Dubai International Academy
Dubai International Academy
Dubai International Academy (DIA) is a co-educational IB World School in Emirates Hills, Dubai, and the longest-established full IB continuum school in the city. Founded in September 2005 by Innoventures Education, the school delivers all four International Baccalaureate programmes, PYP, MYP, Diploma, and Career-related, from KG 1 through Year 13, serving over 2,750 students from more than 85 nationalities. DIA is the only full IB curriculum school in the UAE to hold the KHDA Outstanding rating, which it retained for 2023–2024 with Outstanding ratings across student achievement in MYP and DP, personal and social development, teaching and learning, curriculum, and leadership. The school's 2024 IB Diploma cohort achieved a 100% pass rate with an average of 35 points against a global average of 32, and secured over $13 million in university scholarships. The 482,000-square-foot campus features three swimming pools, four climate-controlled gymnasia, science and robotics laboratories, and a networked library. DIA also offers BTEC Level 3 diplomas and hosts the annual DIAMUN conference drawing over 600 delegates from 60+ nationalities. The school was shortlisted among the world's top 10 for the World's Best School Prizes in June 2024.
Fees for 2026/2027, per year group. Excludes registration, uniform, and transport.
The school publishes a single annual fee per year group for 2026-2027, shown above; there is no general discount and KHDA records none. Existing and new students pay the same annual fee and differ only in the advance instalment (a re-enrolment payment of about 5% of the annual fee for existing students, an enrolment fee of 10% for new students), which is deducted from the Term 1 invoice. Fees are payable in three termly instalments. Additional costs apply for stationery, trips, uniform, external examinations, meals, transport, textbooks and insurance. English as an Additional Language support, where the school determines a student requires it, is charged at AED 4,500 a year and is a condition of admission.
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KHDA 2023–2024 inspection
The kindergarten programme introduces children to the IB framework through inquiry-based, play-based learning. The dedicated KG section features its own entrance, a sprung-floor music and movement room, and outdoor play areas. Children develop foundational skills across all areas of learning while beginning to embody the IB Learner Profile attributes.
The IB PYP delivers transdisciplinary learning through six units of inquiry per year, developing conceptual understanding across subjects. Students explore knowledge through the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. Year 6 students complete the PYP Exhibition, a collaborative, student-led inquiry project demonstrating all programme elements.
The IB MYP develops academic rigour across eight subject groups with interdisciplinary learning and community service projects. Students complete MYP e-examinations in Year 11 and the Personal Project. The 2024 cohort achieved an average of 43 out of 56 points against a global average of 37.48, with a 100% pass rate and four students scoring 55/56.
Students choose from the IB Diploma Programme (DP), IB Career-related Programme (CP), IBDP Courses, or BTEC Level 3 Diploma pathways. The 2024 DP cohort achieved a 100% pass rate with an average of 35 points (global average: 32), including a perfect score of 45. The cohort secured over $13 million in university scholarships with placements at leading universities worldwide.
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Multiple dedicated science laboratories for physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science practicals.
Networked computer laboratories and dedicated robotics lab for technology and design projects.
Specialist design and technology workshops for MYP and DP design projects.
Comprehensive school library with digital resources supporting inquiry-based research across all programmes.
Dedicated rooms for French, Spanish, German, Hindi, Russian, and other language instruction.
Three pools including two covered swimming pools for competitive training and PE lessons.
Four climate-controlled multi-purpose halls for PE, sports, assemblies, and events.
Outdoor basketball and tennis courts for competitive sports and recreation.
Principal
Hitesh Bhagat has served as Principal of Dubai International Academy since the 2022-23 academic year. Under his leadership, the school has retained its KHDA Outstanding rating and achieved record IB Diploma results. He oversees a team of approximately 240 teachers and 40+ teaching assistants serving over 2,750 students across all four IB programmes.
Head of Primary
Head of Secondary
Deputy Head of Primary - Academic (KG1 - Year 2)
Deputy Head of Primary - Academic (Year 3 - 6)
Deputy Head of Primary - Pastoral
Deputy Head of Secondary - Academic (Year 12 - 13)
Deputy Head of Secondary - Academic (Year 7 - 11)
Assistant Head (Year 12 - 13)
Assistant Head (Year 7 - 11)
Head of Inclusion, Primary
Head of Inclusion, Secondary
Director of Sports & Activities
Primary Years Programme Coordinator
Diploma Programme Coordinator
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First Al Khail Street, Emirates Hills, Dubai, UAE
