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Best Indian Schools Abroad: Top CBSE Schools in Dubai, Riyadh, Muscat, Doha and Singapore
By Satyavadan Prakhya · November 2, 2026 · 7 min read
For families who move abroad, an Indian school keeps continuity: the same CBSE syllabus, Indian languages and festivals, and a smooth path to JEE, NEET or Indian universities if the family returns. Most schools below are affiliated with CBSE (a few follow ICSE/ISC), and many now also offer IB or Cambridge streams.
Note: there is no single ranking that compares Indian schools across countries. This list is based on reputation, history and local lists – always check the latest local inspection reports, fees and admissions on each school's official website.
How we chose these schools
- Regulator ratings – in Dubai, KHDA inspection grades are the clearest independent measure; in Abu Dhabi, ADEK.
- Board results – CBSE Class 10 and 12 results, and JEE, NEET and university outcomes.
- Scale and legacy – several of these schools have taught generations of expatriate families.
- Value – Indian schools usually cost far less than British or American international schools in the same city.
United Arab Emirates
| School | Location | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| The Indian High School | Dubai | Founded in 1961 – one of the oldest and largest Indian schools in the Gulf, on every major list of Dubai's top CBSE schools. |
| GEMS Our Own English High School, Al Warqa'a | Dubai | Part of the GEMS group, which began with an Indian school in Dubai in 1968; consistently one of the city's best-rated CBSE schools. |
| GEMS Modern Academy | Dubai | ICSE/ISC alongside the IB Diploma; known for academics, debating and the arts. |
| Delhi Private School and DPS Dubai | Dubai and Sharjah | Long-established CBSE schools with large alumni networks across the Emirates. |
| Abu Dhabi Indian School | Abu Dhabi | One of the capital's oldest and largest Indian schools; inspected by ADEK. |
Saudi Arabia
| School | Location | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| International Indian School Riyadh (IISR) | Riyadh | Run under the supervision of the Indian Embassy; one of the largest Indian schools anywhere. |
| International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) | Jeddah | Supervised by the Indian Consulate; has served west-coast families for decades. |
Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait
| School | Location | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Indian School Muscat | Muscat, Oman | Flagship of Oman's large community-run Indian school network, which also includes Indian School Al Ghubra. |
| Birla Public School and DPS Modern Indian School | Doha, Qatar | Two of Qatar's largest CBSE schools, with strong board results. |
| The Indian School, Bahrain | Isa Town, Bahrain | Founded in 1950 – one of the oldest Indian schools outside India. |
| Indian Community School Kuwait (ICSK) | Kuwait City, Kuwait | Long-established CBSE school group serving Kuwait's large Indian community across several campuses. |
Asia and beyond
| School | Location | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Global Indian International School (GIIS) | Singapore, Tokyo and more | Founded in Singapore in 2002; offers CBSE, IB and Cambridge across Asia and the Middle East. |
| DPS International and NPS International | Singapore | Popular with Singapore's Indian families; Indian curricula alongside international programmes. |
| India International School in Japan | Tokyo, Japan | Serves Tokyo's growing Indian tech community with CBSE and Cambridge pathways. |
| Kendriya Vidyalaya (embassy schools) | Moscow, Kathmandu, Tehran | India's central government schools abroad, mainly for children of diplomats and Indian staff posted there. |
Tips for NRI parents choosing a school
- Check the local inspection report (KHDA in Dubai, ADEK in Abu Dhabi, or ministry and embassy oversight in Saudi Arabia and Oman).
- Apply early. Popular Indian schools in the Gulf often have waiting lists – start several months before the session (most Gulf Indian schools start in April).
- Think about your return plans. CBSE makes moving back to India easy; IB or Cambridge suits families heading to a third country.
- Ask about transport and timings – long bus rides in Gulf cities can eat into study and sleep time.
- Budget the full cost – fees, books, uniforms, transport and annual increases. Our emergency fund guide helps you plan.
City guides
Want more detail for one city? Read our city-by-city guides:
- Best Indian Schools in Dubai: Top CBSE and ICSE Schools for 2026
- Best Indian Schools in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam (2026)
- Best Indian Schools in Doha, Qatar: Top CBSE Schools for 2026
- Best Indian Schools in Muscat, Oman: Top CBSE Schools for 2026
- Best Indian Schools in Singapore: CBSE, IB and Local School Options for 2026
The bottom line
Indian schools abroad give children a familiar curriculum and culture at a fraction of international-school fees. Shortlist using local ratings and board results, visit in person, and choose the school that fits your child and your family's plans.
Sources: Careers360 – Best CBSE schools in Dubai · Careers360 – Best CBSE schools in UAE · Edarabia – CBSE schools in Dubai
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