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Dubai International Academy

International School in Dubai

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Quick answer

Dubai International Academy (DIA Emirates Hills) is the longest-established IB continuum school in Dubai, offering all four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) from KG to Year 13. The school welcomes families from 90 nationalities under the 'Dream, Inspire, Achieve' motto, accredited by IBO and CIS. Admissions are open; best suited to internationally mobile families committed to a complete IB continuum.

Key facts

  • Curriculum: IB leaving qualifications include IB Diploma.
  • Tuition: $12,000–$24,000/yr published annual range.
  • 90 nationalities expat-heavy mix.
  • Ages: 3-18 age range accepted.
  • Accreditations: IBO, CIS listed accreditations.
IBAges 3-18English$12,000–$24,000/yr(2025-2026)
Est. all-in: $21,850/yr(+21%, modeled)Above average in DubaiGood valueOpen admissions
Nationalities

90

Class Size

Not published

Admissions

Rolling

Accreditations

IBO, CIS

Qualifications

IB Diploma

ibib-continuumpremium-tierhigh-hidden-feesopen-admissionshighly-diverse

About Dubai International Academy

DIA Emirates Hills is the longest established IB continuum school in Dubai and a leading education provider in the region, offering all four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP and CP) from KG to Year 13.

Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)

Special educational needs (SEN)Stated
English as an additional language (EAL)Not published

This school states some support, but key details aren't published — confirm the gaps below before applying.

Why this matters

Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.

  • Learning support: moderate

Not published

  • —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
  • —EAL/ESL support for non-English speakers not stated
  • —In-house specialist staff not listed

Questions to ask the school

  1. Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
  2. What level of English is required for entry, and what EAL/ESL support is provided for a child still learning English?
  3. Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
  4. Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
  5. Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
Annual fees and costs for Dubai International Academy
ItemAmount
Annual tuition (USD)$12,000–$24,000
Fee year2025-2026
Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate$21,850(+21%)
Est. first-year total (modeled)$24,350
Cost position in Dubai71th percentile(above average)

Hidden costs & fee notes

Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). GEMS network school. Registration AED 500-2,000. Uniforms AED 500-1,500. Bus AED 5,000-15,000/year depending on zone. Technology levy AED 1,000-5,000/year. Exam fees AED 2,000-5,500 for IB sessions. ECA AED 1,000-5,000/year.

Curriculum

IB

Leaving qualifications

IB Diploma

Learning support

moderate

Recommended neighborhoods

Emirates Hills, The Springs, The Lakes, Jumeirah Islands

Verified: 2026-04-26Data source: manual+webConfidence: highData completeness: 54%2 named sources

At a Glance

Fee Position in Dubai

Mid-range
Median
$2,000$12,000–$24,000$30,035

School Profile

AffordabilityDiversitySupport
Dubai International Academy

Class size: Not published

Student Diversity

90nationalities

Very diverse

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Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.