Latifa School for Girls was established in 1982 by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, former Ruler of Dubai, under the aegis of the Government of Dubai. From its inception, a key goal of the school has been to incorporate the best of British educational practice within a curriculum that promotes UAE values and traditions, alongside global awareness. To this end a British curriculum, modified to suit the cultural context and individual needs of students, is blended with Arabic and Islamic Studies, in line with UAE Ministry curriculum. Students sit GCSE, AS and A level examinations, as well as Ministry-accepted Arabic and Islamic studies examinations. All students leave Latifa School bilingual. The Headmistress and most of the staff are British, with an Arabic and Islamic Studies Department staffed by well-qualified Arab nationals.