Principal's Message

Hitesh Bhagat

The IB curriculum stands out as the most comprehensive and future-focused education system, preparing students not only for academic excellence but also for real-world success. Its breadth and flexibility allow students to develop a deep understanding across multiple disciplines while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and independence. The criterion-based assessment model ensures that students are evaluated on their skills, knowledge application, and analytical abilities rather than rote memorization, making IB graduates highly adaptable and prepared for higher education and beyond.

A key strength of the IB is its holistic approach to student development. It recognizes that learning extends far beyond the classroom and actively promotes interdisciplinary connections, leadership, and service. Through programmes such as CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), students engage in meaningful experiences that build resilience, collaboration, and a sense of global responsibility. This ensures that graduates are not just academically proficient but also socially aware, emotionally intelligent, and globally minded.

An appreciative parent praising DIA-EH

At Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, we see these benefits first-hand. The IB’s emphasis on Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills provides students with strong foundations in research, communication, and self-management, allowing them to develop independence and confidence in their abilities. With structured support, including writing coaches for university applications, targeted intervention lessons, and high-achiever programmes, students are guided to reach their full potential. As a result, our graduates consistently secure placements at top universities worldwide, including Ivy League and Oxbridge institutions.

The IB’s commitment to global perspectives is another key factor in its success. Students are encouraged to engage with international issues, collaborative projects, and experiential learning. Schools like ours provide opportunities for participation in Model United Nations, global competitions such as Olympiads, and international trips that allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The IB fosters an environment where students think critically, develop leadership skills, and embrace diverse viewpoints, all of which are essential in today’s interconnected world.

Another defining feature of the IB is the way it nurtures individual passions alongside academic rigor. Whether through sports, entrepreneurship, or specialized academic competitions, students are encouraged to pursue their interests beyond the curriculum. The balance between academic challenge and personal growth ensures that IB students are not just prepared for exams, but for life.

The IB advantage is clear—it produces well-rounded, resilient, and highly capable individuals who are equipped to thrive in the world’s best universities and beyond. At Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, we are proud to be part of this global network, empowering students to achieve their personal and academic best in an environment that values excellence, innovation, and international-mindedness.

Principal's Bio

Hitesh is a dedicated and innovative professional with over 20 years of rich experience in School Leadership, Administration, Teaching & Training and Student Management. He joined Dubai International Academy in 2007 as a Technology teacher and has progressed through the ranks of school leadership at DIA to be the school Principal. He is an advocate of the IB philosophy and an expert in all four programmes, having led the authorisation process multiple times across the Innoventures schools. He strives to foster an environment where students take ownership of their own learning through student choice and opportunity.

He leads the school’s Academic Committee to develop and action the school’s strategic plan which have led significant school improvements in the areas of student progress, assessment, teaching for effective learning and curriculum adaptation within the annual Dubai Inspection Framework (KHDA). Hitesh is involved in developing a whole school evidence-based programme focused around wellbeing and the improvement of positive behaviour strategies. He leads the systematic review of the cumulative impact of initiatives on teacher workload and make proportionate and pragmatic demands on staff which has improved staff retention. Working on budgetary planning, student enrolment, the admissions process and succession planning for efficient deployment of resources, leading to the school running at full student capacity is a part of his profile. He directs the quality assurance for teaching and learning including performance management systems, staff observations, appraisal, and data triangulation to ensure the highest standards of Teaching & Learning are adhered, which is reflected in the DSIB “Outstanding” rating in teaching and assessment.

He accomplishes this through facilitating the running of over 50 student led clubs, local and international trips, competitions, sports teams, student council and prefects ensured a more personalised experience for our students. A graduate in Computer Science Engineering, he also has a Master’s in Philosophy for Computer Management. He can be often found on the Cricket field coaching the school Teams and has an excellent record of his teams winning the DASSA championships in Dubai. Hitesh also heads the Group Educational Technology team that helps to maximize the use of technology systems into teaching and learning.