Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
About
Inspection Rating
Very Good-- KHDA
Languages Taught
English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi
Phone
Website
Address
Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE
Programs Offered
10 ProgrammesPre-KG
1 year / pre_k
Early Years programme for ages 3-4. Play-based inquiry learning within the IB PYP framework. Specialist Arabic, PE, Music, and Swimming instruction.
KG1
1 year / pre_k
Kindergarten Year 1 for ages 4-5. IB PYP with enhanced structured learning. Inquiry-based approach developing IB Learner Profile attributes.
KG2
1 year / pre_k
Kindergarten Year 2 for ages 5-6. Final early years stage before primary. Transition to formal literacy and numeracy within PYP framework.
Grade 1
1 year / primary
IB PYP Grade 1. Transdisciplinary inquiry-based learning with specialist teaching in Arabic, PE, Music, and Art.
Grade 2
1 year / primary
IB PYP Grade 2. Continued inquiry-based learning with growing independence and assessment.
Grade 3-5
3 years / primary
IB PYP upper primary. French, Spanish, or Mandarin introduced from Grade 3. Deeper subject-specialist teaching and PYP Exhibition in Grade 5.
Tuition Fees 2025/26
All fees in AED per academic year
| Grade | Key Stage | Ages | KHDA Fee | School Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-KG | Early Years | 3-4 | 53,111 | 47,807 |
| KG1 | Early Years | 4-5 | 59,898 | 53,582 |
| KG2 | Early Years | 5-6 | 60,459 | 56,237 |
| Grade 1-2 | PYP | 6-8 | 68,466 | 62,163 |
| Grade 3-5 | PYP | 8-11 | 68,466 | 62,608 |
| Grade 6-8 | MYP | 11-14 | 79,221 | 70,635 |
| Grade 9-10 | MYP | 14-16 | 87,792 | 78,170 |
| Grade 11-12 | DP/CP | 16-18 | 96,309 | 84,928 |
Fee Calculator
Estimate total annual fees for your family
KHDA approved fees shown as annual_fee. Discounted fees shown as discounted_fee (what families pay). Part of Innoventures Education group. IB examination fees, stationery, field trips, uniforms, meals, and transport charged separately.
Payment Information
KHDA Rating
2023–2024| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | GoodGood |
| Indicator | Foundation | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attainment | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
| Progress over time | N/A | Accept.Acceptable | Accept.Acceptable |
Source: Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau (DSIB) — January 2024
Curriculum
IB Primary Years Programme Early Years with play-based inquiry learning. Purpose-built Early Years facilities with dedicated outdoor spaces. Specialist teaching in Arabic, PE, Music, and Swimming. Music and movement sprung-floored room for KG students.
Teaching Approach
Inquiry-based learning through the IB PYP framework. Transdisciplinary units of inquiry developing IB Learner Profile attributes. Balance of structured and child-initiated learning with specialist instruction.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
IB Primary Years Programme with transdisciplinary inquiry-based learning. French, Spanish, or Mandarin introduced from Grade 3. Arabic A (first language) and Arabic B (additional language) streams. PYP Exhibition in Grade 5 as culminating project. Mother-tongue programmes available in French, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi.
Teaching Approach
Transdisciplinary inquiry approach with six units of inquiry per year. Specialist teachers for PE, Music, Art, Arabic, and languages. Mother-tongue programmes for native French, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi speakers. English Language Support programme available.
Core Subjects
Specialist Subjects
IGCSE Option Subjects
IB Middle Years Programme across 8 subject groups. Interdisciplinary learning with community and service integration. MYP Personal Project in Grade 10 as culminating assessment. Arabic A/B streams continue with additional language choices. Design Technology and comprehensive arts programmes.
Teaching Approach
IB MYP framework with 8 subject groups and interdisciplinary learning. Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL) skills development. Service as Action component building community engagement. MYP Personal Project in Grade 10.
Core Subjects
IGCSE Option Subjects
Facilities
23-acre purpose-built campus in Al Barsha 1 with two separate structures — Elementary School at the end of the campus and Middle/High School at the front. Entirely separate recreational outdoor spaces for Primary and Secondary students. Features three Olympic-sized swimming pools, a 400-seat auditorium, full-size astroturf playing field, and comprehensive sports and performing arts facilities. Sustainability features include solar panels, a greenhouse, and bee hives.
Academic
Science Laboratories
Fully equipped science labs for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and general science across primary and secondary.
Design Technology Labs
Specialist DT labs for product design, engineering, and IB MYP/DP design projects.
Computer Technology Labs
Computer labs for coding, digital literacy, and IB Computer Science coursework.
Networked Library
Comprehensive networked library supporting research and independent study across all grade levels.
Language Learning Rooms
Specialist rooms for Arabic A/B, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and mother-tongue programmes.
Sports & Recreation
3 Olympic Swimming Pools
Three Olympic-sized temperature-controlled swimming pools for PE, competitive swimming, and aquathon events.
Full-Size Astroturf Pitch
Full-sized astroturf playing field for football, rugby, cricket, and athletics.
Running Track
Athletics running track for PE, sports days, and competitive athletics training.
2 Indoor Sports Halls
Two multipurpose indoor sports halls for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and indoor sports.
Tennis & Basketball Courts
Dedicated outdoor tennis courts and basketball courts.
Cricket Nets
Dedicated cricket practice nets for training sessions.
Performance & Arts
400-Seat Auditorium
Purpose-built 400-seat auditorium for performances, assemblies, guest speakers, and community events.
Drama Studios
Specialist drama studios for IB Theatre, rehearsals, and performing arts programmes.
Music Rooms
Dedicated music practice, ensemble, and performance rooms. KG music and movement room with sprung floor.
Art Rooms
Specialist art studios for visual arts, photography, and IB Art coursework.
General
Greenhouse & Bee Hives
On-campus greenhouse and bee hives supporting sustainability curriculum and Eco-Schools Green Flag status.
Solar Panels
Campus solar panel installation supporting sustainability education and reducing environmental impact.
Outdoor Recreation Areas
Separate outdoor play and recreation areas for Primary and Secondary with age-appropriate equipment.
Transport
Extracurricular Activities
Staffing & Leadership
Senior Leadership
Ian Thurston
Principal
Principal of Dubai International Academy Al Barsha. Holds a BA in Economics and a PGCE in Secondary Mathematics. Previously at DIA Emirates Hills within the Innoventures Education group. Leads the school's IB Continuum programme with a focus on academic excellence and holistic student development.
Tom Dymond
Head of Primary
Head of Primary responsible for the IB PYP programme from Pre-KG through Grade 5. Oversees curriculum delivery, pastoral care, and teaching quality across the primary phase.
Andrew Johnson
Head of Secondary
Head of Secondary overseeing the IB MYP (Grades 6-10) and DP/CP (Grades 11-12) programmes. Responsible for academic standards, student progress, and secondary pastoral systems.
Abigail Ferrari
Deputy Head of Secondary (DP-CP)
Deputy Head of Secondary responsible for the IB Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme. Oversees Grades 11-12 academics, university counselling, and post-18 pathway guidance.
Lisa Moley
Head of Inclusion
Head of Inclusion holding a NASENCO master's degree. Leads the school's inclusive education programme ensuring all students receive appropriate support and differentiation.