Ten private schools in the UAE were named among the best 15 in the Middle East, for a second year in a row.
The schools were also featured among the 125 top private schools in the world in Carfax Education’s school index 2023.
Most of the schools that were featured on the list follow the UK curriculum while others offer the International Baccalaureate diploma.
Other schools that ranked among the best in the region included British International School Riyadh, British School Muscat, King’s Academy in Jordan, St Christopher’s School Bahrain, and Doha College.
Schools were selected on the basis of academic results, preparation for university entry, unique ethos, local, and international reputation, and how they prepare students for life beyond academics.
Fiona McKenzie, head of education at Carfax Education, said: "The good news story is that schools in the Middle East are booming.
"We're certainly getting inquiries all the time from schools around the world thinking should they set up here because it's such a vibrant education landscape in the Middle East.
"We're guided by a kind of series of metrics and criteria that we use, which include not exclusively exam results, university destination data and preparedness for the outside world."
Scott Carnochan, head master of Brighton College Abu Dhabi, said the strength of community at the school alongside academic achievements, as well as quality of teaching and care, had played a significant role in it being ranked among the best schools worldwide.
"I am incredibly proud of what our school achieves each day, and this recognition simply reinforces the excellence being demonstrated by our school community - teachers, pupils and parents," said Mr Carnochan.
'Immensely proud'
Tracy Crowder-Cloe, principal at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, was also delighted that her school featured so highly in the rankings.
"We are immensely proud to be listed in the Carfax Education Schools Index as one of the top private schools in the world again this year," she said.
"The ranking reflects not only our commitment to academic excellence but also the dedication and hard work of our exceptional pupils, talented teaching team, and supportive community."
Carfax Education published its fourth annual schools index on Wednesday. Until last year, the same school index was published by luxury lifestyle magazine Spear’s in collaboration with Carfax Education.
The index provided information on the world’s best private schools and divided the list geographically with schools from the UK, Switzerland, Europe, USA, Middle East, China, and Southeast Asia named on the list.
Eton College, Harrow School, and Cheltenham Ladies’ College featured on the list of the top UK senior schools in 2023 while Trinity School and The Spence School were on the list of best schools in the United States.
Cottesmore School, Dragon School and Falkner House Girls are counted among the best prep schools in the UK.
New entries this year include UK prep school, Port Regis, as well as Amadeus International School in Vienna, The British School in Delhi and The Dalton School, USA.
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
