United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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The GEMS School of Research and Innovation is located in Dubai Sports City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It sits within the Dubai Sports City development, a neighbourhood known for its sports facilities and residential communities. The campus is a purpose-built site designed to support its focus on research, innovation, and future-ready learning. The school opened in August 2025.
Initial year groups run from Foundation/Pre-Prep through Year 6. Year 7–Year 13 are planned for addition in subsequent academic years.
Private, co-educational school. The school operates within the GEMS Education network and follows a British curriculum framework.
Public materials for SRI do not publish specific on-site SEN provisions. The GEMS Education network provides a Children's Services program that covers SEN, EAL, wellbeing, and related supports across its schools; families should contact the school for current on-site provisions.
The curriculum is the English National Curriculum (British Curriculum), linking the school to the United Kingdom.
There is no explicit religious affiliation published for the school; it follows a secular, values-led British curriculum framework.
The teaching day runs from 7:30 to 16:30, with the campus typically open from 08:00 for student arrival. Breaks and lunch arrangements are not publicly detailed in the core materials.
Transport is provided through private bus providers; the school coordinates routes via its transport team. Area coverage includes Dubai Sports City and surrounding communities, with typical arrangements handled by external operators (e.g., STS Group in the Gems network).
Application and registration fees
- An application processing fee is charged at the time of online registration; GEMS schools commonly charge AED 525 (inclusive of VAT) for the application stage.
- A registration deposit equal to 10% of the annual tuition fee is collected once an offer is accepted; this deposit is deducted from the total tuition for the year and is normally non-refundable except in specified extenuating circumstances.
Tuition fees (KHDA‑approved) — Academic Year 2025/26 (annual and per‑term where published)
- FS1 – Annual tuition: AED 116,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 92,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 37,120; Term 2 AED 27,840; Term 3 AED 27,840.
- FS2 – Annual tuition: AED 116,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 92,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 37,120; Term 2 AED 27,840; Term 3 AED 27,840.
- Year 1 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160.
- Year 2 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160.
- Year 3 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160.
- Year 4 – Annual tuition: AED 134,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 107,200. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 42,880; Term 2 AED 32,160; Term 3 AED 32,160.
- Year 5 – Annual tuition: AED 152,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 121,600. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 48,640; Term 2 AED 36,480; Term 3 AED 36,480.
- Year 6 – Annual tuition: AED 152,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 121,600. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 48,640; Term 2 AED 36,480; Term 3 AED 36,480.
- Year 7 – Annual tuition: AED 161,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 128,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 51,520; Term 2 AED 38,640; Term 3 AED 38,640.
- Year 8 – Annual tuition: AED 161,000. Founding‑family discounted annual: AED 128,800. Term instalments (founding discount example): Term 1 AED 51,520; Term 2 AED 38,640; Term 3 AED 38,640.
- Year 9 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 161,000. Term instalments are collected in three instalments at the start of each term (standard GEMS instalment split is 40% / 30% / 30%); applying that instalment split to the annual figure gives: Term 1 AED 64,400; Term 2 AED 48,300; Term 3 AED 48,300. (Term instalments shown are the standard GEMS 40/30/30 split applied to the annual fee.)
- Year 10–11 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 197,000. Standard 40/30/30 instalment split yields: Term 1 AED 78,800; Term 2 AED 59,100; Term 3 AED 59,100.
- Year 12–13 – KHDA‑listed annual tuition: AED 206,000. Standard 40/30/30 instalment split yields: Term 1 AED 82,400; Term 2 AED 61,800; Term 3 AED 61,800.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The academic year is split into three terms with the following term periods shown: Term 1 (Sept – Dec), Term 2 (Jan – Mar), Term 3 (Apr – June). Term dates are published on the school schedule. Term instalments for tuition are billed at the start of each term; the standard instalment structure used by GEMS is 40% payable in Term 1, 30% in Term 2 and 30% in Term 3. Examples of term dates and instalment amounts appear in the published tuition schedule.
- The application fee is payable at the time of application. A registration deposit (10% of the annual tuition) is payable once an offer is accepted and is normally non‑refundable except in specified cases; the registration deposit is deducted from the year's tuition.
Other costs and mandatory charges
- Additional mandatory or one‑off charges commonly applied across GEMS schools include: school ID card, school diary, annual activity fees (KG and Years 1–5 examples), examination fees where relevant, and a re‑registration deposit for returning students (commonly 5% of the annual fee when re‑enrolling). Specific items and amounts vary by school and year group.
- Typical extras that families should budget for include: school uniform, transport (bus) services, optional extracurricular clubs, specialist equipment or materials for certain subjects, and examination or external assessment fees. Exact charges for uniform, transport routes and extracurricular activities are set separately and applied in addition to tuition.
Refunds and withdrawal terms
- Refunds and the calculation of refundable amounts follow published GEMS fee policies: application fees are refundable if the school does not offer a place (unless the application is carried forward); registration deposits are normally non‑refundable except in extenuating circumstances such as relocation; tuition refunds for withdrawals are calculated according to the length of enrolment with staged deductions (examples used across GEMS: tuition paid prior to the academic year may be refundable less registration/re‑registration fees; shorter enrolments incur deductions of one or more months' fees depending on time on roll). Refund rules and the required written withdrawal notice period are applied in line with KHDA and GEMS payment policies.
Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods across GEMS schools include in‑person payments at the school accounts office, bank/wire transfer, cheque and card payments. Credit card payment facilities are commonly available; some GEMS partner cards or promotions (for example, GEMS World/FAB card offers) may provide payment benefits. Refunds for card payments are usually returned to the same card; cash refunds are normally issued by cheque.
GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in Dubai Sports City offers the British Curriculum from Foundation Stage through Year 13. The 47,600-square-meter campus features specific zones designed for specialized learning, including artificial intelligence laboratories, a food technology lab equipped with 3D printers, and a dedicated Esports academy. Students also have access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football pitch, and a 600-seat auditorium for the performing arts. A distinctive feature of SRI is its integration of advanced technology into daily learning, alongside a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental contribution. Early years classes are capped at 16 students, ensuring highly personalized attention. The school provides a structured progression from early years to Sixth Form, combining standard English National Curriculum subjects with unique offerings like robotics and martial arts to cater to a wide range of student interests and future career paths.