Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

About Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

• Type		Private
  Language(s)		English
  Grades		K-12

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (DIAB)

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha is a premium, co-educational International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Al Barsha 1, Dubai, operated by the Innoventures Education group. Opened in 2018, DIAB offers a full IB continuum—PYP, MYP, and DP—alongside a diverse, global student community and a reputation for academic excellence.

Snapshot

• Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP), potential for IB CP

• Grades: Pre-KG to Grade 12

• Average fees: AED 59,500

• Fee range: AED 41,500 – AED 75,470

• Gender: Co-educational

• Language of instruction: English

• Principal: Mr. Ian Thurston

• School Year: September to July

• Operator: Innoventures Education

• Location: Al Barsha 1, Dubai

• Status: Open

Overview

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha was established to extend the success of DIA Emirates Hills—one of the most competitive and respected IB schools in Dubai. As part of the Innoventures Education group, DIAB benefits from a strong educational network that includes Raffles Nurseries and other premium schools across the UAE, serving over 7,500 students from 130+ nationalities.

With small class sizes (18–25 students) and a low student-to-teacher ratio (1:11), DIAB emphasizes individual attention and personalized learning, supported by a team of 118 educators from over 30 countries. While teaching quality is high, the school’s teacher turnover rate (31%) is higher than the UAE average and remains an area to monitor.

Curriculum

DIAB delivers the full International Baccalaureate continuum:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) – KG to Grade 5

• Middle Years Programme (MYP) – Grades 6 to 10

• Diploma Programme (DP) – Grades 11 and 12

• Career-related Programme (CP) – under review

The school offers 21 IB Diploma subjects, along with a broad mother-tongue language program that includes Dutch, French, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. Arabic (for both native and non-native speakers), Islamic Studies, and UAE Social Studies are mandatory under the Ministry of Education framework.

From Grade 2, students choose between French or Spanish as part of the Modern Foreign Languages program, continuing into secondary years.

Facilities

The campus is purpose-built and significantly larger than its sister school in Emirates Hills. It includes:

• Two distinct buildings (Elementary & Secondary)

• Expansive outdoor sports field and running track

• Two climate-controlled multipurpose sports halls

• Two swimming pools, tennis courts, and cricket nets

• Fully equipped science and design technology labs

• Auditorium, music and drama rooms, art studios

• Outdoor learning areas and shaded play zones

• On-site dining with two canteens offering hot meals

Fees

Annual tuition ranges from AED 41,500 in Pre-KG to AED 75,470 in Grades 11–12. These are in line with top-tier IB schools in Dubai and reflect the school’s investment in qualified faculty and extensive resources.

Reputation & Rankings

DIAB is ranked in several categories on Lechool:

• #110 – Best Schools in the UAE

• #74 – Best Schools in Dubai

• #47 – Best Premium Schools in Dubai

• #23 – Best IB DP Schools in Dubai

Parents appreciate the school’s commitment to internationalism, student-centered learning, and strong leadership. While relatively new, DIAB is quickly establishing itself as a top-tier IB school with strong academic and extracurricular offerings.

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How do I contact Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

• Website: : www.diabarsha.com

• Email: : [email protected]

• Phone: +97145244800