Top-Rated CBSE Schools in UAE 2025: Best Picks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah

Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. In the UAE, CBSE schools are a preferred choice among Indian families due to their strong academic focus, structured syllabus, and smooth transition between schools, especially for those moving from India or other Gulf countries.
This blog gives you a curated list of the best CBSE schools in the UAE for 2025, with top picks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. We also explain how schools are rated by official bodies like KHDA, ADEK, and SPEA, and how to choose the right school based on your child’s needs.
CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is India’s national curriculum and is widely recognized in the UAE. Many schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah follow this curriculum, providing a familiar education system with high academic standards. These schools often offer a balanced approach to academics, co-curricular activities, and value-based learning
Dubai is home to some of the most well-known CBSE schools in the UAE. Here are a few that consistently KHDA rank high in terms of quality and performance:
School Name | KHDA Rating | Highlight |
GEMS Our Own English High School (Al Warqa’a 3) | Very Good | Girls-only from Grade 5, legacy school with strong academics |
The Indian High School (Oud Metha & Al Garhoud) | Very Good / Good | Balanced academics and co-curriculars |
Delhi Private School (Jebel Ali) | Very Good | Holistic development and consistent results |
GEMS Our Own Indian School (Al Quoz) | Very Good | Strong extra-curriculars and modern teaching |
The Millennium School (Al Qusais) | Very Good | Progressive learning and great facilities |
JSS Private School (Al Safa) | Very Good | Tech-driven teaching and modern campus |
Credence High School (Al Quoz) | Good | Diverse student body and good fee structure |
Primus Private School | Good | Value-for-money education |
Gulf Indian High School | Good | Steady academic focus |
Abu Dhabi also has several high-performing CBSE schools. These schools are rated by ADEK and follow similar academic principles.
School Name | ADEK Rating | Highlight |
Abu Dhabi Indian School | Good | Legacy school with large campus |
Abu Dhabi Indian School – Branch 1 | Good | Modern branch with growing reputation |
Mayoor Private School | Good | Strong CBSE results and holistic approach |
GEMS United Indian School | Good | International outlook and inclusive values |
Dunes International School | Good | Modern teaching methods |
Bhavans Pearl Wisdom School | Good | Affordable and value-based learning |
Bright Riders School | Good | Focus on sports and academics |
Global Indian International School | Good | International student mix and good reviews |
Sharjah offers many budget-friendly and reputable CBSE schools. Rated by SPEA, here are some top picks:
School Name | SPEA Rating | Highlight |
GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah | Outstanding | Day-boarding, tech-enabled learning |
Delhi Private School, Sharjah | Good | Advanced campus and consistent results |
Sharjah Indian School | Good | Large Indian community, affordable fees |
Amity Private School, Sharjah | Good | Holistic learning and modern classrooms |
Ryan International Private School | Good | Global culture and innovation |
ASPAM Indian International School | Good | Promotes creativity and innovation |
Emirates National School | Good | Strong academics |
East Coast English School | Standard | Affordable with supportive staff |
Springdale Indian School | Standard | Focus on early years learning |
Planning your child’s school year in advance helps you manage travel, tuitions, and exam prep better. The UAE Ministry of Education and KHDA have released the official school calendar, which includes term dates, holidays, and required school days for 2025–2026.
This calendar applies to all public schools and most private schools that follow the Ministry curriculum.
For full details, read our blog: Academic Calendar for UAE Public & Private Schools (2025–2026): Everything Parents Need to Know.
Educational authorities like KHDA (Dubai), ADEK (Abu Dhabi), and SPEA (Sharjah) inspect and rate private schools based on:
Ratings range from Outstanding, Very Good, and Good to Acceptable, Weak, and Very Weak. Most parents aim for schools rated “Good” or above.
Indian schools in the UAE, especially CBSE ones, are known for strong academics and all-round development. To help you choose the right one, we’ve gathered genuine parent reviews from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and more—along with official ratings.
See the full list here: Top Indian Schools in UAE (2025) – Based on Parent Reviews.
While all CBSE schools follow the same syllabus, their approach can vary. Top CBSE schools focus on:
When comparing schools, look at teaching quality, activity options, and infrastructure, not just academic results.
Here are a few tips to help you select the right school:
Planning school routines and travel? Whether your child is in a public school, Indian curriculum school, or a private international school, it’s important to know when classes start.
This quick guide shares the official school reopening dates for 2025–2026 across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and more, based on updates from the MOE, KHDA, and ADEK.
Read the full details here: School Reopening Dates in UAE (2025): Public & Private School Start Schedule Across Emirates.
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Whether your child studies at a top school in Dubai or a growing school in Sharjah, Interval Learning ensures they get the academic support they need.
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KHDA is for schools in Dubai, ADEK for Abu Dhabi, and SPEA for Sharjah. They inspect and rate schools based on teaching, student progress, and overall quality.
GEMS Our Own English High School, The Indian High School, and Delhi Private School are among the top CBSE schools in Dubai with “Very Good” KHDA ratings.
Yes, many CBSE schools in Sharjah offer quality education at lower fees compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sharjah Indian School and Ryan International are good options.
Check for extracurricular activities, teacher experience, school culture, and infrastructure like labs and sports facilities.
Interval Learning is an online platform offering one-on-one tuition for CBSE students from Class 1 to 12. It provides academic help in subjects like Maths, Science, and English.
It helps students from Classes 3 to 8 build strong basics, improve comprehension, and prepare for competitive exams in a stress-free online format.
Yes. Many students from top-rated CBSE schools take Interval Learning’s classes for extra help, doubt clearing, and exam preparation.
Yes, you can book a free consultation to understand the teaching style and personalized plans offered by Interval Learning tutors.