GEMS Education is one of the largest school operators in Dubai, running multiple campuses across the city. But not all GEMS schools are the same – they vary significantly in curriculum, fees, and target market. Here's how to navigate your options.
Understanding GEMS School Tiers
GEMS schools broadly fall into three tiers:
Premium Tier
- GEMS Wellington International School (British)
- GEMS World Academy (IB)
Outstanding ratings, premium fees (AED 70,000-100,000+), excellent facilities.
Mid-Range Tier
- GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail
- GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis
- GEMS Dubai American Academy
- GEMS FirstPoint School
Very Good ratings, mid-range fees (AED 45,000-70,000), good facilities.
Value Tier
- GEMS Founders School Al Barsha
- GEMS Founders School Al Mizhar
- GEMS Royal Dubai School
- GEMS Jumeira Primary School
Good ratings, accessible fees (AED 25,000-45,000).
By Curriculum
British Curriculum GEMS Schools
| School | Location | FS1 Fees | KHDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington International | Al Sufouh | 78,000 | Outstanding |
| Wellington Academy Al Khail | JVC | 38,000 | Very Good |
| Wellington Academy SO | Silicon Oasis | 36,000 | Very Good |
| Founders Al Barsha | Al Barsha | 32,000 | Good |
| Founders Al Mizhar | Al Mizhar | 28,000 | Good |
| Royal Dubai School | Mirdif | 32,000 | Good |
| FirstPoint School | Silicon Oasis | 36,000 | Very Good |
| Jumeira Primary | Jumeirah | 40,000 | Very Good |
IB Curriculum GEMS Schools
| School | Location | FS1 Fees | KHDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Academy | Al Barsha | 75,000 | Outstanding |
American Curriculum GEMS Schools
| School | Location | FS1 Fees | KHDA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai American Academy | Al Barsha | 55,000 | Very Good |
Which GEMS School?
For Premium British Education
GEMS Wellington International is the flagship – Outstanding rated with excellent facilities in Al Sufouh. Premium fees but prestigious reputation.
For IB Education
GEMS World Academy offers the full IB continuum from PYP to Diploma. Outstanding rated with strong international focus.
For Value British Education
Wellington Academy Al Khail or Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis offer the Wellington name at mid-range fees. Both Very Good rated.
For Budget British Education
Founders Schools offer solid British education from around AED 28,000. Good rated with improving results.
For American Curriculum
Dubai American Academy is the only American curriculum GEMS school, offering the US programme through to AP courses.
Location Guide
- Dubai Marina / JLT – Wellington International
- Al Barsha – World Academy, Dubai American Academy, Founders Al Barsha
- JVC / Al Khail – Wellington Academy Al Khail
- Silicon Oasis – Wellington Academy SO, FirstPoint
- Mirdif / Al Mizhar – Royal Dubai, Founders Al Mizhar
- Jumeirah – Jumeira Primary (primary only)
The GEMS Network Advantage
One benefit of GEMS schools is network mobility. If you move areas within Dubai, transferring between GEMS schools can be smoother than switching to a different school group.
My Recommendation
Don't assume all GEMS schools are similar – they vary significantly. Match the school to your location, budget, and quality expectations:
- For premium quality near Marina: Wellington International
- For solid mid-range in JVC: Wellington Academy Al Khail
- For budget-friendly in eastern Dubai: Founders Schools
Need Help Choosing?
If you're weighing up GEMS options or comparing them to non-GEMS schools, I'm here to help you navigate the choices.