International Schools in Abu Dhabi

Expat families looking for a high-quality education will find a wealth of excellent options among the international schools in Abu Dhabi. These schools offer a wide variety of respected curricula and qualifications, such as the English National Curriculum (including Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels), the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate. Cultural diversity is emphasised throughout the emirate's international school system, and most are attended by a wide array of nationalities.

International schools in Abu Dhabi are held up to a high standard by the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education (ADEK). This government organisation conducts stringent investigations once every two years. Schools are then given a rating. Comprehensive reports are freely available, allowing parents in Abu Dhabi to select the very best international school for their family.

Admission to international schools

One commonality shared across the board is seat shortages; Indian schools, in particular, have trouble accommodating the growing number of interested students in Abu Dhabi. Primary schools are also notorious for denying students due to unavailability. Even waiting lists can be long, and though efforts have been made to open new international schools in Abu Dhabi in recent years, space is still limited. 

Finding a school can easily be the highest hurdle new arrivals must overcome and, in turn, should be an issue addressed from the very beginning.

Expats should not be afraid to ask their employer to help them secure a seat for their child, especially if they’ve been lured abroad into a senior position. We recommend expats start the enrolment process as early as possible – applications and admission requirements are usually posted on school websites.

Those who cannot place their child into the school of their choice immediately should be patient, as the turnover of students is high and places become available throughout the year.

School fees

As is the case the world over, international school fees in Abu Dhabi are often extremely high.

On top of the cost of tuition, most schools in Abu Dhabi have full uniforms, and many have a school bus transport system. Along with textbooks and other equipment, expats should remember to factor in these extra costs.

It's important to check whether a relocation package includes a school allowance; unfortunately, the days when this was a given are long gone. Also, most allowances won't be enough to cover a top school's tuition in full – so expats should make sure their salary is enough to cover the extra costs. We recommend expats negotiate for a better school allowance in such cases, especially if considering a senior position.

Below is a list of some of the most well-regarded international schools in Abu Dhabi.

International schools in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi International School

The Abu Dhabi International School offers British and American education for Kindergarten through to Grade 12 students. Class sizes are limited to just 23 students who receive individual attention from teachers. The school is attended by more than 70 different nationalities. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American, International Baccalaureate and British (Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 3 to 18

Abu Dhabi Grammar School Canada

Aldar Academies, Bateen World Academy

Bateen World Academy provides high-quality education for students from the ages of 4 to 18. Facilities in the school are world-class and technologically advanced, reflecting the needs of 21st-century students. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18

Aldar Academies, Mamoura British Academy

Mamoura British Academy is a mixed primary and girls-only secondary school located near the Sea Palace off the East Ring Road. The school endeavours to enable pupils to reach their full potential and develop them into motivated, ambitious and confident lifelong learners. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 3 to 18

Aldar Academies, Al Yasmina Academy

Al Yasmina Academy, part of the Aldar Academies community, is one of the organisation's longest-established schools, having opened in September 2008. Children at this school are given a high-quality British education. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels)
Ages: 3 to 18

American Community School of Abu Dhabi

Founded in 1972, this not-for-profit institution has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest schools in Abu Dhabi. The school teaches the highly regarded American curriculum. There are over 1,000 students in the school, hailing from close to 60 different countries. Read more

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 4 to 18