Dubai’s school landscape is expanding further in 2026, with a wave of new private schools set to open across key residential communities. The upcoming campuses span British curriculum institutions, IB schools, and hybrid learning models designed to meet growing demand from families moving to the emirate.
Most of these schools are scheduled to open for the 2026–2027 academic year. Several operations will begin in August, while Harrow International School Dubai is set to open in September. Together, they reflect the continued growth of Dubai’s education sector and the increasing demand for diverse, high-quality schooling options.
Harrow International School Dubai
Harrow International School Dubai is one of the most anticipated school launches of 2026. It is being operated by Taaleem in partnership with Harrow School in the UK, a name with over four centuries of educational heritage. The school is set to offer a premium learning environment with a strong focus on academics, leadership, sport, and the arts.
The campus will open with Foundation Stage to Year 6 and then grow step by step until Year 13. It has been designed with modern learning spaces, including specialist facilities for STEAM subjects and performing arts. A House system will also be part of school life, helping students build confidence, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging.
- Location: Hessa Street, near Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Village Circle
- Opening: September 2026 (FS1 to Year 6 initially)
- Fees: Starting from approximately AED 86,650 – AED 119,450 per year
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City
Queen Elizabeth’s School Dubai is the first international campus of the well-known Queen Elizabeth’s School in the UK, recognised for its strong academic standards and grammar school heritage. The Dubai campus aims to bring the same academic rigour into a modern, co-educational environment.
The school will begin with Nursery to Year 8 and later expand to Year 13. Alongside core academics, it will offer structured programmes supporting leadership, university preparation, sports development, and wider personal growth. Its location in Dubai Sports City provides access to strong sporting infrastructure and community facilities.
- Location: Dubai Sports City
- Opening: August 2026 (Nursery to Year 8 initially)
- Fees: Starting from approximately AED 70,125 – AED 136,604 (founding discounts available)
The Scholars School, Al Quoz
The Scholars School is a new British curriculum institution developed by Scholars International Group, a long-established education provider in the UAE. It will open in Al Quoz on an existing campus, allowing students to benefit from fully prepared facilities from day one.
The school follows the National Curriculum for England and applies High Performance Learning principles. It aims to strengthen academic achievement while also developing creativity, character, and future-ready skills. The school will initially open for Foundation Stage to Year 6 before expanding in later phases.
- Location: Al Asayel Street, Al Quoz 1
- Opening: August 2026 (FS1 to Year 6 initially)
- Fees: Starting from approximately AED 42,700 per year
Ash Mount School, Mudon
Ash Mount School is a new international school located in the Mudon community. It offers a blended learning model combining the IB framework with elements of the English National Curriculum. The school is designed around inquiry-based learning with a strong focus on creativity, sustainability, and global awareness.
It will open initially for Pre-KG to Grade 8, with plans to expand to higher grades over time. The campus is being developed with a community-focused approach aligned with Dubai’s “20-minute city” vision, encouraging families to live, study, and access services within proximity.
- Location: Mudon Community, opposite Mudon Central Park area
- Opening: August 2026 (Pre-KG to Grade 8 initially)
- Fees: Starting from approximately AED 52,000 – AED 85,000 per year
Dubai International Academy (DIA) Town Square
Dubai International Academy (DIA) Town Square is the latest expansion in the DIA network, operated by Innoventures Education. The school will bring the IB curriculum to the rapidly growing Town Square community, making it a key neighbourhood school for families in the area.
The school will open in phases, starting with Pre-KG to Grade 8 before expanding to higher grade levels. Its campus will feature modern learning environments, including STEAM labs, creative studios, and dedicated sports facilities designed to support inquiry-led education.
- Location: Town Square Dubai
- Opening: August 2026 (Pre-KG to Grade 8 initially)
- Fees: Starting from approximately AED 49,000 – AED 70,500 per year
Rugby School Dubai (Nad Al Sheba)
Rugby School Dubai brings the heritage of the historic Rugby School in the UK to the UAE through a partnership with Aldar Education. The school will operate from the former Kent College Dubai campus in Nad Al Sheba, allowing it to open as a full-through school from FS1 to Year 13 from day one.
It follows the British curriculum and places strong emphasis on academics, sport, and character development. Its guiding philosophy, “The Whole Person, The Whole Point,” reflects its aim of developing well-rounded students who are confident both inside and outside the classroom.
- Location: Nad Al Sheba
- Opening: August 2026 (FS1 to Year 13)
- Fees: Starting from approximately AED 70,000 – AED 120,000 per year
FAQs
Which curriculum options are available in the new schools opening in 2026?
The new schools include British curriculum schools, IB-based schools, and hybrid learning models combining UK and international frameworks.
Which is the most affordable new school opening in Dubai in 2026?
The Scholars School offers one of the lowest starting fee structures, beginning at approximately AED 42,700 per year.
Are these schools already accepting admissions?
Yes, most of the schools have already opened admissions for founding cohorts, although availability varies by year group.
When will the new schools in Dubai open?
Most are scheduled to open in August 2026, while Harrow International School Dubai is set to open in September 2026.
Which areas in Dubai will see the most new schools in 2026?
Key residential communities, including Town Square, Mudon, Al Quoz, Dubai Sports City, and Nad Al Sheba, will see a high concentration of new school openings.
Will these schools expand to higher grades later?
Yes, most schools are opening in phases and plan to expand up to Year 13 over time.
