Welcome to Dar Al Marefa
It starts with an idea. The idea of a community committed to learning. A community built around the shared pursuit of knowledge. A community built around respect: for ourselves, for each other, and for the world around us.
A home away from home, a house of knowledge.
More than an IB Curriculum school, Dar Al Marefa is a community that empowers every child and enriches their development, giving them the skills they need to become lifelong learners.
We encourage children to become active members of their social communities - members who are knowledgeable, confident and kind.
Dar Al Marefa is an inspiring educational initiative by Al Ghurair and is a top ranked learning institution, and the only bilingual International Baccalaureate Curriculum school in Dubai. In partnership with parents, friends, and the local community, we aim to make a significant contribution to the UAE’s next generation, instilling in them Emirati and Islamic values.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a community that fosters lifelong learning, is rooted in its values and beliefs, is open minded, tolerant and appreciates diversity. Our graduates are principled and courageous individuals, ready to contribute to a more just and peaceful world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build a consistent, challenging and safe learning environment that supports each child in exploring their capabilities, encourages them to respect other cultures and embrace the world with open-mindedness, tolerance and confidence.
Chairman's Message
Dar Al Marefa represents the powerful Emirati values, spirit and cultural identity that has helped to build this great country. We open the school’s doors to welcome all people in the same way that the UAE has opened its doors to the world community, living and learning together for the powerful progress of this nation.
Dar Al Marefa is more than a school. It is a family, a society, and a culture that fosters respect, acceptance, and faith. We invite like-minded families to join us with open minds and a spirit of optimism for our community of learners. We have put our hearts and hands into creating an environment that will advance human civilization and knowledge. We invite you to enter our Dar and experience the power of an enlightened education.
Senior Leadership Team and Coordinators
Naira Hamdy
School Principal
Inas Al Derbashi
Head of Secondary
Alison Dawson
Head of Primary
Walead Mohammed Mosaad
Head of IB Curriculum Continuum
Omar Sarky
MYP Coordinator
Sheugnet Carter
DP Coordinator
Habiba Jaballah
PYP Coordinator
Wellbeing Team:
Carole Ansell
Head of Wellbeing
Tahera Al Hashmi
School Counsellor
Primary Years Programme:
Ghada Al Jashaam
PYP Arabic Leader
Maureen Mc Grath
Grade Leader G1
Nour Bourghol
Grade Leader G2
Annama Joseph
Grade Leader G3
Gavin Mellalieu
Grade Leader G4
Nesreen Gul
KG Leader
Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programe:
Mohamed Essam
Head of Arabic
Saleh Mostafa
Head of Islamic Studies
Roupina Akijian
Head of English
Lubna Jebreel
Head of Mathematics - DP
Nadine Baki
Head of Mathematics - MYP
Sarah Tareq Mohammed
Career Counsellor and Head of Science - DP
PYP and Extracurricular Activities:
James Wakefield
PYP Sports Leader and ECA
Admissions and Marketing Team:
Tarek Abdel Hamid
Marketing & Communications Manager
Rand Said
Public Relations Executive
Lina Bassiony
Admission Executive & Graphic designer
Board of Governors
Ibrahim Abdulla Ahmed Al Ghurair
Dr. Nevine El Souefi
Arturo Lujan
Dr. Abdullah Saad Al-Khanbashi
Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar
John Short Ring
Debra Teles
Abdulla Qassim
Consultant and Head of Neurosurgery