This portal keeps you connected with your child’s journey at GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI). It provides easy access to news, updates, resources, and key information to support a smooth transition into school life.
Welcome to the Finest School in the World
Parent Portal
A Message from our Principal
We are delighted you have chosen SRI for your child and look forward to welcoming them on their first day. Our school is a pioneering centre of learning, offering exceptional standards of education within a dynamic and innovative environment. With world-class facilities and an ethos built on curiosity and creativity, SRI prepares students to thrive in the future. In the meantime, please click on the relevant tabs to read more about what to expect before your first day. This website includes what documents are required, where to purchase uniforms, curriculum information and useful guides to help your transition.
James Monaghan
Founding Principal and CEO,
GEMS School of Research and Innovation
KHDA Registration
KHDA registration is a mandatory requirement for all students before starting school:
- If transferring from another Dubai school, you will need a Transfer Certificate from your current school.
- Families joining us from another Emirate, overseas, or new to the UAE system may be asked for additional documents.
More details can be provided by our Admissions Team.
Before your child starts
To help your child settle smoothly, please review and complete the steps outlined below before their first day. This will make the transition easier and allow you to focus on your child’s experience during those important first weeks.
Uniform Guide
We believe that how students present themselves reflects pride in who they are and their school community.
Uniform Expectations
- Formal Academic Uniform: Includes a blazer, shirt or blouse, trousers or skirt, tie, and formal shoes
- Seasonal Uniform Options: Lighter fabrics for warmer months and outerwear for winter comfort
- PE & Sports Kit: SRI-branded kit specific to each year group and activity (Sport-specific kit details will be shared following sign-ups)
We are proud to partner with Threads, the UAE’s leading premium school wear provider.
Threads offers:
- High-quality, durable uniforms with personalised fittings
- A wide range of academic wear, PE kits, and accessories
- On-site tailoring and a dedicated pop-up store at SRI
If you have any questions regarding your child’s school uniform, please contact:
Parent & Student Lanyards
The safety of our school community is our highest priority. To ensure a secure environment, all parents, guardians, staff, and students will use personalised lanyards for daily access.
- New families will receive guidelines by email on uploading photos for lanyards.
- Each family may register up to two parents and one guardian; additional requests can be made at Reception.
- Lanyards will be ready for collection on your first day.
- Please wear lanyards at all times on campus. If forgotten, you will be asked to sign in as a visitor, this is part of keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for supporting a safe and welcoming community.
Photo & Video Consent
At SRI, we regularly capture photo and video content throughout the school year. These moments are an important way of celebrating our students and showcasing life at SRI. Content may be used across a range of platforms, including our website, social media channels, internal branding, and GEMS Education marketing materials.
We kindly ask all families to complete the Photo & Video Consent Form in advance to let us know your preferences. This ensures we can both respect your wishes and continue to share the inspiring stories of our community.
Nutritious Meals
At SRI, food is more than fuel, it’s about connection, wellbeing, and balance. Our partner, Family First Café, prepares fresh meals daily in a fully equipped kitchen, with options for every age and dietary need.
Our Food Philosophy
- Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Balanced menus to support healthy growth
- Vegetarian and allergy-conscious options daily
- Comfortable, social dining spaces
Payment & Access:
Meals are accessed via subscription or prepaid accounts (no direct cash purchases).
- Annual Subscription: AED 8,500 (10% discount if prepaid by 5 Sept)
- Termly Subscription: AED 60/day (available with term enrolment)
The subscription includes:
- A mid-morning snack
- A nutritious lunch (main dish, salad, dessert, drink)
- Grab ’n’ Go deli options, pasta bar, and more
- FS1–FS2: meals served in bento boxes, delivered by staff
App & Accounts
Parents can pre-load funds via the Family First Café app.
Details to download/register will be shared prior to your first day, however, should you have any questions, please contact us.
Note: SRI operates a strict no-nuts and no-pork policy to ensure student safety and respect for cultural values.
School Transport Service
At SRI, safety, sustainability, and convenience are at the heart of our transport services. Working with STS Group, we offer two environmentally responsible transport options:
- Spot2Spot Electric Service
– A fully electric, door-to-door service, supporting our commitment to sustainability while ensuring the highest safety standards. Travel times are capped at 30 minutes.
- Biofuel-Powered Service – A reliable home-to-school service using renewable biofuel, with real-time tracking, trained staff, and the same focus on care and safety.
Service Coverage: Both options operate across several residential communities in Dubai, offering convenient door-to-door access.
School Fees
To ensure a smooth transition into school, please be informed that as per our school policy, fees must be settled prior to the beginning of each term. Without this being completed, unfortunately children will be unable to attend school.
Payments can be made at the cashier’s office, or via bank transfer. Should you have any questions, please contact:
Families can also use the GEMS FAB Mastercard to pay annual tuition in advance and enjoy 4.25% savings on school fees (T&Cs apply).
Your School Day
Key Information
Starting school is an exciting milestone, and we want every child (and parent) to feel confident and prepared for their very first day at GEMS SRI. Below you’ll find everything you need to know to make the transition smooth and positive.
Medical & Dietary Information
Please ensure that you have informed the school clinic of any medical or dietary requirements prior to your child's first day. All new students will meet with the medical centre when joining the school.
Please also inform your child's class teacher/tutor if they are on any medication or have any allergies that the school should be aware of.
Sibling Club will be available for FS1 to Year 4 students who have a sibling in Year 5 to Year 8, with session running Monday to Thursday from 3.30–4.30pm.
For more information, please contact Cassie Mather-Reid, Parent Relations Executive.
Parking, Locations & Maps
Parking
Prior to your child's first day, details regarding parking arrangements, entry points, and site maps will be shared to help you navigate the school site with ease during your first week.
If you have any questions, our team will be happy to assist.
Morning Drop-Off
All families may use Gate 4 as a 'drop and go'. Children will then head independently to their classrooms.
Traffic Flow
To keep arrival and dismissal smooth and safe, we operate a one-way system with support from Dwight School and RTA-trained traffic marshals.
- Mon–Thu: 7.30–8.30am & 2.45–4.00pm
- Fri: 7.30–8.30am & 11.15am–12.45pm
At other times, roads revert to two-way traffic.
Parking Options
Parents who wish to park may use:
- Gate 1: Covered school parking, with access to FS Reception.
- Gate 2: Public parking (pedestrian entrance).
Parent & Visitor Identification
- Families are kindly asked to complete the Vehicle Registration Form so we can identify SRI parent vehicles easily.
- Parents/guardians should carry and wear Parent ID cards when on school grounds.
- All visitors must sign in at Reception and will be given a lanyard.
Thank you for your cooperation and patience. These measures are in place to ensure safety for every student and convenience for all families
Next Steps
From the moment you enrol, you are part of the SRI Community. This space is here to support you as you prepare for the start of school. Below, you’ll find key information on how we’ll stay connected with you, along with details on apps, parent groups, and opportunities to get involved.
At SRI, there are many ways to contribute and feel at home, from attending events to joining parent associations. We encourage you to explore what suits your family best and be part of our vibrant community.
Pioneer Parents Association (PPA)
The Pioneer Parents Association is a proactive, highly engaged parent body that supports SRI across academics, sports, performance, fundraising, and social events. The PPA is a wonderful way to connect with other families and make a real contribution to our community.
Please contact Cassie Mather-Reid, Parent Relations Executive for more information.
SRI Forum
SRI Forum is a prestigious club spearheaded by the Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, Mr. Sunny Varkey, for the parents of GEMS SRI. There will be exclusive events and opportunities for networking.
Please contact Hannah McConnon for more information.
Extended Learning & ESM Activities
At SRI, learning goes beyond the classroom. Our extended programme helps children grow academically, personally, and socially. From FS1 to Year 8, every child can enjoy a broad range of experiences tailored to their age and interests.
We offer enrichment in:
- Wellbeing
- Music & Performing Arts
- Creativity & Arts
- STEM
- Sport
- Global Awareness
Alongside our own provision, we also partner with ESM, who provide additional paid extra-curricular options, ranging from specialist sports to academic support and creative sessions. These are available in both group and 1:1 formats, giving every child the opportunity to explore and thrive.
Rewards Programme
The GEMS Rewards Programme is designed to make education more accessible and rewarding for families. With GEMS Rewards, you can:
- Earn and redeem points on student referrals
- Access exclusive discounts on dining, shopping, leisure, beauty, wellness, travel, and more
- Save through the GEMS FAB Credit Card and exclusive offers in the Rewards App
- Full log-in details and guidance will be shared with you by email.
Referral Programme
At GEMS Education, we deeply value the role parents play in sharing their experiences and spreading the word about our schools.
Through the GEMS Ambassador Programme, families who successfully refer another student receive 8% of the referred child’s annual school fees in GEMS Points. There is no limit on the number of families that you can refer, with points redeemable towards school fees, uniforms, and more
Ready to start referring family and friends?
PE Days
We want to make PE days as easy and stress-free as possible for both you and your child. Here’s what to expect:
- FS1 to Year 4: Children can come to school already dressed in their PE kit on their PE days.
- Year 5 to Year 8: Students will change into their kit at school.
- Activities: If your child has an active Trailblazer or Co-Curricular session that doesn’t fall on their PE day, they’ll simply need to bring their kit to change into.
- Essentials: An SRI cap and water bottle should be brought to every PE lesson.
- Swimming: Swimwear will be needed on designated swim days (shared by the PE department). Swimming will begin in October.
Uniform
We understand that some uniform items may still be with the tailor and might not arrive in time for Monday, 1st September. If that’s the case, please don’t worry, please do your best. Please see below for a full list of uniform.
CALL 800-THREADS
PXP App
Stay connected with the school, anytime, anywhere.
Devices
As education constantly innovates within the world around us, we have a commitment at SRI towards the safe and effective use of technological devices as learning tools.
FS1 – Year 4
iPads will be provided for use in school to students by SRI as needed.
For students in Year 5 and above, we would like to recommend the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 – AI Copilot+ PC for your child.
Specially Discounted Rates
To support families, GEMS has partnered with Jacky’s Retail (Jacky’s Brandshop) to provide access to specially discounted rates on Surface devices for SRI parents. You can explore available models and customise specifications via their dedicated portal: https://www.jackysbrandshop.com/sri
Key benefits of purchasing through Jacky’s Brandshop include:
- All devices come with Windows 11 Pro at no additional cost
- Flexible 0% interest payment plans via major UAE banks
- Buy Now, Pay Later options through TAMARA
- 1-year Microsoft warranty with local after-sales support
- Dedicated support contacts:
Please note:
Devices purchased outside the UAE are not eligible for support through this service.
Jacky’s Brandshop is not affiliated with the Jacky’s stores found in malls, and these offers are only available online via the link above.
+971 56 415 4176 / +971 4 338 8900
School Timings
Below you’ll find a clear overview of our daily schedule, including start and finish times for each year group. Please refer to the table for full details to help you plan drop-off and pick-up times.
