Dubai International Academy Students Among World’s Top IB Achievers

The May 2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) examination results, part of the globally respected IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), have sparked widespread celebration across the United Arab Emirates. As a rigorous academic framework, the IBDP assesses students across six subject groups, alongside core components such as the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). This year’s exceptional outcomes not only reflect the academic dedication of students but also underscore the strength of the educational support systems within UAE schools.

According to reports released on 5 July, numerous students across the UAE surpassed the global average, thereby reinforcing the region’s growing reputation for academic excellence. Among the most distinguished achievers were Alia Abdelhamid and Melis Yilmaz from Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills (DIA EH), both of whom attained the maximum possible score of 45 points. This rare feat, accomplished by only 0.1% of IB Diploma candidates worldwide, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment and scholarly aptitude.

Both students credited their success to the nurturing academic environment at DIA EH. While Alia highlighted the consistent support of her teachers, Melis described her educational journey as transformative, emphasising the school’s focus on critical thinking and global awareness as instrumental in shaping her aspirations. Moreover, the broader performance of Innoventures Education schools, including DIA Emirates Hills, DIA Al Barsha, and Raffles World Academy, was equally commendable. These institutions collectively achieved a 100% IB pass rate. Notably, two students secured perfect scores, four earned 44 points, and nearly a quarter of the cohort scored 40 or above. These accomplishments were attributed to a combination of student perseverance and robust institutional guidance. Graduates from these schools have also received offers from prestigious global universities such as Cambridge, Stanford, Cornell, Imperial College London, UC Berkeley, and NYU.

At DIA Al Barsha, top scorer Kanishka Kesharwani achieved 44 points. Reflecting on her experience, she described the journey as “surreal,” recalling the emotional highs and lows of the IB programme and the invaluable support she received from her school, family, and peers. In parallel, GEMS Education, founded in 1959 and now one of the world’s largest private education providers, continues to demonstrate its academic leadership. Currently educating over 200,000 students from 176 nationalities and boasting nearly 500,000 alumni, GEMS offers a diverse range of curricula tailored to varied learner needs. Its IB-offering schools include GEMS World Academy – Dubai, GEMS International School Al Khail, GEMS Wellington International School, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, GEMS Dubai American Academy, GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi, and GEMS Modern Academy.

Leadership at GEMS remains within the founding family, with Sunny Varkey as founder and his sons Dino and Jay Varkey in key leadership roles. Over the years, GEMS students have consistently secured placements at top-tier institutions, including all Ivy League universities in the United States and all 24 Russell Group universities in the United Kingdom. Many alumni have gone on to occupy senior leadership roles globally.

In the May 2025 IB examinations, GEMS Education reported outstanding results. Among 645 candidates across its seven IB schools, three students achieved a perfect score of 45, while the group recorded an average score of 34 and a 95% pass rate, both figures exceeding the 2024 global averages of 30 and 80%, respectively. Commenting on these achievements, Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, praised the students’ ambition, perseverance, and the unwavering support of educators. She emphasised that the results not only reflect the strength of the IB curriculum but also affirm the core values and academic ethos of a GEMS education. The May 2025 IB results have reaffirmed the UAE’s position as a hub of academic excellence, driven by student determination and visionary educational leadership.

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