Dar Al Marefa is the only bilingual, English and Arabic, IB Curriculum school in Dubai. Along with our driven dedication to educating and empowering young minds, we strive to create a community of curious and confident lifelong learners.
From their Early Years Education to Grade 12, our students are taught to embrace opportunities through inquiry-based learning and to practise Emirati and Islamic values, making them proactive and dynamic global citizens. Our world-class campus is designed to stimulate every student’s learning process and enhance their well-being. Dar Al Marefa is equipped with state-of-the-art educational and extracurricular facilities to give your child a well-rounded foundation.
Our teaching methods are always on par with global standards which is why Dar Al Marefa is amongst the top IB schools in the UAE. We incorporate the latest technology
Our eLearning programme and platform ensure that every child receives uninterrupted education and is connected to their teachers and peers even while learning from home.
Our vision is to create a community that fosters lifelong learning, is rooted in its values and beliefs, is open minded, tolerant and appreciates diversity. Our graduates are principled and courageous individuals, ready to contribute to a more just and peaceful world.
Our mission is to build a consistent, challenging and safe learning environment that supports each child in exploring their capabilities, encourages them to respect other cultures and embrace the world with open-mindedness, tolerance and confidence.
Dar Al Marefa is a community that empowers every child and enriches their development, giving them the skills they need to become lifelong learners. We encourage children to become active members of their social communities – members who are knowledgeable, confident and kind.
Dar Al Marefa is an inspiring educational initiative by Al Ghurair and is a top ranked learning institution, and the only bilingual International Baccalaureate Curriculum school in Dubai. In partnership with parents, friends, and the local community, we aim to make a significant contribution to the UAE’s next generation, instilling in them Emirati and Islamic values.
At Dar Al Marefa, we understand that education extends beyond the classroom walls. Our approach combines rigorous academic programs with a wealth of experiential learning opportunities, including field trips, community service projects, and international exchange programs. We aim to cultivate global citizens who are culturally aware and socially responsible, equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Moreover, we embrace technology as a powerful tool for learning and advancement. Our state-of-the-art facilities and digital resources create an immersive learning environment, preparing students for the digital age and enabling them to embrace the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
But what truly makes Dar Al Marefa special is our tight-knit community. We prioritize open communication, collaboration, and a strong partnership between parents, students, and educators. We believe that by working together, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can reach their full potential.
Our state-of-the-art campus has been designed and built from the ground up to maximise students’ potential for learning. The visionary campus was designed by the globally-awarded RCR architects, winners of the Pritzker Laureate prestigious architecture award, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of Architecture.
The school architecture and design stimulate discovery, learning, growth and creativity, for students of all ages. Shadows, colours and shapes meet to form intricate patterns and pathways all around the campus, to generate a lively and cheerful environment.
Our facilities reflect our aim of providing our pupils with a broad and balanced IB Curriculum educational and communal experience, and include:
- An extremely well-resourced library building
- Healthy food choices canteen building
- Double volume air-conditioned sports hall
- Multi-purpose PE studios
- Temperature-controlled swimming pool
- Large floodlit sports field
- Two outdoor tennis courts
- 400-seat auditorium building
- Eight science labs
- Fully equipped ICT, art & design and music studios
- Extensive shaded walkways throughout the entire campus
- Well-equipped playground areas
Naira Hamdy
School Principal
In her 22 years in education, 10 of which have been spent in the UAE, Naira has taught elementary, secondary and higher education in subjects like Math, Science, ICT and theory of knowledge. She has been an IB team leader, school visitor, consultant, reader, workshop leader and online facilitator in the IB community for over two decades; as well as a school inspector for the ECIS, ADEK and KHDA. Naira is also an international speaker who specialises in working with other educators to find innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and to model a professional learning community approach. Her areas of expertise include designing innovative learning experiences, professional learning, cultural leadership and community building.
Inas Al Derbashi
Head of Secondary
Inas is an IB educator who has worked within the IB programmes fulfilling a variety of roles in PYP, MYP and DP. She got her Master’s in Education and Technology in 2006 and has been working in education for 14 years, 8 of which have been spent in leadership roles; from teacher to Head of Department to IB Coordinator and Senior Leader, across MYP and DP.
Inas is an IB workshop leader, online facilitator, authorization and evaluation team member. She develops and delivers various PD courses for IB schools in the Middle East.
Alison Dawson
Head of Primary
I began my teaching career as a class teacher and a PE Coordinator in England. My enthusiasm for Technology and love for challenges and new experiences led me to Dubai in 2001 to become a specialist IT teacher. During my 20 years in Dubai, I have gained valuable experience and held a range of roles including class teacher, subject specialist, Head of Department, Deputy Head, Co-Head and, most recently, Head of Primary. Throughout my years in education, I have always been a passionate advocate of inclusive education and have leadership experience in this area. I am also a member of a school board, where I am the Inclusion Governor.
