This year’s International Baccalaureate (IB) results have arrived — and UAE students have reason to celebrate. Despite one of the most difficult academic years in recent memory, several students across the country scored above 40 points, with some achieving the maximum 45. What makes these results even more remarkable is the journey behind them. Final exams were cancelled this year due to regional tensions, and students were graded through an alternative system called the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM). Yet the scores speak for themselves. Here is what three of the UAE’s top IB performers had to say.
Nour Bilal Al Husseini — Dubai International Academy, Al Barsha
Nour Bilal Al Husseini, a Lebanese expatriate who joined Dubai International Academy (DIA) Al Barsha in Grade 7, described her IB Diploma experience as intense but deeply rewarding. She often worked until 2am during the Internal Assessment period, pushing herself through long nights to meet deadlines. Her teachers were patient every time she went back for feedback, and her family gave her a stable and positive environment at home. When exams were cancelled, she called it a bittersweet moment. She was disappointed because she had worked so hard — but in the end she said her hard work paid off. Outside academics, Nour has been learning Mandarin for ten years, contributed to her school’s design team, and published a mindfulness colouring book called From Dragons to Dunes. She plans to study Mechanical Engineering at the American University of Beirut before moving on to a master’s in Biomedical Engineering. If you are a student or parent planning for university education in Dubai, take a look at the list of Universities In Dubai to explore your options in the city.
Kane Simpson — Perfect 45 at DIA Emirates Hills
Australian expatriate Kane Simpson achieved a perfect score of 45 at Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills — a result he described as absolutely unbelievable. He knew the IB programme would be challenging from the start, so he spread his effort evenly across all subjects rather than focusing too heavily on any one area. Despite that careful approach, he hit a wall during Year 12 and began to burn out. His grades started dropping, which forced him to rethink his study methods. By Year 13, after adjusting his approach, his scores climbed back up. When the results came in, Kane said he almost yelled in shock. He went straight to thank his teachers, saying he could not have done it without them. He has been at the school since KG1 and says the IB Diploma changed how he thinks about academics entirely. Kane plans to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at University College London. For families settling into the UAE and looking for the right school environment, the guide to Schools In Abu Dhabi is a great place to start your search.
Anusha Talwalkar — 42 Points at Ambassador International Academy
Anusha Talwalkar scored 42 points at Ambassador International Academy after making a challenging transition from the CBSE curriculum to the IB framework in Grade 8. She admitted the biggest hurdle was simply not knowing the IB system at the start. The Diploma Programme was a huge leap from the Middle Years Programme, and the workload was constant. On a typical school day she studied for five more hours after returning home, and pulled several all-nighters during the year. When exams were cancelled, she felt extremely disappointed, because she had been working non-stop and really wanted all her preparation to count for something. She added that despite the cancellation, she believes her result is a direct outcome of everything she put in over two years. Outside school, Anusha also designed two covers for internationally published books. She received university offers from five UK institutions and has chosen the University of Leeds, where she will study Project Design. If you are planning a visit to Dubai to explore university campuses or school open days, check out the best Places to Visit in Dubai to make the most of your time in the city.
Exams Cancelled — But Results Still Reflect Hard Work
All three students sat for the IB Diploma under the shadow of exam cancellations across the GCC. The International Baccalaureate Organisation introduced the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM) after final written examinations could not go ahead due to regional tensions earlier this year. Under the NECM, students were graded based on predicted scores, coursework, Internal Assessments, and other academic evidence submitted to the IB. Many students across the UAE and the wider Gulf region expressed mixed emotions — relief at not having to sit exams after months of preparation, but also disappointment at not being able to prove themselves in the traditional format. School communities, teachers, and families played a crucial role in keeping students motivated during such an uncertain period. The results this year, with many UAE students performing above the global average, show that the work done inside and outside the classroom made a real difference. If you are based in Ras Al Khaimah and need to manage finances for school fees, university deposits, or travel costs, take a look at the full list of Banks In Ras Al Khaimah to find the right banking option for your needs.
These students are proof that resilience, consistency, and a strong support system can overcome even the most unpredictable circumstances. For more education news and helpful guides about life in the UAE, visit Ever List.
