What ages does the Rashid Centre take?

The admissions policy (dated January 2018) takes school students aged 4-18, with an extra year possible if the Community Development Authority agrees; the current referral form lists 3-18, so confirm with the centre. The Early Childhood Therapy Program runs from birth to five, and vocational workshops are for young people aged 18 and above.

How do I apply for a school place?

Fill in the school placement referral form on the website (parents can refer directly). A multidisciplinary team then assesses your child before any place is offered; the admissions policy gives priority to Emirati families.

Can my child have therapy without attending the school?

Yes - the out-of-hours outpatient service offers occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy (Arabic or English) and early years support for ages 0-4.5. Fees apply; ask the provider for amounts.

Is teaching in Arabic or English?

Both - the school runs separate Arabic and English classes, and senior students learn basic communication in the other language.

How much does it cost?

Fees are not published on the website - ask the provider on +971 4 340 0005 or info@rashidc.ae.

Al Barsha 1, behind Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.

Rashid Centre For People of Determination

Special NeedsCreative & Play Therapy

New to Waha

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Al Barsha

AgesAll ages
WhereAl BarshaOpen in Maps
Not publishedAskPrices and times

Rashid Centre for People of Determination is a non-profit, humanitarian organisation in Al Barsha 1, behind Mall of the Emirates, providing education and therapy for children with special needs. Its school has Early Years, Middle School and Senior School sections, with Arabic and English streams, and the admissions policy describes small classes of 6-10 pupils depending on students' needs. Therapy on site covers occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, behaviour support and assistive technology. For younger children there is an Early Childhood Therapy Program from birth to five, and out-of-hours outpatient therapy (fees apply) for children who are not enrolled. For young people aged 18 and above, vocational workshops teach work skills: textiles and bakery for young women, and carpentry, gardening, IT and printing for young men. Places are offered after a referral and a multidisciplinary assessment, not by open sign-up.

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The activity

Special Needs Centres, explained

A special needs school and therapy centre supports children whose disability would make a mainstream classroom difficult. Instead of one-off activity classes, children learn in small groups with teachers and a team of therapists - typically occupational therapy for movement, sensory and daily-living skills, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy for communication, and behaviour support. Each child usually starts with an assessment and then follows a plan built around their own needs, with progress reviewed alongside parents. Support can begin in early childhood through early intervention programmes and continue through the school years, sometimes with vocational training for young adults.

Who it's for

Children and young people with a disability that would make a mainstream setting difficult, including physical, cognitive, sensory-processing and other complex needs. The centre's admissions policy (dated January 2018) takes school students aged 4-18, while the current online school referral form lists 3-18 - check the current age range with the centre. The Early Childhood Therapy Program is for children from birth to five with, or at risk of, developmental delay; vocational workshops are for young people aged 18 and above. The admissions policy gives priority for school places to Emirati families.

What to expect

It starts with a referral - parents can refer directly using the school placement or outpatient referral forms on the website. A team of occupational therapist, speech therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist and teacher then assesses your child, and a place is offered only when the centre is sure it can meet their needs, balanced against vacancies and each year group. Early Years children can start part time and build up. Swimming is timetabled for some classes, so pack a swimsuit and swimming hat, plus a PE outfit. School fees are not published - ask the provider.

Highlights

Non-profit education and therapy centre for children with special needs (rashidc.ae)
Early Years, Middle School and Senior School sections with Arabic and English streams (rashidc.ae)
On-site occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, behaviour support and assistive technology (rashidc.ae)
Early Childhood Therapy Program from birth to five, plus out-of-hours outpatient therapy (rashidc.ae)
Vocational workshops for young people aged 18 and above: textiles and bakery for young women; carpentry, gardening, IT and printing for young men (rashidc.ae)

The facts

Ages: 4-18 school (admissions policy dated January 2018; referral form lists 3-18); birth to 5 Early Childhood Therapy Program; 18 and above vocational workshops (rashidc.ae)
Prices: Not published; fees apply for out-of-hours outpatient therapy (rashidc.ae)
Languages: Arabic, English
Where: Al Barsha 1, behind Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
How to book: rashidc.ae/en/admissions · +971 4 340 0005 · [email protected]
Opening hours: Mon–Thu8am–5pm
Fri7:30am–12:15pm
Sat–SunClosed

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Admission is by referral and assessment; the admissions policy gives priority to Emirati families (rashidc.ae)
Out-of-hours outpatient therapy is fee-paying; amounts are not published (rashidc.ae)
Senior School students may join work experience in hospitality, retail and office settings from age 16, where appropriate (rashidc.ae)
Students in classes with swimming need a swimsuit and swimming hat; a medical letter is needed to opt out (rashidc.ae)
Wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance (Google listing)