What Raffles World Academy does

Raffles World Academy (RWA) is an independent, co-educational KG-Grade 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) World School founded in 2008 in Dubai, UAE, and operated as part of the Innoventures Education group. The school delivers the full IB continuum — Primary Years Programme (PYP, KG1-Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (MYP, Grades 6-10), Diploma Programme (DP, Grades 11-12), and Career-related Programme (CP, Grades 11-12, paired with the Pearson BTEC National Diploma in Business). RWA enrolls over 1,900 students from 100+ nationalities, supported by 188 staff and a campus in Umm Suqeim 3 featuring a 500-seat auditorium, sports facilities, science and computer labs, art rooms, a dance studio, and a well-resourced library. The school reports a 100% IB Diploma pass rate and an average of 32 IB Diploma points (2023).

Core technology is conventional educational IT rather than AI: a 1:1 iPad programme and BYOD scheme for Grades 2-12, LCD projectors, visualizers, computer labs, and a campus firewall with web filtering. Operational systems include the ISAMS Parent Portal, the Innoventures Education payment portal, the Kalo Hospitality mobile app for cafeteria ordering, and the Arab Falcon student transport portal. Differentiated offerings include over 50 co-curricular activities, a competitive sports programme (DAPSA/DASSA leagues), a Mother Tongue Programme (Russian, French, Italian, Hindi, German), a dedicated Inclusion team covering SEND, Talented and Gifted, and EAL learners, and a sports scholarship programme.

RWA's revenue model is tuition-driven, with KHDA-approved fees ranging from AED 33,544 (Pre-KG) to AED 96,337 (Grades 11-12) per year, billed across three terms. Additional revenue comes from one-time assessment (AED 525) and registration fees (10% of annual fees), contracted transportation (Arab Falcon Bus Rental), and cafeteria services (Kalo Hospitality). Sibling discounts (5–20%), sports scholarships, and a 3% parent referral reward shape net revenue. Go-to-market is sales-led (admissions tours, open houses, online application) and community-led (PARWA Parents Association, referral program), with no external marketing spend signals and reliance on the Innoventures Education network brand.

Name

Raffles World Academy

Legal name

Raffles World Academy

Website

https://rwadubai.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Raffles World Academy is a Dubai-based independent KG-12 IB World School serving 1,900+ expatriate students from 100+ nationalities under the Innoventures Education group, offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP, CP).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Private International Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

International Curriculum Early Learning Academies (e.g., IB Early Years) (EDACADAK)

Keywords

• International baccalaureate education
• K-12 private school
• IB World School
• Holistic education programmes
• University placement services

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Primary revenue stream from academic tuition. Fee structure varies by grade level (Pre-KG through Grade 12), with annual fees ranging from AED 33,544 to AED 96,337. Payment structured across three terms.
2. Registration and Re-registration Fees: New students pay assessment test fee (AED 525) and registration fee (10% of annual fees). Returning students pay re-registration fee (5% of annual fees).
3. Transportation Services: Bus transport provided through contracted partner Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC. Parents pay separately for transportation services along planned bus routes.
4. Food Services: Cafeteria services provided by Kalo Hospitality with mobile app for payments and pre-ordering. Revenue generated from student meal purchases.
5. Uniform Sales: School uniforms purchased from external supplier Zaksstore. School facilitates uniform distribution but revenue goes to vendor.
6. Sibling Discounts: Sibling discount program (5% second child, 10% third, 15% fourth, 20% fifth onwards) affects net tuition revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Raffles World Academy is a private, co-educational IB World School delivering the full International Baccalaureate continuum from Kindergarten through Grade 12: PYP (KG1–Grade 5), MYP (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Programme / Career-Related Programme with Pearson BTEC Business (Grades 11–12). The school sells annual tuition-based education services to expatriate and local families in Dubai, supported by co-curricular activities, sports, inclusion support, and university placement guidance.

Product overview

Raffles World Academy is an independent, co-educational KG to Grade 12 IB World School offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum. The core academic products include the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP, KG1-Grade 5), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP, Grades 6-10), IB Diploma Programme (DP, Grades 11-12), and IB Career-Related Programme (CP, Grades 11-12) combined with Pearson BTEC Business. Supporting the academic programmes are co-curricular activities (50+ options), a comprehensive sports programme, inclusion support services, a Mother Tongue language programme, and technology integration through 1:1 iPad and BYOD schemes. Auxiliary services include school lunch (Kalo Hospitality), transportation (Arab Falcon), health clinic, university placement guidance, and sports scholarships. The school operates under Innoventures Education group management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Curriculum framework for students aged 3-12 (KG1 to Grade 5) focused on inquiry-based learning through six trans-disciplinary themes of global significance. Targeted at primary-school children in the IB continuum.
• IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Five-year curriculum framework for students aged 11-16 (Grades 6-10) that encourages practical connections between studies and the real world, organized through eight subject groups. Targeted at lower-secondary students transitioning to the IB Diploma.
• IB Diploma Programme (DP) Pre-university course for students aged 16-19 (Grades 11-12) requiring study across six subject groups, with external examinations leading to university entrance qualifications. Targeted at upper-secondary students preparing for global university admission.
• IB Career-Related Programme (CP) Combines IB Diploma courses with career-related studies (Pearson BTEC National Diploma in Business) and a CP core including Personal/Professional Skills, Language Development, Reflective Project, and Service Learning. Targeted at upper-secondary students preferring a career-related pathway.
• Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) Over 50 CCA options including academic-oriented activities (maths, science, Arabic) and creative/practical options such as crocheting, badminton, Eco-Club, MUN conferences, and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Targeted at enrolled RWA students seeking holistic development.
• Sports Programme Competitive and recreational sports programme including football, netball, cross country, swimming, athletics, tennis, basketball, cricket, badminton, rounders, table tennis, and tag rugby, with participation in DAPSA and DASSA leagues. Targeted at RWA students.
• University Placements and Career Guidance Comprehensive university guidance and placement services including career counseling, university selection assistance, application support, and job shadowing opportunities with organizations such as Emirates Airlines and advertising agencies. Targeted at Grades 11-12 students preparing for global university admission.
• Inclusion Support Programme Tailored support for Students of Determination including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Talented and Gifted (TAG) students, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. Targeted at enrolled students with diverse learning needs.
• School Transport Service School transportation provided by Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLC with routes covering various areas in Dubai, supporting a student transport portal for managing requests. Targeted at RWA families needing daily transportation.
• School Lunch Service Catering service provided by Kalo Hospitality featuring live cooking stations, fresh smoothies, bakery items, salads, and nutritious lunch options, with mobile app ordering and payments for primary students. Targeted at RWA students and parents.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% IB Diploma pass rate
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dubai CarescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014GIVE initiative partnership with Dubai Cares has successfully sponsored nine schools: four in Nepal, three in Malawi, and two in Senegal. Students and teachers have visited construction sites in Nepal supported by BuildOn.
• Innoventures EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRWA is a proud member of the Innoventures Education family, a significant stakeholder in Dubai's education sector managing 9000+ students across multiple schools and nurseries. The group provides shared resources, brand credibility, and centralized admissions processing.
• Dubai International AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister IB World School within Innoventures Education network. Students and staff interact through shared events, MUN conferences, and sports competitions.
• BuildOnminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican philanthropic organization that has successfully constructed schools in developing world regions for 25 years. Supports GIVE initiative school construction in Nepal.
• Arab Falcon Bus Rental LLCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReputable transportation company contracted to provide safe, reliable bus services for RWA students. Used by multiple schools in Dubai, providing transport along planned routes.
• Kalo HospitalityminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCatering partner with over two decades of experience in UAE, providing healthy and nutritious food services including live cooking stations, fresh smoothies, bakery products, salads, and hot meals.
• ZaksstoreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExternal uniform supplier from which parents purchase school uniforms. School directs parents to supplier website for uniform purchases.
• Parents Association (PARWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive parent volunteer organization established 2006 with 21 dedicated parents on executive committee. Supports school through events, fundraising, resource sponsorship, and community building.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Repton School Dubai: Premium UK-curriculum school in Dubai with strong university placement track record. Comparable in scale, fee tier, and target market (expatriate families seeking international qualifications and global university placement).
• GEMS World Academy Dubai: Large premium K-12 international school in Dubai offering IB programmes across a similarly diverse expatriate student base. Direct competitor for the same expatriate families seeking full-IB education in Dubai.
• American School of Dubai: Not-for-profit US-curriculum K-12 school in Dubai serving a similarly diverse expatriate community. Comparable in scale, fee tier, and target expatriate families seeking internationally recognized US diploma outcomes.
• Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD): Premium international school in Dubai offering IB Diploma alongside other international curricula. Direct competitor at the upper end of the Dubai market with comparable fee structure and expatriate target segment.
• Dubai International Academy (DIA): Sister IB World School within the same Innoventures Education group, offering the full IB continuum in Dubai. Most directly comparable peer — same parent, same brand ecosystem, overlapping admissions market, and shared events.
• Nord Anglia International School Dubai: Premium international school in Dubai offering IB and British pathways at comparable fee levels to RWA. Targets the same expatriate, globally mobile family segment with an internationally portable curriculum.
• Dubai College: Long-established premium British-curriculum secondary school in Dubai with elite university placement record. Competes for the same fee-tolerant expatriate families at the upper-secondary level.
• King's School Dubai: British-curriculum school in Dubai operating at the premium end of the market. Competes with RWA for expatriate families seeking established international school brands and strong university pathways.
• Jumeirah College: Premium UK-curriculum school in Dubai with strong GCSE/A-Level outcomes. Targets the same expatriate, university-bound student segment in Dubai with comparable fee positioning.

Broad incumbents

• GEMS Dubai American Academy: Flagship GEMS premium US/IB school in Dubai operating at similar fee tier with comparable student diversity. Part of the larger GEMS Education network, making it both a direct peer and a representative of a broader incumbent group.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RWADubai
• Facebookfacebook.com/rwadubai
• Instagraminstagram.com/rwa_dubai
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rwadubai

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Raffles World Academy