This academic year marks the 10th anniversary of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), the UAE’s first bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum school, commemorating a decade of educational advancement, innovative practice and community impact.
A Journey of Expansion and International Excellence
SISD opened its doors in 2015 under the vision of Swiss entrepreneur Omar Danial, beginning with just 235 students. Today, it has grown into a thriving school community of over 2,900 students from more than 100 nationalities and is widely regarded as a leading international school in the Middle East. In 2023, the school became part of Nord Anglia Education, joining a global network of more than 80 distinguished schools, enhancing student opportunities and global connectivity.
As the only IB Continuum school in Dubai offering English-French and English-German bilingual pathways, as well as English plus STEAM, SISD has established itself as a regional pioneer in multilingual education. Its co-teaching structure in Early Years and Primary ensures linguistic fluency, cross-cultural understanding and academic strength, supported by two native-speaking educators in each classroom.
SISD was ranked among the Top 150 private schools worldwide and Top 15 in the Middle East in the Carfax Education Schools Index 2024.
Graduates from SISD are accepted into top global universities including EHL, UPenn, UCLA, UCL, LSE, St Andrews, NYU and the University of Sydney. The Class of 2025 earned more than USD 14 million in university scholarships and celebrated a 100% Distinction rate in the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), reflecting exceptional academic achievement and strong preparation for future pathways.
Holistic Learning: From Vocational Pathways to Boarding and Sport
SISD has become a regional leader in applied learning through its BTEC pathways in Hospitality, Sport, and Business & Management. Partnerships with institutions such as Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy and Les Roches, provide students with hands-on, industry-based experience that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance.
The school’s boarding programme; one of only two in the UAE; offers a warm, inclusive “home away from home” for students across the region and beyond. Boarders benefit from a full calendar of weekend activities, cultural excursions, and wellness initiatives that support both academic focus and personal growth.
SISD’s commitment to holistic education is further reflected in its world-class sports programme. The campus features an Olympic-sized pool, FIFA-standard football pitch, indoor and outdoor running tracks, tennis and padel courts, and a fully equipped gym. Students regularly compete in DASSA tournaments and international events such as the World School Games, showcasing their athleticism, teamwork, and resilience.
Purpose-Driven Education: Sustainability, Service, and Community
SISD’s values extend far beyond the classroom. The school has cultivated a compassionate, service-oriented culture where kindness and empathy are central. Student-led initiatives have raised significant funds for charitable causes, earning the Dubai Cares Distinguished Philanthropic Award.
Sustainability is a core pillar of SISD’s identity. The school’s solar-powered campus supplies 25% of its energy needs and offsets over 920 tonnes of CO₂ annually -earning the MESIA “Solar Project of the Year” Award. Le Jardin Suisse, and outdoor classrooms created in collaboration with Al Barari, offers students hands-on learning in biodiversity, conservation, and food security.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on B.E.S.T. Values
As Principal Ruth Burke reflects: “Our tenth anniversary is a celebration of people, passion and purpose – a decade of bilingualism, innovation and community in action. Every achievement, from academic excellence to environmental leadership, reflects our shared belief that education should prepare young people not just for success, but for significance – to lead with empathy, think globally, and care deeply for our planet and one another.”
From its founding families in 2015 to today’s thriving community, SISD has remained a warm, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to explore, express, and belong. As part of Nord Anglia Education, SISD looks ahead to the next decade with continued commitment to its B.E.S.T. values: Bilingualism, Excellence, Sustainability, and Togetherness; preparing new generations of global citizens ready to shape a better, more connected world.
For more information, please visit sisd.ae
