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GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a

Part of GEMS, Secular

Updated July 2026

Curriculum

GEMS Our Own High School, Al Warqa'a is a leading international school in Dubai offering the CBSE curriculum. It is a purpose-built institution dedicated to academic distinction and the holistic development of its students.

Term structure

Two semesters

Teaching approach

The school encourages ambition and acknowledges potential, aiming to educate students to become critical thinkers and compassionate citizens. It fosters a positive learning culture grounded in strong moral values, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the school, parents, and students. The institution is committed to providing an inclusive environment where students are equipped with 21st-century skills.

Programmes

The school follows the CBSE curriculum across four stages: Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, and Senior Secondary. The programme is designed to provide a strong grounding in basic skills during the primary years, while the senior secondary level responds to individual needs and fosters enthusiasm for learning. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for tertiary education through rigorous academic study and experiential learning.

Outcomes

The school has been rated 'Good' by the KHDA for ten consecutive years. Graduates are prepared for tertiary education and have been accepted by prestigious universities worldwide, pursuing careers as doctors, lawyers, scientists, and chartered accountants. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking, leadership, innovation, and collaboration to prepare students as ethical and socially engaged global citizens.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school operates an inclusive ethos that is integrated into all policies and processes, ensuring learning opportunities for every child to meet their potential. A pastoral system is in place to carefully monitor the academic progress and welfare of each student. Furthermore, the school employs student counsellors to support the well-being of the student body.

Frequently asked questions(3)
What curriculum does GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a offer?
GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a offers CBSE (India).
How much is tuition at GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a?
Annual tuition at GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a is AED 7.8K–AED 16.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
Where is GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a located?
GEMS Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a is an international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026-2027
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
KG1 & KG24–5AED 7.8K
Grades 1 to 36–8AED 9.4K
Grades 4 & 59–10AED 9.6K
Grades 6 to 811–13AED 10.7K
Grades 9 & 1014–15AED 13.3K
Grade 11 (Commerce)16–16AED 15.8K
Grade 11 (Science)16–16AED 16.3K
Grade 12 (Commerce )17–17AED 15.8K
Grade 12 (Science)17–17AED 16.3K
Other fees(6)
Other fees
Application fee· Due upon acceptance of the Offer Letter. Non-refundable, non-transferrable, and non-adjustable. Not applicable for GEMS Students.AED 525
Deposit· Registration Deposit of 10% of the annual fee is collected during admission. Non-refundable, non-transferrable but adjustable against the total tuition fee.
Materials· Charged for Bus ID card, Diary and Report Card (includes VAT).AED 31.5
Registration fee· Board Exam Grade 10 feeAED 825
Registration fee· Board Exam Grade 12 feeAED 900
Registration fee· CBSE Registration For Grades 9 and 11AED 100

Discounts

  • Full-payment discount: up to 3%

Admissions

The school maintains an open admissions policy, welcoming students from around the world at every stage of their education. The application process is designed to be straightforward, with online enrolment options available to secure a student's place. Upon acceptance, an application fee of AED 525 is required, alongside a registration deposit of 10% of the annual fee, which is adjustable against the total tuition.

Calendar

The academic year is divided into two terms. Term 1 runs from 06 April 2026 to 18 September 2026, and Term 2 runs from 21 September 2026 to 26 March 2027. Scheduled vacations include a summer break from 6 July 2026 to 28 August 2026 and a winter break from 14 December 2026 to 01 January 2027.

Facilities

LibraryScience labsSports fieldGymnasium

About the campus

The campus is a purpose-built facility located in Al Warqa'a, Dubai, featuring state-of-the-art learning tools and educational resources. Key facilities include classrooms, a library, computer labs, and science labs. For physical education and sports, the campus provides basketball courts, a football field, and a cricket field.

Co-curriculars

The school provides a wide range of activities to develop diverse skills, including robotics, art, drama, dance, and debating. Students also participate in various sports and environmental initiatives. Additionally, the school offers an Afternoon Activity Program and an Afternoon Self-Improvement Programme to support personal and social development.

  • Anjuli Murthy
    Anjuli MurthyPrincipal/CEO

    Dr. Anjuli Murthy holds a Doctorate in Economics and has 30 years of experience in education, 27 of which have been with GEMS. She has held various leadership roles, including Supervisor and Assistant Dean of Studies at GEMS Modern Academy, Vice Principal at Our Own High School, and Principal of GEMS Heritage Indian School, before becoming the Principal and CEO at Our Own High School, Al Warqa'a. She is passionate about creating a positive learning culture and inclusive education.

  • Anitha Nair
    Anitha NairVice Principal

    Anitha Nair is an experienced educational leader with 34 years in teaching and school administration across India and Dubai. She joined the school in 2006 as a faculty of English, transitioned to Supervisor in 2016, and became Head of Senior School in 2022 before her current role as Vice Principal. She holds a Postgraduate degree in English Language and Literature and a Bachelor’s in Education from Kerala University.

  • Herman Gomes
    Herman GomesHead of Senior School

    Herman Gomes was appointed Head of Senior School in April 2025, having previously served as Head of Middle School for nearly five years. With almost 40 years of experience in education in India and the UAE, he has held roles including Senior Teacher, Head of Social Science, and Housemaster. He holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Poona and an MBA in Education Management.

  • Robin Mathai
    Robin MathaiHead of Middle School

    Robin John Mathai has nine years of experience in education, including eight years at GEMS Our Own Indian School. He has served as a teacher, Senior School Supervisor, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Lead, and Marketing Coordinator. He has cleared the MOE leadership exam and is committed to personalized learning and holistic development.

  • Sanjeev JollyExecutive Principal

    Dr. Murthy's welcome message mentions he is the Executive Principal.

  • Bachu MathewManager - School Operations
  • Ramalingam VallabhanAccounts Officer
  • Dr. Norlie Rey ReynosoMedical Officer
  • Nikhil OzhiyilAsst. Admin Officer
  • Silona D CostaRegistrar
  • Sushama MathewFOH
  • Arifa Begum AsifahamedFOH