THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Dubai offers a wide range of high school curricula, including:

British curriculum (GCSE and A-Levels):

Students complete GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at the end of Grade 10.

In Grades 11 and 12 they then select 3-4 main subjects for A-Levels, a globally recognised qualification.

American curriculum (high school diploma):

A flexible system based on accumulating credits.

Students take compulsory courses (English, mathematics, science, history) and choose from a wide range of electives.

The diploma is earned by completing a specific number of credits.

International Baccalaureate (IB):

A rigorous international curriculum requiring six subjects (three at standard and three at higher level), plus an extended essay, a Theory of Knowledge course and the CAS programme (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Other curricula:

The Indian system (CBSE), the French Baccalauréat, the German Abitur and other programmes serving Dubai's international communities.

Subjects depend on the curriculum chosen: each system (British, American, IB and the other international programmes) has its own set of compulsory and optional subjects.

The school calendar in Dubai follows a standard model for public and private schools regulated by the UAE Ministry of Education, with some variation depending on the curriculum (British, American, IB and so on).

The academic year is divided into three terms.

It starts in late August/early September and ends in late June/early July.

Assessment methods and the final qualification depend on the curriculum followed: A-Levels for the British system, the High School Diploma for the American one, and the IB Diploma for the International Baccalaureate.

Student life in Dubai's high schools is marked by strong cultural diversity and enriched by many extracurricular activities: sports clubs, debating, music, drama and STEM initiatives.

Facilities are generally excellent: modern campuses, advanced science labs, well-stocked libraries and dedicated spaces for the arts and sport.

There is strong attention to inclusivity, especially for international students. With an extremely cosmopolitan population, schools in Dubai are designed to welcome students from all over the world and offer them a high-quality educational environment. Many schools also organise cultural events where students share their traditions, encouraging genuine cultural exchange.

In Italy school holidays follow the Christian calendar, while in Dubai they are based mainly on Islamic festivals. In Italy some schools teach from Monday to Saturday, whereas in Dubai lessons run from Sunday to Thursday.