Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD), the UAE’s first bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum school, is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary this academic year, marking a decade of academic achievement, innovation, and community impact.
A Decade of Growth, Innovation, and Global Recognition
Founded in 2015 by Swiss entrepreneur Omar Danial with just 235 students, SISD set out to bring the excellence of Swiss bilingual education to Dubai. Today, it is home to more than 2,900 students from over 100 nationalities and is recognised as one of the region’s most respected international schools. In 2023, SISD joined Nord Anglia Education, a global family of over 80 premium schools, further enhancing its international reach and collaborative opportunities.
As Dubai’s only IB Continuum school offering bilingual streams in English-French and English-German, alongside English plus STEAM, SISD has redefined multilingual education in the region. Its co-teaching model; two native-speaking teachers per class in Early Years and Primary; ensures linguistic fluency, intercultural understanding, and academic depth.
The school was recently named among the Top 150 private schools globally and Top 15 in the Middle East by the Carfax Education Schools Index 2024.
SISD graduates have gone on to attend leading universities worldwide, including EHL, UPenn, UCLA, UCL, LSE, St Andrews, NYU, and the University of Sydney. The Class of 2025 secured over USD 14 million in university scholarships and achieved a 100% Distinction rate in the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), representing the highest standards of achievement in both academic distinction and career readiness.
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.
Categories: School News Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
