From legacy institutions founded in the 1960s to standout newcomers, explore five of the city’s most respected Indian-curriculum schools.
Dubai’s population is growing – and fast. With new developments, expanding infrastructure and a steady influx of expatriate families, the city continues to attract professionals from around the world looking to lay down roots in the UAE. As more families relocate, the demand for high-quality schooling is rising in tandem, and for many, CBSE schools are top of mind. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is one of India’s leading national curricula. Known for its rigorous, exam-focused approach, CBSE places strong emphasis on core academic subjects – particularly mathematics and science – and follows a progressive syllabus that builds consistently year after year.
Compared to the British or American systems, which offer greater subject flexibility and elective choices, CBSE is a more uniform academic path, particularly in the earlier grades. It’s especially appealing to parents seeking academic continuity for children who may eventually return to India or pursue competitive entrance exams like the IIT-JEE or NEET. CBSE schools were originally designed to serve Dubai’s growing Indian population, but their appeal has broadened in recent years. Today, they welcome a wide cohort of students drawn to their STEM focus, strong track record and relative affordability.
Below, we explore five of the most respected CBSE schools in Dubai.
The Indian High School, Oud Metha
One of the Gulf’s oldest and most established CBSE schools, The Indian High School in Oud Metha has been a mainstay since 1961. With a KHDA rating of “Very Good” and a student body that spans generations, it’s a rare institution that leans on legacy. Its appeal is twofold: results-driven academic excellence and a cultural familiarity that resonates with expat communities. STEM subjects are a stronghold here, as are national-level extracurriculars ranging from robotics to debating.
Ideal for children who thrive in a structured environment, the school consistently performs well in national and international academic contests, from science olympiads to subject-specific challenges. However, it’s not just for those chasing top grades – The Indian High School also fosters leadership skills and personal development through clubs, sports and creative arts. Admissions are strict and competitive – particularly for middle grades.
GEMS Our Own English School
Founded in 1968, GEMS Our Own English High School is another of Dubai’s oldest CBSE institutions, and one of its largest. With over 10,000 students and a “Very Good” KHDA rating, it’s a school that manages to balance scale with a strong sense of community. As with all CBSE curricula, core subjects are rigorous and results-driven, but what sets this school apart is the breadth of its extracurriculars. Activities span everything from music and sport to girl scouts and hydroponic farming – a forward-thinking initiative that green-thumbed kids will love. For older teenagers, the school has strong links to top universities in 53 countries, notably in India, the UK and USA.
The facilities here are wide-ranging and well-used, including high-tech science labs, libraries, art studios, a large auditorium and expansive sports grounds. Despite its size, GEMS Our Own English School is known for its pastoral care, offering students a sense of belonging within a busy, bustling campus. Admissions are competitive, especially in the higher grades, and sibling priority is common. The school is co-educational until Grade Four, then split into separate boys’ and girls’ schools from Grade Five onwards.
Delhi Private School, Jebel Ali
Delhi Private School (DPS) in The Gardens, Jebel Ali, is one of the most sought-after CBSE institutions in Dubai. Since its establishment in 2003, the school has earned a loyal following among Indian expat families drawn to its consistently high academic standards, broad co-curriculars, and its embrace of Indian cultural traditions. Beyond numbers and rankings, DPS places substantial value on nurturing creative expression, social responsibility and character-building, encouraging students to think beyond the syllabus. Clubs and after-school activities range from folk dancing and vocal lessons to cricket and gymnastics. DPS also has a ‘house’ system to encourage fair play and healthy collaboration. With 3,700 students, the school is smaller than the likes of GEMS, making admissions tighter. It is inclusive with strong pastoral support and a well-regarded special educational needs (SEN) department.
The Millennium School, Al Qusais
Part of the GEMS Education group, The Millennium School in Al Qusais has earned a reputation as one of Dubai’s more progressive CBSE schools. Founded in 2000, it blends academic consistency with a forward-thinking approach, drawing on the Reggio Emilia method in its early years – a teaching philosophy rooted in creativity, collaboration and inquiry-based learning. While the school adheres to the rigour of the CBSE curriculum, it delivers it with a contemporary lens: think digital innovation labs, sustainability initiatives and a strong culture of student-led leadership.
With a “Very Good” KHDA rating and a student body of around 2,700, the school feels established yet personal. It’s particularly well-suited to children who are curious, collaborative, and ready to take initiative rather than simply absorb information. Activities span from Model UN and TEDx talks to coding marathons and environmental projects, all underpinned by a strong pastoral care framework emphasising mental health and wellbeing.
Credence High School, Al Quoz
One of Dubai’s newer CBSE schools, Credence High School opened in 2014 with a mission to deliver academic strength in a more accessible, inclusive environment. While it doesn’t have the decades-long legacy of older institutions, it has already earned a “Very Good” KHDA rating and built a reputation for its warm atmosphere and tight-knit community feel. Credence High is one of the more intimate CBSE schools, with just over 1,400 pupils from more than 30 nationalities. It’s the kind of place where the principal will know most students by name.
In terms of extracurriculars, students can take part in everything from sports tournaments and olympiads to art exhibitions, music and environmental projects. The school also runs its own TEDxYouth programme, giving students a platform to articulate big ideas from a young age. It’s a strong choice for families seeking a more relaxed learning environment that doesn’t compromise on academic performance.
