Families in Dubai will get rare, face-to-face access to U.S. boarding school admissions leaders when the American Boarding School Fair 2025 arrives at Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park on Sunday, 9 November, with visiting hours from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM — according to information compiled by Few.ae editor. The boutique format is designed for meaningful conversations, giving students and parents direct insight into academics, dorm life, college counseling, athletics, arts, and financial aid at leading American independent schools.
What the fair offers this year
Organized by Sesameed Education, the Dubai stop gathers a focused roster of U.S. boarding schools and a concise program that helps families evaluate fit. Expect admissions officers at each table, short expert talks, and mini-clinics that unpack application timelines, interview preparation, recommendation letters, standardized testing policies, and how to compare curricula such as AP and IB. Capacity is intentionally limited to preserve one-to-one time, so families can ask specific questions and get clear guidance in a calm setting.
Participating schools to watch
This year’s materials highlight a spectrum of renowned institutions that frequently place graduates into top U.S. universities. The mix covers schools known for STEM research labs, entrepreneurship incubators, visual and performing arts centers, leadership and character programs, and nationally recognized athletics. Final exhibitor lists can shift as schedules firm up, so parents should plan a flexible circuit across tables and use the mini-talks to fill knowledge gaps between conversations.
Venue overview and technical details
Set in Al Barsha South, Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park is a modern events hotel built around flexible meeting suites and a ballroom configuration ideal for compact fairs, conferences, and workshops. The property features strong Wi-Fi for digital sign-ups, hotel-grade audiovisual support for presentations, and generous circulation areas that make it easy for families to move between exhibitor tables. On-site cafés and lobby seating provide comfortable spots to regroup, compare notes, and plan second-round questions.
Date, time, and fair-day flow
The Dubai session runs on Sunday, 9 November, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete sign-in and scan the floor plan. Start with your highest-priority schools, then loop back for secondary interests and the scheduled mini-talks. Keep running notes on program strengths, graduation outcomes, AP and IB depth, signature capstones, and any merit or need-based aid guidance you receive at each table.
Getting there and transport tips
The nearest major Metro connection is Mall of the Emirates on the Red Line; from there, a short taxi hop is usually quickest. RTA bus services run through Dubai Science Park and surrounding districts, and ride-hail pick-up points are abundant along the perimeter roads. If you are driving, allow extra time for weekend traffic around Hessa Street and Al Khail Road, and budget a few minutes for parking and lobby sign-in.
Weather outlook and what to wear
Early November afternoons in Dubai are warm and dry, with highs typically in the low 30s Celsius easing into comfortable evening temperatures by 6:00 PM. Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes work best for circulating between tables and attending talks. A compact water bottle, if permitted, and a notepad or tablet will make it easier to compare programs afterward.
Who should attend and how to prepare
The fair is ideal for students in Grades 7–11 exploring a boarding pathway, and for parents seeking clarity on timelines, campus culture, and financial planning. To maximize the two-hour window, shortlist schools in advance, draft targeted questions, and bring a simple activities résumé or portfolio highlights. Ask about academic support, advisor systems, course placement, athletics commitments, arts rehearsals, dorm life structure, weekend programming, and policies for international families.
After the fair: practical next steps
Follow up within a week while conversations are fresh. Request digital viewbooks, confirm virtual tour dates, and ask about interview windows and campus visit options during winter or spring breaks. If a school emphasized distinctive offerings — robotics labs, marine science, entrepreneurship, or performing arts — request sample syllabi or capstone project summaries to compare depth and alignment with the student’s interests.
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