The Centre, operated by the Aga Khan Education Services, provides nursery and preschool education based on international standards of excellence. Its evidence-based, participatory curriculum demonstrates international best practices and is aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stages curriculum framework (EYFS-UK). The Centre's secular, bilingual (English/Arabic) curriculum caters to young children aged 12 months to four years. It is offered to members of all communities, reflecting AKDN’s strong belief in the positive value of pluralism and diversity.

AKELC was awarded a five-star exemplary rating in six critical areas of programme quality, including staff-child interaction, partnerships with parents and the community, learning facilities and health and safety policies. It has also been awarded the Schools Compared 2019-2020 Best Nursery in the UAE, 2018 UK’s NDNA International Nursery of the Year Award and Edarabia’s 2017 Parents' Choice Award.

The AKELC Dubai is part of AKDN's global portfolio of early childhood development initiatives across Africa, South and Central Asia, dating as far back as the early 1900s. It is situated within the Ismaili Centre Dubai. The site of the Ismaili Centre Dubai was a gift of the Ruling Family of Dubai, presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to His Highness the Aga Khan on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of his accession to the Imamat in 1982.