If you have children in a Dubai school — or are about to enrol one — the 2026-27 year brings three changes worth knowing before term starts on August 31, 2026: a fee freeze, firm admission age cut-offs, and a fixed calendar that finally makes long-term planning possible.
Fees are frozen
KHDA-regulated private schools cannot increase tuition fees for 2026-27. Whatever your school charged this year is what it charges next year. If a school quotes you a higher figure at re-enrolment, query it.
The freeze also makes this a good year to compare value. Several schools rated Very Good by KHDA charge under Dh45,000 — and some far less. Standouts include GEMS Our Own Indian School (Dh7,389–15,336), The Indian High School in Oud Metha (Dh8,625–13,815), Delhi Private School in Jebel Ali (Dh11,389–15,842), The Winchester School (British curriculum, Dh14,950–33,352) and GEMS Founders School in Al Barsha (British, Dh24,749–37,124). Indian-curriculum schools dominate the affordable Very Good tier, with British options a step up in price.
Admission ages: December 31 is the line
For new students in September-start schools, age is measured on December 31:
- Pre-KG/FS1: age 3
- KG1/FS2: age 4
- KG2/Year 1: age 5
- Grade 1/Year 2: age 6
April-start schools use a March 31 cut-off instead. One exception: children born between September 1 and December 31, 2022 who are not yet enrolled may enter FS1 or FS2 based on a developmental assessment rather than the strict date.
One calendar for three years
A unified academic calendar now covers 2026-27 through 2028-29, so flights home can be booked years ahead:
- Mid-term break: October 12–18, 2026
- Winter break: December 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Sharjah private schools follow their own emirate calendar, and Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi curriculum schools may run alternative schedules.
Inspections go two-tier
KHDA now runs either comprehensive inspections or shorter monitoring visits, with no more than 24 hours' notice to the school. Schools in their third year of operation automatically get a full inspection. For parents, ratings should better reflect everyday reality rather than a rehearsed inspection week.
Choosing between emirates as well as schools? Our Dubai schools guide for expat parents covers curricula and admissions strategy, and the Dubai vs Abu Dhabi guide compares family life across both cities.
Key takeaway
Fees are frozen for 2026-27, admission age is measured on December 31, and terms follow a fixed three-year calendar starting August 31, 2026. Very Good-rated schools exist from under Dh8,000 a year, so the freeze year is the right moment to compare.
FAQ
Can my child's school raise fees for 2026-27?
No. KHDA has barred fee increases at regulated private schools for the year.
My child turns 4 in November — can they start KG1?
Yes for September-start schools: the cut-off is December 31, so a child who is 4 by then qualifies for KG1/FS2.
When does the 2026-27 school year start?
August 31, 2026, with a mid-term break October 12–18 and winter break from December 14 to January 3.
Which good schools cost under Dh15,000 a year?
GEMS Our Own Indian School, The Indian High School and GEMS Our Own English High School all hold Very Good ratings with fees starting under Dh9,000. All are Indian curriculum.
