• Local Schools: Primarily for UAE citizens, these schools are typically gender-segregated and follow an Arabic curriculum with English as a second language.
• International Schools: Catering to locals and expatriates, these private institutions offer various global curricula, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB), making them ideal for international families.

Abu Dhabi’s international schools offer over 17 curricula including British, American, and IB programs, providing flexibility for families to choose programs that suit their children’s needs. This allows families to select an education system aligned with their home country’s or globally recognized standards.

ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) is the regulatory authority for Abu Dhabi’s private education sector. An ADEK rating is an evaluation given to schools according to ADEK criteria. ADEK reports are available publicly and provide a detailed breakdown of each school’s performance. 

Parents often like to use the ADEK insights in addition to accreditation systems that are aligned with the curriculum they have chosen and/or standards set by the Department for Education in their home country. For example, British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections are:

• Designed for schools outside the UK that follow the British curriculum.
• Assesses how closely schools adhere to standards set by the UK Department for Education (DfE).

Other accreditation systems include:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Authorization
• French Ministry of Education or AEFE Accreditation

Diversity varies among schools:

• Some schools cater predominantly to students from specific regions, such as the UK or the US.
• Others boast highly international communities, with students representing over 100 nationalities, providing a rich multicultural environment.

English is the main language in most international schools. Additionally:

• Arabic is mandatory, taught as either “native Arabic” or “non-native Arabic.”
• Many schools also offer other languages like French, Spanish, or bilingual programs.

Admission policies differ by school:

• Some schools have selective entry criteria, while others are inclusive.
• Application timelines vary. Some schools accept applications year-round, while others have specific intake periods.

Most schools provide extensive extracurricular opportunities, including sports, arts, and cultural clubs, helping students explore their interests beyond academics. Some schools include extracurricular programs in their tuition fees, whereas others employ external specialists who charge their rates in addition to tuition fees.

Schools in Abu Dhabi have inclusion departments to assist diverse learners. Some schools specialize in particular learning support areas, offering tailored resources for students with specific needs.

• Smaller Schools: Offer close-knit communities with personalized attention.
• Larger Schools: Provide extensive academic, extracurricular, and competitive opportunities.

Facilities range widely from:

• Expansive campuses with specialized sports and arts facilities.
• To compact campuses within urban areas, offering accessible and efficient setups.

Tuition fees vary:

• Premium Schools (AED 60,000 – AED 100,000+): Top-tier facilities, diverse faculty, and prime locations.
• Mid-Tier Schools (AED 40,000 – AED 60,000): Balanced education with quality facilities and programs.
• Value Schools (AED 20,000 – AED 40,000): Core academics with limited facilities, offering affordable options.

Additional costs may include uniforms, books, and extracurricular fees.

International schools are spread across Abu Dubai, so proximity to your home can significantly affect commute times. Popular residential areas for expatriate families include Al Raha, Khalifa City, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Reem Island.

Many schools deliver bus services across the city, but proximity to home can significantly impact travel times. External bus providers must adhere to strict Transportation Policy rules outlined and regularly updated by ADEK.

The academic year in most international schools runs from August to July, and students can join at any time during the year, making it convenient for relocating families.

An exception to this is the academic year for CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) schools in Dubai which follow the Indian academic calendar running from April to March.

• Age Requirements:
  • Pre-K/FS1: 4 years old by August 31.
  • KG1/FS2: 5 years old by August 31.
  • KG2/Year 1: 6 years old by August 31.
  • Grade 1/Year 2: 7 years old by August 31, continuing in one-year increments.
• Transfers: ADEK recommends placement by age but allows flexibility when switching curricula.

• Document Attestation 

The transfer certificate from a child’s current school needs to be on the school’s letterhead, stamped and signed by the Principal, and must not be dated more than three months before the date of entry to the new school. The certificate needs to be attested by the Ministry of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country where it was issued. Attestations are not required if the applicant is coming from a school in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia or New Zealand. 

NOTE: Without this certificate, a school cannot register a student with the Ministry of Education and your child will not be able to attend school in the country. 

• Documentation Required

Required documentation for placement and enrollment typically includes a birth certificate or Emirates ID for age verification, parent’s passports and visas, medical reports, SEN reports, school records from previous schools, and a transfer certificate.