Approximately 2-5 km from the campus, Arjan and Dubai Science Park are close-range neighbourhoods near GEMS Al Barsha National School. Both offer mainly apartment-oriented housing, giving families nearby options if a villa is not a priority. Before committing to a property, check its route to the school’s exact entrance and test the drive during drop-off and collection hours.
Key Takeaways
- School location. The school campus is in Al Barsha South 2, according to the KHDA school directory.
- Close apartment options. Arjan and Dubai Science Park are approximately 2-5 km from the school and offer predominantly apartment-oriented housing.
- Mixed housing choices. Jumeirah Village Circle and Motor City are approximately 5-8 km from the school and offer apartments, townhouses and villas.
- Sustainability-focused housing. The Sustainable City is approximately 5-8 km south of the school and offers townhouses and villas.
- Longest estimated distance. Dubai Hills Estate is approximately 6-10 km northeast of the campus, the longest estimated distance range among the seven areas.
- Distance limitations. The article’s distances are approximate planning estimates, not measured routes or commute guarantees, so each property’s drive should be tested during school drop-off and collection hours.
The neighbourhoods near GEMS Al Barsha National School offer different trade-offs between school-run distance and housing choice. Distances below come from the supplied research brief and remain provisional planning estimates, not validated routes or commute guarantees; check each property against the school’s exact entrance and test the drive during drop-off and collection hours.
GEMS’ supplied fee schedule lists annual tuition of AED 45,428-67,060. The applicable academic year has not been verified; consult the school’s official tuition-fee page and confirm current fees and additional charges before budgeting.
Top 7 Neighborhoods Near GEMS Al Barsha National School
1. Al Barsha South 2

GEMS Al Barsha National School sits in Al Barsha South 2, according to the KHDA school directory, so this is the first area to check if reducing daily driving is your priority. The wider Al Barsha South district offers:
- Apartments
- Townhouses
- Villas
- Newer low-rise developments
Choose by exact address rather than district name: a home in Al Barsha South does not automatically mean a walkable school run.
2. Arjan

Apartment-oriented families can start their search in Arjan, approximately 2-5 km southwest of the school. This community is predominantly apartment-led, with newer buildings and some larger units rather than the villa-heavy character of other options.
3. Dubai Science Park

Approximately 2-5 km south or southeast of the campus, Dubai Science Park offers another close-range option for families who prefer newer housing. Its residential mix includes:
- Apartments
- Serviced-style residences
- Some larger family units
It is not a primarily townhouse or villa setting. Proximity to schools and medical facilities distinguishes its appeal, although families should assess the specific building and school route before committing.
4. Jumeirah Village Circle

Housing choice is Jumeirah Village Circle’s main reason to make the shortlist. Families can compare:
- Apartments
- Townhouses
- Villas
Approximately 5-8 km east of the school, JVC suits households seeking a broad rental selection alongside these amenities:
- Supermarkets
- Nurseries
- Restaurants
- Local services
Allow for peak-period traffic rather than treating the estimated distance as evidence of a short commute.
5. Motor City

For families prioritising larger homes and an established residential setting, Motor City sits approximately 5-8 km southwest of the school. Its housing mix includes:
- Apartments
- Townhouses
- Villas
This allows households to compare different property types without changing their area shortlist. Open spaces and established amenities distinguish its community character, but the additional distance warrants a school-hour driving test.
6. The Sustainable City

The Sustainable City suits households that place sustainability and community design ahead of an apartment-focused location. Approximately 5-8 km south of the school, it offers townhouses and villas, so it is relevant for families seeking larger homes. Its sustainability-oriented community character is the distinguishing factor here; assess that preference alongside the daily school route rather than assuming proximity alone resolves the decision.
7. Dubai Hills Estate

Approximately 6-10 km northeast of the campus, Dubai Hills Estate has the longest estimated distance range among these seven options. Housing options include:
- Apartments
- Townhouses
- Villas
These make it relevant to higher-budget families seeking newer master-planned housing. That master-planned setting distinguishes the choice, but households should weigh their preferred home against greater exposure to peak-period school-run traffic.
Your Property Shortlist
Use this practical checklist to narrow your search:
- Set a housing budget that also accounts for tuition and additional school charges.
- Confirm bedrooms, parking, maintenance responsibilities and move-in availability.
- Compare specific addresses, not just community names.
- Validate provisional distances against the exact school entrance.
Choose two or three properties that meet your household’s requirements, then arrange viewings and school-hour route checks.
Contact StatGlobal’s relocation or brokerage service to compare specific properties, budgets and school routes before making your final choice.
Amira Al-Mazrouei's Take
School-run reliability is what I would watch next when comparing Arjan and Dubai Science Park, not their similar estimated distance from campus. I would document how each shortlisted address fits both drop-off and collection around the family’s working day; a shorter route offers limited value if its timing makes everyday arrangements harder.




