Moving the whole family? Here's what nobody tells you.
I've helped dozens of families relocate to Dubai. The ones who thrived planned ahead — especially around schools. The ones who struggled underestimated how different everything would be.
Dubai is genuinely family-friendly. Safe streets, excellent healthcare, year-round sunshine, and activities everywhere. But it's also expensive — especially schools — and the logistics require real planning.
This guide covers everything from choosing the right curriculum to budgeting realistically for a family of four or five.
Is Dubai right for your family?
Dubai is marketed as family paradise. It often is — but not for everyone. Here's an honest assessment.
Dubai works well for families if:
- ✓You have the budget (realistic minimum: AED 35K/month for family of 4)
- ✓You value safety above almost everything else
- ✓You're okay with car-dependent suburban life (minimal walkability)
- ✓Your kids will benefit from international exposure
- ✓You appreciate structured activities and planned entertainment
- ✓You're coming from a high-tax country and want to save significantly
Think twice if:
- ✗You're on a tight budget (schools alone can cost AED 60-150K per child)
- ✗Your kids need specialized education (limited options for special needs)
- ✗You want them to grow up with seasons, nature, and outdoor exploration
- ✗You value walkable neighborhoods and public transport independence for teens
- ✗You're uncomfortable with the transient expat social scene
- ✗Your children are in critical exam years (disruption matters)
"The question isn't whether Dubai is good for families — it is. The question is whether the financial and lifestyle trade-offs make sense for your specific situation. Schools are the biggest factor."
School systems explained
Dubai has schools following almost every international curriculum. Here's what each actually means for your child:
British Curriculum (GCSE/A-Levels)
Most common in Dubai • ~60% of international schools
- • Families from UK, Australia, NZ, South Africa
- • Those planning UK university applications
- • Kids who thrive with structured assessment
- • You want globally recognized qualifications
- • Your child may return to UK system
- • Widest choice of schools in Dubai
Price range: AED 40-120K/year depending on school tier
American Curriculum (US High School Diploma)
Second most common • ~20% of international schools
- • American families or those planning US universities
- • Kids who prefer continuous assessment over exams
- • Those wanting AP (Advanced Placement) courses
- • Your child will attend US college
- • You prefer holistic education approach
- • GPA-based system suits your child
Price range: AED 50-130K/year depending on school tier
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Premium option • Growing popularity
- • Globally mobile families uncertain where they'll end up
- • Kids who are self-motivated and enjoy research
- • Those targeting top global universities
- • You value critical thinking over rote learning
- • Your child handles workload pressure well
- • Recognized worldwide, highly respected
Price range: AED 70-150K/year (usually at premium schools)
Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ICSE)
Most affordable option • Large community
- • Indian families planning to return to India
- • Budget-conscious families
- • Kids targeting Indian universities or entrance exams
- • Strong academics at lower cost
- • CBSE board is more standardized, ICSE more rigorous
- • May limit Western university applications
Price range: AED 15-50K/year (significantly cheaper)
French (Lycée), German, Japanese, and other national curricula exist but with limited school choice. Good if you're certain about your country of return.
School fees (the real numbers)
This is usually the biggest shock for families. Here's what schools actually cost:
| School Tier | Annual Fees (per child) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | AED 15-35K | Indian curriculum, basic facilities, larger classes |
| Mid-Range | AED 40-60K | Good British/American schools, decent facilities |
| Premium | AED 70-100K | Top-rated schools, excellent facilities, smaller classes |
| Elite | AED 100-150K+ | Dubai's best schools, world-class everything |
What's NOT included in fees
Non-refundable, charged just to apply
Must buy from school, new each year as kids grow
Some schools include, many don't
Per child, based on distance
If not packing lunch
Sports teams, music, drama, etc.
Local trips to international trips
"Rule of thumb: budget 20-30% on top of tuition for all the extras. A school advertising AED 60K/year will actually cost you AED 75-80K when you add everything up."
Most schools require payment in 1-3 installments (not monthly). That means large upfront payments. Some schools offer 10% discount for annual payment. Factor this into cash flow planning.
Getting into good schools
Waitlists at top Dubai schools are real. Here's how the process works:
Application timeline
Start researching
- →Visit school websites and attend open days
- →Join parent forums for real feedback
- →Shortlist 3-5 schools per child
- →Understand each school's entry requirements
Apply
- →Submit applications (most open Jan-March for Sept start)
- →Pay application fees (non-refundable)
- →Provide school reports from current school
- →Some schools require teacher references
Assessments
- →Children may need to sit entrance tests
- →Interviews for parents and sometimes children
- →CAT4 tests common for British schools
- →Some schools assess in-person, others remotely
Offers & Enrollment
- →Receive offers (or waitlist placement)
- →Pay enrollment deposit to secure spot (often AED 5-15K)
- →Deposit usually deducted from first term fees
- →If waitlisted, stay in touch with admissions
- • Apply to multiple schools — don't assume you'll get first choice
- • FS1/FS2 (ages 3-4) are easiest entry points — harder to join mid-primary
- • Schools prefer siblings of current students (ask about sibling policy)
- • Some employers have relationships with schools — ask HR
- • January and April are mid-year entry points if you miss September
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Where you live will largely depend on where your kids go to school. Here are the top family areas:
Arabian Ranches
Large villas with gardens, community pools, parks, and excellent schools nearby. Very safe, very suburban. Popular with British and American families.
Dubai Hills Estate
Newer development with villas and apartments. Beautiful parks, golf course, and Dubai Hills Mall. Growing school options. Mix of families and young professionals.
Jumeirah
Older, established area near the beach. Mix of villas and some low-rise apartments. Many top schools in the area. More urban feel than villa communities.
Mirdif
Established villa community that's more affordable. Good schools, Mirdif City Centre for shopping. Large gardens and quiet streets. Strong community feel.
JBR / Marina (with kids)
Not typical family areas, but some families make it work. Beach access, walkable, lots of activities. Works better for smaller families or those who prefer urban life.
Other family-friendly areas: Al Barsha, Motor City, Town Square, Damac Hills, Emirates Hills (luxury). See full neighborhood guide →
Healthcare for kids
Healthcare in Dubai is excellent — but it's private and expensive without insurance.
What you need to know
Plenty of excellent pediatricians. Most families register with a pediatric clinic for regular check-ups. Typical visit: AED 300-500 without insurance.
Top pediatric care at Mediclinic, American Hospital, Saudi German. Emergency rooms are efficient. Births typically cost AED 15-40K (vaginal) or AED 25-60K (C-section) without insurance.
UAE follows standard vaccination schedule. Schools require proof of immunization. All vaccines available through clinics and hospitals.
Dental care is good but expensive. Many insurance plans have limited dental coverage. Regular check-up: AED 200-400. Braces: AED 8-15K.
Full range of pediatric specialists available — allergists, developmental pediatricians, speech therapists, etc. May have waitlists for popular specialists.
Make sure your family insurance covers: pediatric care, emergency, hospitalization, dental (at least basic), maternity (if relevant), and vaccinations.
If your employer's plan is basic, consider upgrading privately. A good family plan costs AED 15-30K/year but saves you much more.
Sponsoring your family
As a resident, you can sponsor your spouse and children for UAE residency.
Who you can sponsor
| Family Member | Requirements | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Marriage certificate (attested) | Same as sponsor visa |
| Sons | Under 18, or under 25 if studying | Until age limit |
| Daughters | Any age if unmarried | Until marriage |
| Parents | Income AED 20K+/month | 1 year renewable |
| Domestic helper | Adequate income + accommodation | 2 years |
Process and costs
Family visa process takes 2-4 weeks per person. You can start the process once your own visa is stamped. Family can enter on tourist visa and convert to residence visa while in Dubai.
Activities and things to do
Dubai has endless family activities. Here's what kids actually love:
- • Dubai Parks (Motiongate, Legoland, Bollywood)
- • IMG Worlds of Adventure (indoor)
- • Atlantis Aquaventure (water park)
- • Wild Wadi (water park)
- • Dubai Safari Park
- • Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- • Green Planet (indoor rainforest)
- • Camel riding and desert safaris
- • Ski Dubai (yes, real snow)
- • KidZania (role play city)
- • Bounce (trampoline park)
- • VR Park at Dubai Mall
- • Beach clubs (many are kid-friendly)
- • Cycling at Al Qudra
- • Kayaking and paddleboarding
- • Desert camping
- • OliOli (children's museum)
- • Dubai Frame
- • Museum of the Future
- • Al Fahidi Historic District
- • Football academies
- • Swimming clubs
- • Gymnastics, tennis, martial arts
- • Kids' coding and robotics classes
October to April is outdoor season — perfect for beaches, parks, and desert activities. May to September is too hot for outdoor play, so families rely on indoor activities, malls, and often travel during school holidays.
Family budgets
Here's what families actually spend. These assume mid-range choices — not luxury, not budget.
Build your custom family budget
Adjust for your family size, school choices, and lifestyle preferences.
Open Family Calculator→Families who've done it
“We were terrified about schools. Started researching 6 months before the move, visited 8 schools, applied to 5. Got into our second choice and honestly? It's been amazing. Better facilities than the private school we paid for in London.”
“The first summer was brutal — kids went stir crazy. Now we know: book the flights home in July, plan indoor activities, and accept that summer is mall season. The other 8 months are incredible for kids.”
“Our kids have friends from 15 different countries. Their worldview has completely changed. Yes, we miss seasons and grandparents, but the international exposure has been invaluable. They're more adaptable than we ever were.”
Frequently asked questions
Easier transitions: under 5 (before strong friend attachments) or at natural break points (end of primary, before high school). Hardest: ages 14-16 during critical exam years. That said, kids are resilient — plenty thrive after moving at any age.
Technically yes with school buses and taxis, but practically very difficult with kids. You'll need a car for activities, playdates, weekend outings. Most families have at least one car, many have two.
Limited compared to UK/US. Some mainstream schools have learning support units. Dedicated special needs schools exist but are few. Research thoroughly before moving if your child has specific needs — this is a genuine gap in Dubai.
Better than adults, honestly. School buildings, malls, and homes are all air-conditioned. Outdoor play happens mornings/evenings in summer. Most families travel during the hottest months (July-August).
Different from Western cities — no public transport independence, no neighborhood hangouts. Teen social life revolves around malls, beach clubs, and parents driving to activities. Some teens love it, others feel restricted.
Yes, and many do. Full-time nannies/maids are affordable (AED 3-5K/month live-in). Schools have after-school programs. However, one parent often works part-time or not at all, especially with younger children.
Schools require 1 term notice (or pay fees in lieu). Rental contracts typically need 2 months notice. Visa cancellation takes 1-2 weeks. It's not instant, but departure is manageable with planning.
The Dubai Family Relocation Pack
School comparison spreadsheet, family budget template, and the 10 things we wish we'd known — in one free download.
No spam. Just the guide.