Best Female-Only International Schools in UAE: A Complete Guide for Parents

Choosing the right school for your daughter is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. For many families in the UAE, female-only international schools offer a focused, supportive environment where girls can thrive academically and personally.

Whether you’re looking for a girls-only school in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, the UAE has an excellent range of single-gender institutions offering world-class curricula including IGCSE, IB (International Baccalaureate), and A-Levels.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover the best female-only international schools in the UAE, including admission requirements, fees, facilities, and why parents are increasingly choosing single-gender education.

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Why Do Parents Choose Female-Only Schools in the UAE?

Before diving into individual schools, it’s worth understanding why so many families opt for girls-only education:

1. Stronger Academic Performance

Research consistently shows that girls in single-gender schools tend to outperform their peers in co-educational settings, particularly in STEM subjects. Without the social dynamics of a mixed classroom, girls are more likely to take leadership roles and participate actively.

2. Confidence and Leadership Development

Female-only schools create an environment where every leadership position — from head girl to science club president — is held by a girl. This builds confidence and prepares students for university and professional life.

3. Culturally Aligned Values

For many families in the UAE, single-gender education aligns with cultural and religious values, offering peace of mind while still delivering an internationally recognised curriculum.

4. Tailored Teaching Approaches

Some educators argue that girls and boys learn differently. Girls-only schools can adapt teaching methods specifically to how girls engage, collaborate, and process information.

5. Safe, Focused Learning Environment

Parents often report that their daughters feel safer and more comfortable in an all-girls setting, leading to greater focus on studies and extracurricular development.

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Top Female-Only International Schools in Dubai

Dubai is home to some of the best girls international schools in the region. Here are the standout options:

1. Dubai Girls School (Jumeirah)

Curriculum: UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels

Dubai Girls School has been a leading name in female education in Dubai for years. Located in the Al Safa area, it caters to girls from Foundation Stage through to Sixth Form.

• Age Range: 3–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 38,000–65,000 per year (varies by year group)
• KHDA Rating: Very Good
• Facilities: Modern science labs, dedicated arts centre, sports hall, swimming pool, and library
• Highlights: Strong pastoral care programme, excellent IGCSE and A-Level results, active extracurricular programme including Model United Nations and Duke of Edinburgh Award

2. Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) — Arabian Ranches (Girls Section)

Curriculum: UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma

JESS is one of the most respected schools in Dubai. While co-educational, the Arabian Ranches campus offers separate sections with single-gender classes in the senior years.

• Age Range: 3–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 52,000–82,000 per year
• KHDA Rating: Outstanding
• Facilities: Olympic-standard sports facilities, performing arts theatre, innovation labs, extensive outdoor learning spaces
• Highlights: IB Diploma pass rate consistently above 95%, strong university placement record (UK Russell Group, Ivy League)

3. Our Own English High School — Al Warqa’a (Girls)

Curriculum: CBSE and British Curriculum, IGCSE

Our Own English High School Al Warqa’a is a well-established girls-only branch serving the Indian and international communities. It offers strong academic results at very competitive fees.

• Age Range: 4–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 12,000–22,000 per year
• KHDA Rating: Very Good
• Facilities: Science laboratories, ICT suites, auditorium, sports courts, library
• Highlights: Excellent value for money, strong CBSE and IGCSE results, wide range of extracurricular activities

4. Ambassador School Dubai (Girls)

Curriculum: CISCE (ICSE/ISC)

Ambassador School is a well-rated girls-only school in Dubai offering the Indian CISCE curriculum. It has earned a “Very Good” rating from KHDA.

• Age Range: 4–17 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 17,000–30,500 per year
• KHDA Rating: Very Good
• Facilities: Smart classrooms, science labs, computer labs, auditorium, sports facilities
• Highlights: Consistent top board results, emphasis on holistic development, affordable fees

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Top Female-Only International Schools in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi also offers excellent options for parents seeking girls-only education.

5. Al Mawakeb School — Abu Dhabi (Girls Section)

Curriculum: UAE MoE / American Curriculum

Al Mawakeb is a reputable school group with a strong girls section in Abu Dhabi. It blends the UAE Ministry of Education requirements with an international approach.

• Age Range: 4–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 25,000–45,000 per year
• ADEK Rating: Good
• Facilities: Modern campus with science labs, sports facilities, arts rooms, and dedicated ICT centres
• Highlights: Bilingual Arabic-English instruction, strong community values, good university preparation

6. Al Rabeeh School — Abu Dhabi (Girls)

Curriculum: UAE MoE / British Curriculum elements

Al Rabeeh School is a girls-only institution rated “Very Good” by ADEK. It provides a solid education with a focus on Arabic and Islamic values alongside international standards.

• Age Range: 5–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 20,000–33,000 per year
• ADEK Rating: Very Good
• Facilities: Well-equipped classrooms, science labs, library, sports courts
• Highlights: Strong emphasis on character development, good academic outcomes, community-oriented approach

7. Liwa International School for Girls — Abu Dhabi

Curriculum: American Curriculum

Liwa International School for Girls offers an American-style education in a female-only environment. It’s a popular choice among expatriate and Emirati families alike.

• Age Range: 4–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 22,000–38,000 per year
• ADEK Rating: Good
• Facilities: Modern science and technology labs, library, cafeteria, sports facilities, auditorium
• Highlights: Strong English language programme, SAT/AP preparation support, active student council

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Top Female-Only International Schools in Sharjah

Sharjah is known for its commitment to education and culture, and its girls-only schools reflect this.

8. Ambassador School — Sharjah (Girls)

Curriculum: CISCE (ICSE/ISC)

The Sharjah branch of Ambassador School continues the group’s tradition of high-quality girls-only education at affordable fees.

• Age Range: 4–17 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 10,000–17,000 per year
• SPEA Rating: Very Good
• Facilities: Science labs, computer labs, library, sports grounds, auditorium
• Highlights: One of the most affordable quality options in the UAE, strong board results, nurturing environment

9. Al Salam Private School — Sharjah (Girls Section)

Curriculum: UAE MoE

Al Salam Private School in Sharjah has a dedicated girls section and is rated “Good” by the Sharjah Private Education Authority.

• Age Range: 5–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 12,000–22,500 per year
• SPEA Rating: Good
• Facilities: Standard classrooms, science labs, computer rooms, sports area
• Highlights: Affordable option, strong Arabic language programme, community focus

10. Wesgreen International School — Sharjah (Girls Campus)

Curriculum: UK National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels

Wesgreen is a British curriculum school in Sharjah with a dedicated girls campus, offering a well-rounded education from Foundation Stage through Sixth Form.

• Age Range: 3–18 years
• Fees: Approximately AED 18,000–33,000 per year
• SPEA Rating: Good
• Facilities: Science laboratories, ICT suites, library, sports hall, swimming pool, performing arts spaces
• Highlights: British curriculum with strong IGCSE and A-Level preparation, active house system, varied extracurricular programme

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Quick Comparison: Female-Only Schools in UAE

School	Location	Curriculum	Approx. Annual Fees (AED)	Rating
Dubai Girls School	Dubai	UK/IGCSE/A-Level	38,000–65,000	Very Good
JESS Arabian Ranches	Dubai	UK/IGCSE/IB	52,000–82,000	Outstanding
Our Own High School Al Warqa’a	Dubai	CBSE/IGCSE	12,000–22,000	Very Good
Ambassador School Dubai	Dubai	CISCE	17,000–30,500	Very Good
Al Mawakeb Abu Dhabi	Abu Dhabi	American/MoE	25,000–45,000	Good
Al Rabeeh School	Abu Dhabi	MoE/British	20,000–33,000	Very Good
Liwa International (Girls)	Abu Dhabi	American	22,000–38,000	Good
Ambassador School Sharjah	Sharjah	CISCE	10,000–17,000	Very Good
Al Salam Private School	Sharjah	MoE	12,000–22,500	Good
Wesgreen International	Sharjah	UK/IGCSE/A-Level	18,000–33,000	Good

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Admission Requirements for Girls-Only Schools in UAE

While each school has its own admissions process, here are the general requirements you can expect:

Documents Typically Required

• Completed application form
• Copy of student’s passport and UAE visa
• Copy of Emirates ID (student and parents)
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Previous school reports (last 2 years)
• Transfer certificate from previous school
• Immunisation/vaccination records
• Birth certificate (attested copy)

Admission Process

1. Submit Application: Most schools accept online applications. Apply early — popular girls-only schools in Dubai fill up fast.
2. Assessment/Entrance Test: Depending on the year group, students may need to sit an entrance exam in English, Maths, and sometimes Science.
3. Interview: Some schools conduct interviews with the student and/or parents.
4. Offer Letter: If successful, you’ll receive an offer with fee details and joining instructions.
5. Registration & Payment: Confirm the place by paying the registration fee and first term’s tuition.

Key Tips

• Apply early — many top schools have waiting lists
• Check age cut-off dates — these vary between British, American, and IB curricula
• Visit the school — most offer campus tours and open days
• Prepare your daughter for any entrance assessments with practice tests

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Understanding School Fees in the UAE

School fees in the UAE vary widely based on curriculum, location, and facilities:

• Budget-friendly options: AED 10,000–25,000/year (schools like Ambassador Sharjah, Al Salam)
• Mid-range: AED 25,000–55,000/year (Dubai Girls School, Wesgreen, Al Rabeeh)
• Premium: AED 55,000–85,000+/year (JESS, top IB schools)

What’s Included in Fees?

Most school fees cover tuition only. Additional costs may include:

• Registration/application fees (non-refundable, typically AED 500–2,000)
• Uniforms (AED 500–1,500)
• Books and learning materials
• School transport (AED 3,000–8,000/year)
• Extracurricular activities and trips
• Exam registration fees (IGCSE, A-Level, IB)

Fee Payment Plans

Many UAE schools offer termly payment plans (3 instalments per year). Some also accept monthly payments or offer sibling discounts.

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Key Facilities to Look For

When evaluating female-only international schools in the UAE, consider these facilities:

• Modern science laboratories — essential for IGCSE and A-Level sciences
• Dedicated STEM/innovation labs — increasingly important for future-ready education
• Library and learning resource centre — a well-stocked library supports independent learning
• Sports facilities — swimming pool, gymnasium, courts, and playing fields
• Performing arts spaces — theatre, music rooms, and art studios
• Counselling and wellbeing support — pastoral care is critical during adolescence
• University guidance office — particularly important in senior years

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How Tutopiya Can Help Your Daughter Excel

Whether your daughter is preparing for IGCSE exams, the IB Diploma, or A-Level assessments, Tutopiya’s online tutoring platform provides the extra support she needs to achieve top grades.

Why Parents Choose Tutopiya

• Expert tutors specialised in IGCSE, IB, and A-Level curricula
• One-on-one personalised lessons tailored to your daughter’s learning style and pace
• Flexible scheduling — study from home at times that suit your family
• Exam-focused preparation — past paper practice, revision strategies, and targeted support for weak areas
• Affordable pricing compared to in-person tutoring centres in the UAE

Subjects We Cover

Tutopiya offers expert tutoring in all the key subjects your daughter will encounter:

• Mathematics (all levels)
• Sciences — Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• English Language & Literature
• Business Studies & Economics
• Foreign Languages
• And many more across IGCSE, IB, and A-Level syllabi

Get Started Today

Give your daughter the competitive edge she deserves. Book a FREE trial lesson with Tutopiya and see the difference personalised online tutoring can make.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there many girls-only international schools in the UAE?

Yes, the UAE offers a range of female-only schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. These include schools offering British, American, IB, Indian (CBSE/ICSE), and UAE MoE curricula.

What curriculum is best for girls-only schools?

It depends on your daughter’s goals. The British curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels) is widely recognised internationally and excellent for UK university entry. The IB Diploma is ideal for students seeking a broad, research-based education. American curricula offer flexibility, while CBSE/ICSE is popular among Indian families.

Are girls-only schools more expensive than co-ed schools?

Not necessarily. Fees depend more on the curriculum and facilities than on whether a school is single-gender or co-educational. Some of the most affordable schools in the UAE, like Ambassador School Sharjah, are girls-only.

Can my daughter switch from a co-ed school to a girls-only school?

Absolutely. Many girls transition successfully between co-ed and single-gender environments. Schools are experienced in helping new students settle in.

How do I prepare my daughter for entrance exams?

Practice is key. Work through past papers, focus on English and Maths fundamentals, and consider online tutoring with Tutopiya for targeted exam preparation.

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Final Thoughts

The UAE offers an impressive range of female-only international schools to suit every budget, curriculum preference, and educational philosophy. From premium IB schools in Dubai to affordable ICSE options in Sharjah, there’s a perfect fit for every family.

The key is to start your research early, visit shortlisted schools, and ensure your daughter is well-prepared for any entrance assessments. And remember — Tutopiya is here to help with expert online tutoring for IGCSE, IB, and A-Levels.

Ready to give your daughter the best start? Book a free trial lesson with Tutopiya today and unlock her full academic potential.