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Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha

Part of Innoventures Education, Secular, Founded 2018

Updated July 2026

3–18Ages
Co-edGender
1,800Students

Curriculum

IB PYPIB MYPIB Diploma

Accreditations

IBBritish Schools Overseas

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is an IB continuum school in Dubai for students aged 3 to 18, offering all four IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, and CP). It is a leading international school serving over 1,800 students from more than 90 nationalities.

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school's philosophy is centered on the core values of 'Dream, Inspire, Achieve, Belong,' aiming to empower students with a holistic, rigorous, and international education. It emphasizes character building, skills development, and the application of knowledge to real-life situations to prepare students for leadership roles in an ever-changing world.

Programmes

The school offers the full IB continuum, including the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-Related Programme (CP). The CP pathway includes the BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma, providing a hybrid academic-vocational option. The curriculum is delivered in a 12-grade system, with an entry age of 3 years at Pre-KG.

Outcomes

The school reports a 100% pass rate for the IB Diploma Programme. Graduates are prepared for university progression, with the school's various pathways—including the IB Diploma and BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma—widely accepted by universities worldwide. In January 2024, the school was rated 'Very Good' by the KHDA.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school maintains a dedicated Head of Inclusion and a team focused on supporting students' academic, social, and emotional learning. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that all students are supported in reaching their goals and thriving within their learning journeys.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha offer?
Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha offers IB PYP, IB MYP and IB Diploma.
How much is tuition at Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha?
Annual tuition at Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha is AED 47.8K–AED 84.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha teach?
Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
What accreditations does Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha hold?
Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha holds accreditations including IB and British Schools Overseas.
Is Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha co-educational?
Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha is a co-ed school.
Where is Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha located?
Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2025-2026
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Pre KG3–4AED 47.8K
KG14–5AED 53.6K
KG25–6AED 56.2K
Grade 16–7AED 62.2K
Grade 27–8AED 62.2K
Grade 38–9AED 62.6K
Grade 49–10AED 62.6K
Grade 510–11AED 62.6K
Grade 611–12AED 70.6K
Grade 712–13AED 70.6K
Grade 813–14AED 70.6K
Grade 914–15AED 78.2K
Grade 1015–16AED 78.2K
Grade 1116–17AED 84.9K
Grade 1217–18AED 84.9K
Other fees(6)
Other fees
Placement test· Entrance Test Fee, including 5% VAT, non-refundable, prior to taking the test and admissions.AED 525
Registration fee· Registration fee for new students is 10% of annual fees (adjusted against Term 1 fees). Re-registration fee for existing students is 5% of annual fees.—
Uniform· School uniforms, team kits and other necessary sporting attire are additional costs.—
Meals· School meals are additional costs.—
Bus / transport· Transportation is an additional cost.—
Materials· Textbooks required by secondary school students can be purchased from DIA at cost price. Stationery, educational and field trips may also incur additional costs.—

Discounts

  • Sibling discount: 5% - 20%

Admissions

The school accepts applications for students from Pre-KG to Grade 12. The admissions process requires an entrance test, and prospective families are encouraged to arrange a school tour or attend an open house to learn more about the community.

Calendar

The school operates on a three-term academic year. Tuition fees are payable in three installments corresponding to these terms, with specific deadlines set for August, January, and March.

Facilities

Swimming poolSports fieldGymnasiumLibraryScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditoriumBoarding

About the campus

Set on a 23-acre campus, the school features a 400-seat auditorium, specialist learning labs, and state-of-the-art technology. Sporting facilities include three swimming pools, a running track, a full-sized astroturf playing field, two indoor sports halls, tennis courts, and cricket nets. The campus also incorporates sustainable learning environments, including a greenhouse, bee hives, and solar panels.

Co-curriculars

The co-curricular programme focuses on both excellence and participation, offering a wide range of activities including teacher-led clubs, competitive sports, and specialist-led sessions. Students have opportunities to engage in local and international trips, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and various sports leagues through the Dubai Affiliated School Sport Association (DASSA). Partnerships with external providers such as City Cricket Academy, Ultimate Athletics, and Eagle Sports further enhance the sporting opportunities available.

  • Avishesha ( Avi ) BhojaniManaging Director, Innoventures Education / Board of Directors / Advisory Council

    Avi leads businesses across marketing services, media, education, real estate investments, and government sectors. He is the Managing Director of Innoventures Education and has been recognized as one of the GCC’s most influential expatriates.

  • Abdulla Majed Al GhurairDirector, Board of Directors

    Abdulla is a UAE national and third-generation member of a prominent business family. He serves on the board of Majid Al Futtaim Real Estate and is Chairman of BPG Group.

  • H.E. Dr. Anwar mohammed GargashDirector, Board of Directors

    H.E. Dr. Gargash previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and currently acts as Senior Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE. He has an extensive scholarly background in political science.

  • Alan EgbertAdvisory Council

    Alan has been a Teacher, Teacher Educator, and Educational Consultant. He is currently the General Manager of the Australian Council for Educational, Dubai office, and is Project Director for the UAE National Assessment Program.

  • Ben BaileyAdvisory Council

    Ben has worked for the University of Birmingham since 2015, currently as its Campus Director. He has held senior roles in Student Services in UK universities for over 15 years and was formerly Chair of the UK’s national Student Services organization, AMOSSHE.

  • Poonam BhojaniCEO, Innoventures Education / Advisory Council

    Poonam is an Economics Honours Graduate with an MBA from IIM Bangalore. She is the CEO of Innoventures Education, has served as the President of the Middle East IB Association of Schools, and is the Secretary of the Dubai Private Schools Group.

  • James RobertsDirector of Standards and Head of School Development Unit, Innoventures Education / Advisory Council

    James has over 20 years of senior leadership experience across a diverse range of schools and educational organisations. He holds a degree in Biochemistry, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

  • David HicksPrincipal

    David is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience in UK and international schools. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, the NPQH qualification, and previously served as a member of the IB Regional Council.

  • Tom Dymond
    Tom DymondHead of Primary

    Tom graduated from the University of Wales Aberystwyth with a degree in Education and Spanish. He joined DIA Al Barsha in 2021 as Deputy Head before becoming Head of Primary.

  • Andrea Allmark
    Andrea AllmarkDeputy Head (Primary)

    Andrea has 14 years of experience and holds a BA in Geography and Irish from the National University of Galway. She was the Head of English at DIA Emirates Hills before joining DIA Al Barsha as a founding teacher.

  • Peter White
    Peter WhiteDeputy Head (Primary)

    Peter completed his Bachelor of Education in Ireland and a Master’s degree from the University of Wollongong, Dubai. He has almost 20 years of experience in education and is passionate about pastoral care.

  • Sonali Gupta
    Sonali GuptaPYP Coordinator

    Sonali holds a BA Honors in History, distinctions in Economics and Political Science, and a Master of Science in Childhood Studies from Walden University, USA. She has been an integral part of DIA Al Barsha since its inception and is currently pursuing an NPQSL.

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