UK Boarding School Fair in Dubai // Independent Schools Show Returns on 21 November

Choosing a school is one of the biggest decisions a parent makes, and for families in the UAE, the options can feel endless.

This November, the Independent Schools Show returns to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It brings leading international schools to families here, so you can meet them in person without getting on a plane.

Who’s coming

Organisers expect a record number of schools this year. From the UK, Eton College, Fettes College, Benenden School and Malvern College will attend both events. Charterhouse and Wycombe Abbey join them in Dubai. Also exhibiting are King’s Academy from Jordan, La Garenne International School from Switzerland, Shrewsbury International School India and, closer to home, Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai. Education consultants Bonas MacFarlane will be on hand to offer advice on applications and longer-term planning.

The questions that matter

The show gives parents direct access to school leaders and admissions teams to talk through the big questions. Which curriculum suits your child’s strengths? What pastoral care should you look for? When is the right time to change schools or consider boarding? How can subject choices support university applications abroad?

Dubai talks

The Dubai event includes a programme of short talks. Topics include comparing the IB, A Levels and BTECs, timing school moves at 8+, 11+, 13+ and 16+, and weighing up education in the UAE against boarding in the UK. There’s also a session where parents share their own experiences of choosing and settling into boarding school, which is often the most reassuring part of the day.

Abu Dhabi: Thursday 19 November, 5pm to 8pm, African Lounge, Al Maryah Island.

Dubai: Saturday 21 November, 9.30am to 2.30pm, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates.

Entry is free with registration at schoolsshow.co.uk.