Families moving to Dubai usually rent for the first year, choose a school and an area, and plan a purchase once they have settled. Dubai's private schools are regulated by KHDA, which publishes inspection ratings and approves tuition fees — per KHDA's announcement of 22 May 2026, fees do not rise for the 2026-27 academic year. A Dubai residence visa requires health insurance, and the sponsor is responsible for insuring family members.
Rent or buy
- Renting for the first year lets you learn where you like living and how long the school and work commute takes, without rushing a large purchase. The tenancy contract is registered in Ejari, which you will also need for everyday matters.
- Buying makes sense once you have chosen an area and a time horizon. Property can lead to a residence visa — the value and share requirements changed in 2026, so check them on the DLD and GDRFA websites; see the Golden Visa guide.
- Ready or under construction: off-plan or ready; yearly owner costs: the yearly cost of owning.
Schools
- Dubai's private schools are licensed and inspected by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). Each school's inspection rating and tuition fees are on the KHDA website and app.
- As KHDA and the Dubai Media Office announced on 22 May 2026, private school tuition in Dubai does not rise for the 2026-27 academic year. Transport, uniforms and other services are outside that decision.
- Popular schools can have waiting lists — apply early, and choose the area with the school run in mind.
Choosing an area for a family
Families often look at areas with villas and townhouses, parks and schools nearby, such as Dubai Hills or Al Furjan, and at apartments in established areas with a metro, such as JLT. The deciding factor is the rush-hour commute to school and work, so test the route before choosing a home.
Visa and insurance
- A family member's residence visa is issued through a sponsor — a working parent, a property owner or a Golden Visa holder.
- Under Dubai's Health Insurance Law (No. 11 of 2013), insurance is mandatory for residents and needed to issue and renew a visa. In Dubai the sponsor is responsible for insuring a spouse and children.
- Visa requirements change — check them on the GDRFA and ICP websites on the day you apply.
A moving plan
- Choose a school and apply.
- Choose an area based on the school and work commute.
- Rent a home and register the contract in Ejari.
- Arrange visas and health insurance.
- Plan a purchase once you have settled on an area — it can be done remotely, see buying remotely.
This is general information as of October 2026, not legal or immigration advice.