Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), the UAE’s first fully bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum school, is marking its tenth anniversary this academic year – celebrating ten years of academic success, innovation and meaningful contribution to the wider community.
A Decade of Achievement and International Recognition
When the school opened in 2015, founded by Swiss entrepreneur Omar Danial and welcoming just 235 learners, its mission was to introduce the high standards of Swiss bilingual education to Dubai. A decade later, SISD has grown to more than 2,900 students from over 100 nationalities and has become one of the region’s most prominent international schools. In 2023, SISD joined the Nord Anglia Education family of over 80 premium schools worldwide, strengthening its global connections and opportunities for collaboration.
As Dubai’s only IB Continuum school offering bilingual pathways in English-French and English-German, as well as an English plus STEAM programme, SISD has become a leader in multilingual education in the region. Its unique co-teaching environment, where Early Years and Primary classes are taught by two native-speaking educators, fosters linguistic confidence, cultural awareness and strong academic foundations.
The school was recently listed among the Top 150 private schools worldwide and Top 15 in the Middle East in the Carfax Education Schools Index 2024.
Graduates of SISD continue to secure places at leading universities across the world, 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 achieved a 100% Distinction rate in the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), highlighting their academic excellence and readiness for future careers.
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