students) is not refundable; enrollment fee (up to 10% of tuition) and re-enrollment fee (up to 5% or AED 500) are non-refundable and are credited against the first term tuition where applicable. - Refund or proration of tuition and any other refundable balances on withdrawal are handled in line with KHDA guidelines and the school's admission & withdrawal policy; the Fee Department determines amounts payable or refundable when a student withdraws and Transfer/School Leaving Certificates are issued only after school dues are cleared. Boarding / residential provision - The Indian High School campuses operate as day schools with transport services; there is no published boarding/hostel provision or boarding fees. Transport (school bus) is provided as a separate paid service. Important notes for parents - All amounts above are published in UAE dirhams (AED). Annual tuition figures are expressed for a 10-month academic year; the school's published billing calendar follows the three-term academic structure. - Enrollment and payment deadlines must be met to secure places and to avoid the risk of a student being treated as a new admission; school employees may be eligible for staff discounts where applicable.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
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 The curriculum is CBSE-based and aligned with MOE guidelines. Middle School covers grades 1 to 8 with a customized CBSE progression for secondary and senior secondary. Secondary School follows the CBSE curriculum from grade 9 to 12, with Arabic, Islamic Education, UAE Social Studies and MEP integrated where relevant. Optional electives include French, Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence from grade 8 upwards. Senior Secondary offers 21 subject combinations with career guidance and counselling. 21st century learning skills, technology integration and enrichment programs such as coding, art, and field trips underpin the curriculum.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of 1.63:1.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
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 —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
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. Fill out the admission form available on the website. The Oud Metha campus is processing admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year with Grade 11 currently available; seats in other grades are not available and there is a waiting list. The Al Garhoud campus is processing admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year with Pre-KG currently available; seats in Grades 1–4 are not available and there is a waiting list. 2. Submit documents & report card. Prepare and submit the documents listed by the school: 1 copy of the child's passport, visa and Emirates ID; 1 copy of both parents' passport, visa and Emirates IDs; 1 copy of the child's birth certificate (with attestation if issued outside UAE); 2 passport-size photographs; vaccination records; copies of the child's progress reports for the last two years including the last examination taken; Transfer Certificate or School Leaving Certificate from the previous school (with attestations). Transfer Certificate requirements include English language, attestation and KHDA-related rules as outlined by the school. 3. Take the eligibility test. The eligibility test is used for admissions to KG2 through Grade 9, and panel interview may accompany the process. Grade 10 admissions require CBSE registration and performance in the eligibility test and panel interview; Grade 11 admissions are determined by a merit mix of Grades 9 and 10 results, the eligibility test, and an interview; Grade 12 admissions are based on available subject combinations and completion of CBSE registration. 4. Clear the eligibility test and receive offer letter. Shortlisted students will be offered admission after the eligibility test and interview processes. 5. Pay the required fees and submit all other documents. Complete the payment of fees and provide any remaining documents required for enrollment. 6. Provisional admission is granted and confirmed upon KHDA registration. Final confirmation occurs when KHDA registration is completed.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Seats are not available in other grades; complete online registration for the desired grade and join the waiting list. You will be contacted for an eligibility test for your learner only when seats become available.
	View full profile →	View full profile →