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
Susan Allenspach
Head of PYP
Ian Thurston
Head of Secondary
Inas Al Derbashi
DP Coordinator - Assistant Head DP
Adam Fitzgerald
MYP Coordinator - Assistant Head MYP
Habiba Jaballah
PYP Coordinator
Nisreen Gul
KG Coordinator
Primary Years Programme:
Liande Visser
Grade Leader G1
Nour Bourghol
Grade Leader G2
Joanna Moffatt
Grade Leader G3
Llinos Roberts
Grade Leader G4
David Sellars
Grade Leader G5
Ghada Al Jashaam
PYP Arabic Leader
Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programe:
Nusrien Khan
Head of English
Sarah Mohammed
Head of Science
Mateusz Pietkiel
Head of Math
Mohamed Essam
Head of Arabic
Saleh Mostafa
Head of Islamic Studies
Colin Turner
Head of Design Technology
Sarah Mulhern
Head of Art
Richard Porter
Subject Leader - Drama
Inclusion and Wellbeing:
Tahera Al Hashmi
School Counsellor
Sahar Dorra
Head of SEN
Karl How
Student Wellbeing Coordinator - Assistant Headteacher
Whole School:
William Walker
Head of Music
James Wakefield
Head of PE