Nurseries and Kindergartens in Dubai

Expat parents with little ones too young to start primary school will find plenty of options for nursery schools in Dubai, including Montessori nursery schools. Some popular nurseries cost almost as much as regular school and can have long waiting lists, so expats should enquire early.

It's important to check specifics with each school, but most are open for four to five hours in the morning and close at lunchtime. Parents can choose how many days their child attends during the week, and many nurseries allow early drop-offs, provide lunches, or have optional afternoon programmes for working parents.

Nursery schools in Dubai

Alphabet Street Nursery

Alphabet Street Nursery (ASN) offers an enriching international educational experience for young learners, set in a nurturing environment that fosters individual growth and self-esteem. With a commitment to the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and an emphasis on parent involvement, ASN ensures a seamless transition for your child into mainstream schooling, backed by over 23 years of expertise in childcare and education.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 2 months to 4 years
Website: www.alphabetstreetnursery.com

British Orchard Nursery

British Orchard Nursery (BON) stands offers a unique blend of multilingual, holistic education based on the EYFS curriculum across 30+ locations in the UAE and the UK. Renowned for its award-winning approach to early-year education, BON provides a nurturing environment with personalised attention, fostering each child's full potential through a curriculum enriched with languages, mindfulness and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 6 months to 4 years
Website: www.britishorchardnursery.com

Dovecote Nursery

Dovecote Nursery in Dubai offers a nurturing and high-quality early education for children aged 1 to 3, following the EYFS curriculum under British management. Emphasising individual growth and independence, Dovecote provides a supportive environment that fosters kindness, creativity, and a love for learning, preparing children for a successful transition into the early school years.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 3 years
Website: www.dovecotenursery.org

Jebel Ali Village Nursery

Established in 1976, Jebel Ali Village Nursery (JAVN) is renowned as one of Dubai's most prestigious nurseries, offering the British Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum to nurture the full spectrum of intellectual, social and physical development in children from 1 to 3 years old. With six branches across Dubai and Sharjah, JAVN provides a vibrant and safe learning environment, backed by a dedicated team with 500 years of combined experience, ensuring a fun, stimulating and comprehensive early education for your child.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 4 years
Website: www.javn.ae

Jumeirah International Nursery School

Jumeirah International Nurseries (JINS), a cornerstone of Dubai's early childhood education since 1981, offers a comprehensive British education for children aged 45 days to 6 years, nurturing their hearts and minds through a holistic approach. Esteemed for its 'home-to-home' experience, JINS combines innovative teaching methods, including Reggio Emilia and Montessori, with a focus on creative, confident and resilient learning, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for each child's future academic journey.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 6 weeks to 4 years
Website: www.jinspire.com

Little Land Nursery & Montessori Centre

Founded in 1994, Little Land Nursery in Dubai is a distinguished early-years education centre, offering an enriched learning environment guided by Montessori and Early Years Education principles. Celebrated for its personalised approach, Little Land focuses on nurturing each child's self-esteem and potential, a philosophy that earned it the Schools Compared Top Schools Award 2021–2022 for Best Early Childhood Centre in the UAE.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage and Montessori
Ages: 14 months to 4 years
Website: www.littlelandnursery.com