Universal American School
Universal American School
Universal American School (UAS) is an internationally accredited IB World School located in Dubai Festival City, offering a combined American and International Baccalaureate curriculum from Pre-KG through Grade 12. Founded in 2005 as part of the not-for-profit Al Futtaim Education Foundation, UAS serves approximately 1,500 students from over 75 nationalities. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA), the Council of International Schools (CIS), and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). UAS delivers three IB programmes, PYP, MYP, and DP, along with Advanced Placement (AP) and the American High School Diploma, providing three distinct graduation pathways. The school has achieved a 100% IB Diploma pass rate with an average score of 35.4 points, with 22% of the cohort scoring 40+ points. The beautifully landscaped 70,000 sqm campus, designed by U.S.-based architects THA, features an Olympic-size track, swimming pool, black box theatre, recording studio, and dual libraries. KHDA has consistently rated UAS as Very Good, with Outstanding personal and social development and health and safety across all phases.
Fees for 2026/2027, per year group. Excludes registration, uniform, and transport.
Universal American School publishes a 2026-27 fee table with three money columns: Current Fees, a KHDA discount, and Total Discounted fees. The discount applies to Grades 1 and 2 only, at AED 3,036 each, bringing those two years from AED 66,113 down to AED 63,077; every other grade is charged its Current Fee. The school qualifies the reduction only as subject to terms and conditions, which it does not state. Fees are payable in three terms due 25 August, 25 December and 25 March, and the published instalments sum to the discounted figure on every row. A one-time non-refundable application fee of AED 525 is payable before assessment, and a non-refundable deposit of AED 3,000 secures a place within three days of an offer and is deducted from the first semester. Tuition excludes uniform, canteen meals and transport, the last run by a third party at AED 5,990 to AED 10,400 a year two-way depending on area. Tuition paid before the year begins is refundable if withdrawal is requested more than 60 days before the start date.
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KHDA 2023–2024 inspection
Play-based inquiry learning developing foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth. The programme nurtures curiosity and builds independence in a supportive environment.
Transdisciplinary inquiry-based curriculum following the IB PYP framework integrated with New York State Standards. Students explore six transdisciplinary themes through units of inquiry developing knowledge, conceptual understanding, and skills.
Subject-specific inquiry through the IB MYP framework developing disciplinary and interdisciplinary understanding. Students engage with eight subject groups and complete a Personal Project in Grade 10.
Rigorous pre-university programme with three graduation pathways: IB Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), and American High School Diploma. IB DP students study six subjects, complete an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. 100% pass rate with 35.4 average points.
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Expansive fully equipped labs for physics, chemistry, and biology
Modern computer laboratories with latest educational technology
Separate libraries for elementary and secondary with extensive collections
Dedicated language specialist rooms for Arabic, French, and Spanish
Two large fully equipped art studios with ceramics facilities
Flexible performance space for drama and theatrical productions
Professional recording studio with podcasting and radio facilities
Dedicated centre for music, drama, and dance performances
School Director
Appointed January 2022. New Zealander with UK experience, previously Principal at GEMS Education. Leads UAS with a focus on building a diverse and inclusive community.
Principal, Secondary
Principal, Elementary
Vice Principal, Learning & Teaching Pastoral
Vice Principal, Learning & Teaching, MS Curriculum
Assistant Principal, Data & Systems
Assistant Principal, Elementary
Assistant Principal, HS Curriculum
Dean of Students, DSL
Assistant Principal, Pastoral
Language & Cultural
Athletics Director
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Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE
