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Al Fanar School

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 65,000 - 78,334
Ages 1 - 11 years
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)
Taught languages Arabic
Typical class size 15
Strengths Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Al Fanar School in Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, offers a British curriculum for pupils aged 1 to 11, spanning Early Years FS1 to Year 6. The programme is grounded in the National Curriculum for England and aligned with KHDA and UAE Ministry of Education requirements. In Early Years, learning is play‑rich and inquiry‑led under the Head–Heart–Hands model, fostering language, thinking, emotional wellbeing, and creativity through movement, making, and purposeful play. In Primary (Years 2–6), the curriculum blends NCfE with a relational, culturally rooted pedagogy, organized in 3–5 week inquiry blocks that connect subjects to real‑world contexts. Assessment is human, holistic, and forward‑looking, relying on observation, dialogue, and rich documentation. The school emphasizes learning beyond exams, with real‑world inquiry, collaborative projects, and a focus on wellbeing and ethical action. Emirati heritage, Arabic language, and Islamic education are integrated with global learning, supported by sensory, nature‑based learning and outdoor environments today.

Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Al Fanar School has typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Situated in Nad Al Sheba, Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The school is described as being located in Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. The contact address lists Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, UAE.

Stages
FS1–Year 6

Type
primary school

Additional learning support
Inclusive admissions with personalized support plans for students of determination.

Country affiliation
England (National Curriculum for England)

Religious affiliation
Islamic
Fees

Annual tuition at Al Fanar School ranges from AED 65,000 to AED 78,334 for 2026/27.

Application & enrolment fees

- Application fee: AED 500 per application (assessment included). The application fee is refundable if you choose not to proceed after the tour or if the school is unable to offer a place.

- Registration (new students): a non‑refundable registration deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee; this amount is deductible from the first term's tuition and must be paid within seven working days of accepting an offer. Re‑registration (returning students): a non‑refundable re‑registration deposit of 5% of the annual tuition fee (or up to AED 500, whichever is higher); this is also deductible from the first term's tuition.

Tuition fees by year group (Academic Year 2026–2027) — annual and indicative per‑term split

- Nursery (Early Childhood Centre / ECC) – Annual: AED 65,000. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 21,666.67.

- FS1 – Annual: AED 67,086. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 22,362.00.

- FS2 – Annual: AED 67,086. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 22,362.00.

- Year 1 – Annual: AED 68,938. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 22,979.33.

- Year 2 – Annual: AED 70,798. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 23,599.33.

- Year 3 – Annual: AED 72,668. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 24,222.67.

- Year 4 – Annual: AED 74,547. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 24,849.00.

- Year 5 – Annual: AED 76,436. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 25,478.67.

- Year 6 – Annual: AED 78,334. If split into three equal term instalments, indicative per term: AED 26,111.33.

Note on per‑term figures: the school publishes the annual tuition for each year group and issues invoices against the academic year. The per‑term figures above are equal one‑third calculations of the annual tuition provided here and are shown for planning purposes; the school's billing schedule and any official term instalment amounts should be confirmed at enrolment.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Academic calendar and term structure follow the standard KHDA three‑term year; invoices are organised around term dates (typically a Term 1 starting in August/September, Term 2 in January and Term 3 in April). Deposits (registration / re‑registration) are deducted from the first term's invoice. Non‑payment may result in withholding of reports and denial of re‑enrolment.

- Payment timings: the registration deposit must be paid within seven working days of accepting an offer. The school treats the registration/re‑registration payment as non‑refundable except where KHDA or school policy allows otherwise (for example, in approved relocation cases).

Boarding fees

- Not applicable. The school is a primary school serving ages 3–11 (FS1 to Year 6) and does not offer boarding.

Other costs and optional services

- Uniforms and required supplies: budget ranges are published for required education supplies and uniforms (example ranges include Uniform: up to around AED 1,000; stationery and books amounts vary by year). Optional and variable costs include: transport, extracurricular activities, school trips, canteen and class photographs. These optional/ancillary service costs are charged in addition to tuition and vary by service and level. Typical ranges published for these items include: Transport AED 6,000–10,000; Extracurricular AED 500–20,000; School trips AED 200–10,000; Canteen AED 8,000–11,000; Class photograph AED 0–300; Special needs support ranges depending on required provision.

- Discounts and concessions: available discount schemes include sibling discounts (percentage reductions on additional siblings), Emirati student concession (example: 10%), early payment discount (example: 2.5%), and staff/school management concessions (up to full fee waiver where applicable). One‑off "welcoming" discounts or similar promotional reductions may appear for specific intakes. Specific discount eligibility, values, and application rules are set by the school.

Refunds and withdrawals

- Application fee: refundable in defined circumstances (for example, if you choose not to proceed after a tour or if no place is offered). Registration and re‑registration deposits are generally non‑refundable, except where the school's published policy or KHDA regulations permit refund (for example, verified relocation outside the UAE before the start of the school year). Tuition fee refunds during the academic year are processed in accordance with KHDA rules and the school's published admissions and refund procedures. Written requests for refunds must be submitted to the Admissions Office and will be reviewed by senior leadership as per policy. Non‑refund conditions and time limits apply (for example, no refunds for registration/re‑registration requests made after the academic year has started).

Fee payment methods

- Online payment by credit or debit card is accepted for application and initial payments; the registration deposit is payable within the stated timeframe. For other payment methods or a specific payment schedule, contact the admissions/finance office at the school for the options that will be provided at offer and invoicing.

Summary points for parents

- Annual tuition is published per year group for the 2026–2027 academic year; enrolment requires an application fee (AED 500) and a registration or re‑registration deposit (10% for new students, 5% for returning students), both of which are deducted from the first term invoice under the school's policy. Optional services such as transport, canteen, extracurricular activities and special‑needs support are charged in addition to tuition within published ranges. Refunds and late/non‑payment consequences follow the school's admissions policy and KHDA guidelines.
Academics

Al Fanar School teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage) for students aged 1 to 11.

Curriculum
Grounded in the National Curriculum for England (NCfE) and aligned with KHDA and UAE Ministry of Education requirements, the programme runs from FS1 to Year 6. Early Years (FS1–Year 1) are play-rich and inquiry-led, with the Head–Heart–Hands model nurturing thinking through language and exploration, emotional wellbeing through caring relationships and rhythm, and creativity through movement, making, and purposeful play. The Primary (Years 2–6) curriculum blends NCfE with a relational, culturally rooted pedagogy, and learning is structured into 3–5 week inquiry blocks that connect subjects through real-world contexts. Assessment is human, holistic, and forward-thinking, using observation, dialogue and rich documentation aligned with EYFS and NCfE. The curriculum emphasizes learning beyond exams, with real-world inquiry, collaborative projects, and a focus on wellbeing and ethical action. It is inclusive and adaptable for diverse learners, including students of determination, EAL, and gifted and talented learners.

Gifted and Talented
The curriculum includes gifted and talented learners within its inclusive education approach. Learning is adapted to meet diverse profiles, including those who are gifted and talented.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school places wellbeing at the center of learning and uses the Head, Heart, Hands model to develop thinking, feeling, and doing in every child. Emotional intelligence is fostered through relational practice, trauma-informed pedagogy, and developmentally attuned adult support. Circle time, gratitude rituals, peer conversations, and collaborative problem‑solving are daily practices that support emotional regulation, empathy, and resilience. Children are seen, heard, and valued in a safe, nurturing environment that prioritises connection and belonging. Emotional wellbeing is described as the soil from which deep learning grows, underpinning all academic and social development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusion Policy defines SEND as a need that requires adaptation so the learner can access the environment equitably. The school uses a graduated approach (Universal, Targeted, Specialist) with IEPs and, when needed, outside professionals to support learning. Admission is not conditional upon diagnosis, and the school welcomes students with special educational needs. Learning Support Assistants facilitate inclusive participation and staff can engage external specialists (e.g., speech and language therapists, occupational therapists) as required. Provision is designed to ensure access for all within the common learning environment, with rhythm, differentiation, and ongoing collaboration with families.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The curriculum explicitly recognises and supports learners for whom English is an additional language (EAL). English, Mathematics, and Science are taught within a framework that adapts to diverse language needs, ensuring equity and access for all learners. The National Curriculum for England is blended with a relational, culturally rooted pedagogy to support language development in an inclusive setting. Adaptations for EAL are embedded in the curriculum to help students access content across subjects. The school emphasises inclusive practices that accommodate EAL learners within the Head, Heart, Hands approach.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a core component of student development, with safeguarding activities and curricula designed to support emotional health. The safeguarding framework includes a Mental Health Policy and ongoing staff training in wellbeing and safety. The approach is grounded in trauma-informed practices and co‑regulation to support emotional regulation, peer connection, and secure attachments. The Head, Heart, Hands model fosters emotional literacy and resilience as foundations for learning. The environment is structured to be safe, predictable, and nurturing to promote mental wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a collective responsibility across the school, with an environment that is safe and secure and where students are encouraged to speak to trusted adults. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child guides practice, and policies align with UAE safeguarding standards. A designated safeguarding leads team oversees procedures, training, case management, and annual reporting, with CPOMS used for records. Clear reporting, confidentiality, and information-sharing protocols are in place, along with crisis planning, anti-bullying, online safety, and missing child procedures. The safeguarding framework prioritises strong home–school partnerships and ongoing professional development for staff.
Parent Experience

History
Al Fanar School is Al Fanar by Zaya, a pioneering primary school in Dubai. It was founded by Nadia Zaal, who serves as founder and CEO. The school offers a British curriculum for FS1–Year 6 and uses a Head, Heart, Hands model. It is located in Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, UAE. The curriculum blends Emirati heritage, Arabic language, and Islamic traditions with global learning to prepare world-ready learners.

Community
The Daily Experience describes daily rhythm and the Head, Heart, Hands flow, with calm mornings, deep learning blocks, outdoor movement, shared meals, and reflective endings. Learning environments feel like homes with flexible spaces, sensory-aware design, and outdoor classrooms. Relationships and community are prioritized, with educators as Soulful Guides and family partnerships valued, and emotional safety foundations of practice. Student voice and leadership are encouraged, with even youngest children helping shape the day through co-created agreements, Wonder Books, and assemblies.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is a British-curriculum primary school located in Nad Al Sheba 4, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The classrooms are warm, open spaces with flexible layouts and sensory-aware design, including outdoor classrooms. Learning environments are sensory-rich and designed to support imagination, focus, and wellbeing. Nature-based learning is central, with daily outdoor learning and gardening. The Head–Heart–Hands model shapes daily life and school rhythms, blending academic inquiry with UAE heritage, Arabic language, and Islamic education.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are curated spaces that support imagination, focus, and wellbeing. The curriculum blends the National Curriculum for England with UAE cultural heritage, Arabic language, and Islamic education, and is organized for Early Years (FS1–Year 1) and Primary (Years 2–6). Learning occurs through 3–5 week inquiry blocks in a hands-on, inquiry-based approach. The learning environments are sensory-rich and designed around the twelve senses to foster engagement and self-regulation. Assessment is human, holistic, and forward-thinking, using observation, dialogue, and documentation aligned with EYFS and NCfE frameworks.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Outdoor and nature-based learning; Arts, movement and making; Cultural identity and language; Supporting a low-tech, high-presence approach in the early years.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school teaches critical thinking and deep problem solving. The school uses a globally aligned curriculum and child-led inquiry to prepare learners to be world-ready—confident, open-minded, and connected to a larger purpose. The school emphasises a rigorous, relational, and joyful approach where every child feels seen, known, and inspired.

Arts & Creative
The school fosters creativity through arts, movement, and making. From clay and handwork to music and expressive movement, children develop skill, confidence, and voice. Creativity flows through our school.

Cultural & Language
The school honours the heritage of the UAE. Arabic and Islamic Education are woven through song, story, and cultural ritual, helping children build pride in their identity while embracing diversity.

Social & Hobbies
Relationships and community are prioritised; educators form strong, respectful bonds with each child. Family partnerships are valued, and emotional safety is foundational to all we do. Even our youngest children help shape the day, participating in assemblies and co-creating agreements to lead.

Leadership & Professional
The school promotes Student Voice and Leadership. Even our youngest children help shape the day and are empowered to participate and lead. Leadership is developed through co-creating agreements, sharing ideas in Wonder Books, and assemblies.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The daily rhythm follows a Head, Heart, Hands flow: calm mornings, deep learning blocks, outdoor movement, shared meals, and reflective endings. Each day begins and ends with intention, and routines balance focused inquiry, joyful play, and restorative pauses to help children regulate, engage, and thrive. Classrooms feel like homes with outdoor classrooms and natural design, inviting curiosity and deep engagement. Relationships and community are central, with educators as Soulful Guides and family partnerships valued to support wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is a core subject within the NCfE-based curriculum. Arabic and Islamic Education are taught in alignment with MOE guidelines. The curriculum includes Arabic language and related subjects, and learning support is provided for students for whom English is an additional language (EAL).
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquiry: Your journey begins by getting in touch with the admissions team. You may contact by phone, email, or in person. An enquiry number is issued for reference. 2. Application: To move forward, families pay an AED 500 non-refundable application fee and fill an application form. The fee is refundable if you choose not to proceed after the tour or if we are unable to offer a place, and it can be transferred to the next academic year if needed. 3. Tour: School tours allow you to experience Al Fanar in action, understand the approach, and ask questions. Tours are an important step in moving forward with your admission. 4. Stay & Play: When spaces become available, children are invited to a Stay & Play session, a relaxed play-based experience with no formal tests. 5. Offer: If a place becomes available, an official offer is issued. To secure the place, a deposit is required within a set timeframe. At this stage, transition planning begins. 6. Admissions Update: Admissions for 2025–2026 are full. Admissions for 2026–2027 are also full, with limited availability only in Years 5 and 6. We are not able to accept inquiries at this time. 7. Registration and Re-Registration: New Students pay a non-refundable registration fee of 10% of the annual fees to confirm their place, deducted from the first term's tuition fees, and due within 7 working days. Returning Students pay a non-refundable re-registration fee of 5% of the annual fees to secure their place for the following academic year, deducted from the first term's fees. Failure to pay may result in the forfeiture of the place. 8. Withdrawals: Relocations and withdrawals; the application and registration/re-registration fee are non-refundable if families relocate or choose not to return. Refunds of deposits may be possible before the new academic year begins, subject to policy. KHDA guidelines apply for tuition refunds during the academic year. 9. Outstanding Fees: Non-payment of fees may lead to withholding of academic reports and denial of re-enrollment.

Waitlist
Waiting lists are capped at 20 students per grade level, with periodic-status updates provided to parents. Class sizes are capped at 15 students to ensure personalised learning. Priority for Waitlist Placement is: 1) Siblings of current students; 2) Children of staff members; 3) Emirati students. Parents must confirm their intention to remain on the waitlist within 7 days.
School Events
The school has not added events
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