BackWelcome to Dubai – one of the greatest nations in the world to raise a family! Not only does Dubai feature some of the best schools and activities in the world, but the city is also home to incredible communities that are perfect for families of all sizes.
Here at LuxuryProperty.com, our team of experts helps families learn how to transition to life in Dubai smoothly. Whether it’s finding the right home or connecting with the best schools in the area, we know this city like the back of our hand!
How Does School In Dubai Work?
If you’re moving to Dubai with a family, you want to know that they’ll receive the best education possible. The city offers two main educational pathways: public schools (primarily for Emiratis) and private international schools, where most expat children enroll.
Private schools in Dubai follow a variety of different curricula, including British, American, IB, Indian, and more. The diversity means you can often find the right match to continue your child’s current education – no matter where you’re coming from in the world. Applications for Dubai private schools typically open up in September for the following school year, and you’ll want to move quickly to tour and learn more about each option.
What Do You Need To Enroll In School in Dubai?
The process to enroll in a school in Dubai is fairly straightforward, as long as you have the right paperwork ready before you apply. Here’s a short list of what you may need (each school should offer a complete list of necessary documents)
- Your child's passport and visa
- Birth certificate (translated if needed)
- Previous school reports and transfer certificates
- Medical records and vaccination cards
- Emirates ID (once obtained)
The key is to start as early as you can when picking and applying to schools. The process for document verification, particularly for transfer certificates that need attestation, may take 8 weeks or more to complete. Many top schools fill quickly, so beginning your search 6-12 months ahead gives you the best selection.
What Are The Visa and Residency Requirements for Moving to Dubai?
Another key part of setting up your family for success in Dubai is residency. The good news is that Dubai makes a family sponsorship straightforward if you meet the right requirements.
- A documented minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 with accommodation)
- A valid employment contract
- Suitable housing with a tenancy agreement
- The proper marriage and birth certificate
The process includes applying for entry permits, completing medical fitness tests (for dependents 18+), and obtaining Emirates IDs. You’ll want to give plenty of time for this process as well – anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks typically.
Finding Your Family's Perfect Neighborhood
Finding the right educational option is only part of the process. Choosing where you’ll live in Dubai is just as important! The top Dubai neighborhoods for families blend proximity to schools, parks, healthcare, and other amenities.
Here are a few of the top neighborhoods to consider:
Dubai Hills Estate is at the top of many families' lists. The community has three schools within walking distance, as well as King's College Hospital on-site. Dubai Hills Estate is full of manicured parks and green spaces, and nearby Dubai Hills Mall makes daily life convenient.
Are you looking for beachside living? You’ll want to look at Palm Jumeirah, which brings the ocean right to your doorstep. Jumeirah offers a mix of apartments and villas, while Palm Jumeirah is known for its iconic luxury villas and high-end living.
LuxuryProperty.com Is Here To Make The Transition Smooth
Relocating to Dubai requires some careful planning and preparation, but the results are well worth the effort. There’s nothing like building a life in one of the world’s most innovative and luxurious locations, and finding the right home is easy with LuxuryProperty.com.
If you’re ready to find your Dubai dream home, reach out to our client team today. We’ll help match you with the top available homes near the region’s top schools and family amenities, as well as connect you with expat resources that help make the transition easy.
