Abu Dhabi International School - MBZ vs Al Nahda National Schools

	A Abu Dhabi International School - MBZ Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	A Al Nahda National Schools Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 26,275 - 51,850	Fees / year AED 17,730 - 33,020
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Boys School, Girls School
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP)	Curriculum British Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,500	Pupils 5,800
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened 1983
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Al Nahda National Schools are located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The schools operate two campuses: the Girls' School and the Boys' School. The mailing address is P.O. Box 815, Abu Dhabi. The schools are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education (ADEK) and the UAE Ministry of Education.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Two campuses serve different year groups. Girls in Kindergarten to Grade 3 attend the Girls' School; girls in Grades 4-12 also attend the Girls' School. Boys in Grades 4-12 attend the Boys' School.
School type	School type —	School type ANNS is a private, fee-paying day school with two single-sex campuses (the Girls' School and the Boys' School). There are no boarding facilities listed.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support The school provides support for students with learning difficulties. It also offers programs for gifted and talented students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation listed. The school operates in the UAE and offers American and British curricula.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is listed.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The administration offices operate Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 15:00 and Friday from 8:00 to 12:00. The site does not publish fixed start and end times for the school day.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details ANNS offers a school transportation service. Sign up for transport is completed through the re-registration process. If pickup details change, guardians must update them; only listed guardians may collect a child. A bus supervisor oversees pickups and drop-offs.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application and registration fees - A non‑refundable registration/seat‑reservation fee is charged on offer acceptance; the school applies a registration/re‑registration charge equal to 5% of the annual tuition fee (adjustable and then deducted against the tuition invoice). Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts in AED) - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): AED 17,730 (this total comprises Tuition AED 15,650 plus Books AED 2,080). - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): AED 17,730. - Grade 1 (age 6): AED 21,910. - Grade 2 (age 7): AED 21,910. - Grade 3 (age 8): AED 22,000. - Grade 4 (age 9): AED 23,030. - Grade 5 (age 10): AED 23,030. - Grade 6 (age 11): AED 23,030. - Grade 7 (age 12): AED 25,180. - Grade 8 (age 13): AED 25,180. - Grade 9 (age 14): AED 30,060. - Grade 10 (age 15): AED 33,020. - Grade 11 (age 16): AED 33,020. - Grade 12 (age 17): AED 33,020. Per‑term breakdown (three instalments) - The school issues tuition invoices in three termly instalments. The per‑term amounts below are shown as equal, termly instalments (annual fee divided by three) for reference. See the annual amounts above for full‑year totals. - Kindergarten 2 / Kindergarten 3: AED 5,910 per term. - Grade 1 / Grade 2: AED 7,303 per term. - Grade 3: AED 7,333 per term. - Grade 4 / Grade 5 / Grade 6: AED 7,677 per term. - Grade 7 / Grade 8: AED 8,393 per term. - Grade 9: AED 10,020 per term. - Grade 10 / Grade 11 / Grade 12: AED 11,007 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed on a term basis and payments are expected according to the school's term calendar (three instalments across the academic year). Term invoices are issued at the start of each term and parents must settle the invoices or provide the required post‑dated cheques / payment arrangements by the stated due dates. - The registration/re‑registration charge (5% of annual tuition) is payable on offer acceptance and is adjusted against the tuition invoice for the year. - Outstanding fees from a previous year must be settled before re‑registration will be accepted. Boarding fees - Al Nahda National Schools operate as day schools. There is no boarding or hostel provision; all students are day pupils. Other costs and typical additional charges - School transport: typical annual charge AED 4,500 (transport availability and final route fees are confirmed at registration). - Books and learning resources: typical range AED 910 to AED 2,080 per year depending on grade; for early years the prospectus itemises a separate books charge (see K2 breakdown above). Digital learning resources are included within tuition and are processed as part of re‑registration. - Uniform: a typical uniform charge is shown around AED 250 (varies by campus/grade and by required items). - Examination / external assessment fees and optional activity charges: these are charged separately where applicable (year‑group and subject dependent). Refund information - The registration/re‑registration charge is treated as non‑refundable and is adjusted against tuition when the place is accepted. Security deposits (where required by other institutions) are normally refundable on leaving after due adjustments; standard ADEK‑aligned refund practices apply to deposits and fee refunds. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include bank transfer, cheque and cash; the school also provides online payment capability for registration and invoices via the parent portal. Payment by card or instalment facilities may be available through the school's payment channels or approved third‑party providers — confirm with the school finance office when arranging payment. Notes - Fees differ by campus and by curriculum offered (American vs British routes); annual fee levels above are those published for the current academic year and are shown by year group.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education (ADEK) and the UAE Ministry of Education. It operates two campuses, the Girls' School and the Boys' School, and was established in 1983 as a private English‑medium school offering American and British programs. It holds accreditation from NEASC, CIS, ECIS, Cambridge International Examinations, Pearson Edexcel, and SAT. The Board's officers include Saeed Al Junaibi (General Manager and Director General), Amal Saeed Abdulla Al Junaibi (Information Technology Consultant), Basma Saeed Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi (Deputy General), Adnan Issa Abbas (Educational Consultant and Director General Assistant); the school's Principals are Salma Sidqi Eid (Girls School) and Ahlam Abou Radi (Boys School).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details Al Nahda National Schools (ANNS) offer two international curricula on its Abu Dhabi campuses: the British Program aligned with the Cambridge International Curriculum and the American Program aligned with US standards. The curriculum encompasses Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Information Technology, Islamic Studies, Physical Education, Music, Drama and Art, with English as the language of instruction. The Girls School site states kindergarten through grade 12, with the Primary division KG–Grade 6 and the Secondary division Grades 7–12, and notes that boys transfer to the Boys' campus after Grade 3. In the British Program, Cambridge IGCSE examinations are taken in Grades 9–10 with Arabic and Islamic Studies mandatory; students may choose from English (First/Second Language), English Literature, IT, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Accounting, Business Studies, French, Urdu and Art & Design. Under the American Program, the curriculum aligns with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, uses New Generation Standards for Science, and follows MOE standards for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies, with Advanced Placement (AP) examinations available and Pearson Edexcel IAL offered for senior levels. ANNS uses English as the primary medium of instruction.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning Al Nahda National Schools place wellbeing at the heart of its learning environment. The Wellbeing section specifies a safe, caring atmosphere that supports the development of self-image and respect for self and others, and it promotes moral values such as respect, tolerance, integrity, compassion, equality and care as the basis of relationships. The school also emphasises holistic development through a Lifelong Learning framework that includes opportunities to develop 21st‑century skills and to provide support for students with learning difficulties, alongside encouragement for gifted and talented students. A pastoral and social support network, described by school leaders as ensuring students feel valued beyond academics, supports social–emotional growth. Leadership narratives highlight the aim of nurturing social and emotional intelligence as part of preparing students to be global citizens. Programs and activities beyond the classroom are used to foster resilience and personal development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Al Nahda National Schools describe themselves as mainstream private English‑medium schools offering American and British curricula, not as specialist SEN institutions. They state that they provide support for students with learning difficulties and offer encouragement for gifted and talented students as part of an inclusive approach. The inclusion framework is reflected in policy materials that include Student Protection, Safeguarding and Inclusion, indicating an all‑through school approach rather than a dedicated SEN provision. The school's policies reference inclusion of diverse learner needs, including Students of Determination and Gifted and Talented as part of their policy framework. The school is licensed by ADEK and the UAE Ministry of Education and operates across two campuses (Girls' and Boys'), reinforcing its mainstream, non‑specialist SEN status within a broad international program context.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school is described as an English‑medium private school, delivering instruction in English within both American and British programs. Public disclosure of explicit EAL programs, staffing, or dedicated EAL initiatives is not provided in publicly accessible materials. The information available focuses on its curricula, accreditation and inclusion policies rather than specific English‑as‑an‑additional‑language supports. Consequently, there are no detailed publicly disclosed EAL provisions to reference. The English‑medium status, however, underpins the language of instruction across the school's programs.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through the school's wellbeing commitments and values, including a safe and caring learning environment and moral foundations such as respect, empathy and resilience. The pastoral and social support networks are described as ensuring students feel valued, with leadership emphasizing social‑emotional development and wellbeing as part of the learning journey. The Wellbeing statements include fostering self‑image, respect for self and others, and the development of global citizenship with empathy and care as core values. The school also highlights leadership and staff roles dedicated to supporting students' social and emotional growth beyond academic achievement. Curricular and co‑curricular activities are leveraged to reinforce wellbeing alongside academic learning.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Al Nahda National Schools commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students, with recruitment and staff vetting aligned to safeguarding requirements. A Child Safeguarding Policy is referenced on the Careers page, alongside a broader policy framework containing Student Protection and Safeguarding policies. The policy manuals for both Boys and Girls schools include sections such as Student Protection and Safeguarding, indicating formal safeguarding governance. Public materials show the school maintains formal mechanisms to address safeguarding concerns and protect students. These safeguarding provisions are in addition to ADEK/MOE licensing and accreditation obligations governing the two campuses.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview The school has two campuses in Abu Dhabi: the Girls' School and the Boys' School. It offers excellent facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities ANNS is an English-medium school in Abu Dhabi offering both British and American programs. The curriculum includes languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, information technology, Islamic studies, physical education, music, drama and art. The school is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education (ADEK) and the UAE Ministry of Education. Accreditation includes NEASC, CIS, ECIS, Cambridge International Examinations, Pearson Edexcel and the SAT College Board.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a variety of enriching and stimulating extra-curricular activities. The aim is to provide opportunities for students to engage beyond academics and develop 21st-century skills.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Al Nahda National Schools (ANNS) was established in 1983 in Abu Dhabi as a private English-medium school to provide international education through its American and British programs. The school is licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education (ADEK) and the UAE Ministry of Education, and it operates on two campuses—the Girls' School and the Boys' School. It serves a diverse student body of nearly 5,800 students and has built a framework of international accreditation with CIS (since 2009), ECIS, NEASC, Cambridge International Examinations, Edexcel, and the SAT College Board. The late founder and General Manager, Mr. Saeed Abdullah Nasser Al-Junaibi, established ANNS and guided its early growth, emphasizing English language proficiency, Emirati identity, and broad engagement with the education community, including hosting notable visitors such as Muhammad Ali.
Community	Community —	Community ANNS has a diverse student community representing multiple nationalities, reflecting its international orientation. Students and staff participate in national and cultural events; for example, National Day celebrations have featured ANNS performances such as the Al Yolla traditional dance and national poetry readings. Core school life includes annual events such as science fairs, graduation ceremonies, and Heritage Nights Festivals. The school emphasizes ongoing engagement with families and the broader community, as evidenced by the founder's emphasis on parent communication and partnerships with parents.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Publicly published materials do not describe a formal Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at ANNS. A Parents Portal provides a channel for parent communications with the school. The founder emphasized ongoing communication with parents and described parents as partners in their children's upbringing. The school notes active family engagement through events and ceremonies such as National Day celebrations and graduations, and maintains an Alumni program to reconnect graduates and to support current students. Alumni engagement is organized through an Alumni Sign Up process and related outreach. Overall, parent involvement is framed as a partnership rather than a formal PTA body.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual Al Nahda National Schools offer both American and British Curricula with English as the medium of instruction. The programs cover a broad range of subjects including Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Information Technology, Islamic Studies, Physical Education, Music, Drama & Art. The Boys School serves Grades 4-12 and the Girls School KG-12, with enrollment of 2,224 and 3,576 students respectively. ANNS is accredited by NEASC, CIS, ECIS, CAIE, Pearson Edexcel and SAT, and emphasizes 21st-century learning with co-curricular activities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Music, Drama & Art are part of the curriculum. Arts education supports creative development and complements academic study.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language The British and American Curricula are offered, with a focus on global citizenship and cultural awareness. The American curriculum aligns with Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics; the British curriculum aligns with Cambridge International Curriculum. National Day and Cultural Evenings are celebrated as part of school life.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Extracurricular activities include sports, robotics, and debating. National Day and Cultural Evenings are also part of school life.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Global citizenship is a focus, with emphasis on serving the local and global community. Sustainability and environmental awareness are promoted as part of school values.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development and 21st-century skills are central to ANNS education. The school aims to prepare students to become leaders who contribute to their communities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides a safe, caring environment and promotes values such as respect, integrity and empathy. It offers support for learners with difficulties and for gifted and talented students. Physical Education and sports are included in the program.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school is an English-medium private school in Abu Dhabi. The school offers both American and British curricula. The language of instruction is English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations NEASC, CIS, ECIS, Cambridge International Examinations (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, and SAT College Board.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Online registration and submission of the application and all required supporting documents. You will be given a reference number for your application. 2. Attend the oral interview after the application is accepted. 3. From the first to the twelfth grades, there is a computer-based entrance exam. 4. Register in the ADEK system. 5. Attend the interview and exam. 6. Pay the registration fees. The registration page notes that new registrations for the 2025-2026 academic year begin in January and continue throughout the year. 360-degree school tours are available for the Girls' Primary Campus, Girls' Secondary Campus, and Boys' Campus (A & B) as well as Campus Block C. For inquiries, contact the Registration Department via the provided channels.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If there are no available seats in the required class, the registration request is placed on a waiting list with a maximum capacity. Priority is given to students with siblings already in the school or whose parents are employees. Guardians receive text and email updates, and status can be viewed through the parent portal.
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