Abu Dhabi International School - MBZ vs Rawafed Private School

	A Abu Dhabi International School - MBZ Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	R Rawafed Private School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 26,275 - 51,850	Fees / year AED 19,120 - 42,970
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP)	Curriculum American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,500	Pupils 1,700
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 17
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Rawafed Private School is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in the Al Bateen area, near Bateen Mall. It is accessible by car from across the city. The mailing address is P.O. Box 7334, Abu Dhabi.
Stages	Stages —	Stages The school offers Kindergarten (KG1 and KG2) in a separate unit, followed by Grades 1–4 taught in self-contained classes. Grades 5–12 are taught by specialist subject teachers across a broad high school program. The day begins with KG in the separate unit and then Grades 1–12 in standard classes.
School type	School type —	School type Rawafed Private School operates as a private school in Abu Dhabi. It follows an American curriculum and is Cognia-accredited. The site does not publicly state whether the school is co-educational or single-sex.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix The school reports about 1,700 students across 20 nationalities. The most common nationalities and the local-to-international student ratio are not published. The school emphasizes cultural diversity in its values.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support There is no explicit SEN program or dedicated SEN facilities listed on the school site. Inclusion is referenced in Abu Dhabi policy guidance, which requires schools to accommodate learners with additional needs where possible; parents should inquire about specific SEN arrangements.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation The school follows an American curriculum and holds Cognia accreditation, with no formal government affiliation stated.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Islamic Studies and Arabic are part of the curriculum; there is no stated religious affiliation for the school.
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day starts at 7:30am; KG classes finish at 12:30pm and Grades 1–12 finish at 2:50pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details The school operates a government-supported, school-owned transport system across the greater Abu Dhabi area. There are two bus services in the morning and two in the afternoon, plus buses for field trips. Each bus has a transportation assistant, drivers carry mobile phones, and the fleet is maintained to safety standards.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Tuition fees — per year and per term - Pre-KG: Total AED 19,120. Registration fee (5%): AED 956. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 6,692 (first), AED 5,736 (second), AED 5,736 (third). Books: not listed. - KG 1: Total AED 19,120. Registration fee (5%): AED 956. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 6,692 (first), AED 5,736 (second), AED 5,736 (third). Books: AED 750. - KG 2: Total AED 20,250. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,013. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 7,087 (first), AED 6,075 (second), AED 6,075 (third). Books: AED 900. - Grade 1: Total AED 25,190. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,260. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 8,816 (first), AED 7,557 (second), AED 7,557 (third). Books: AED 1,026. - Grade 2: Total AED 26,420. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,321. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 9,247 (first), AED 7,926 (second), AED 7,926 (third). Books: AED 1,129. - Grade 3: Total AED 27,740. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,387. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 9,709 (first), AED 8,322 (second), AED 8,322 (third). Books: AED 1,239. - Grade 4: Total AED 28,770. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,439. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 10,069 (first), AED 8,631 (second), AED 8,631 (third). Books: AED 1,494. - Grade 5: Total AED 30,100. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,505. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 10,535 (first), AED 9,030 (second), AED 9,030 (third). Books: AED 1,500. - Grade 6: Total AED 30,100. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,505. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 10,535 (first), AED 9,030 (second), AED 9,030 (third). Books: AED 1,530. - Grade 7: Total AED 32,470. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,624. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 11,364 (first), AED 9,741 (second), AED 9,741 (third). Books: AED 1,900. - Grade 8: Total AED 32,470. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,624. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 11,364 (first), AED 9,741 (second), AED 9,741 (third). Books: AED 2,200. - Grade 9: Total AED 35,040. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,752. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 12,264 (first), AED 10,512 (second), AED 10,512 (third). Books: AED 1,800. - Grade 10: Total AED 37,530. Registration fee (5%): AED 1,877. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 13,135 (first), AED 11,259 (second), AED 11,259 (third). Books: AED 1,675. - Grade 11: Total AED 40,200. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,010. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 14,070 (first), AED 12,060 (second), AED 12,060 (third). Books: AED 1,850. - Grade 12: Total AED 42,970. Registration fee (5%): AED 2,149. Payment schedule (three installments): AED 15,039 (first), AED 12,891 (second), AED 12,891 (third). Books: AED 2,250. Application / Registration fee - The registration (application) fee is set at 5% of the tuition fee for the chosen grade; the specific 5% amount is shown alongside each grade above. The registration fee is non-refundable in the event of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is billed in three installments (First Installment, Second Installment, Third Installment) as shown in the installment amounts for each grade above. Payments are expected in AED for cash/credit card transactions. Sender charges for bank transfers must be covered by the sender; proof of transfer should be emailed to the school to credit the student account. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed. Boarding is not indicated as an offered service. Other costs and fees - Books: The fee schedule lists specific book charges by grade where applicable (amounts shown above). - Uniform: School uniform is available for purchase from a designated tailor; a separate uniform charge applies where applicable. - Transportation: Bus transport is available for an additional separate fee; specific transport rates are charged separately. - International examinations: International examinations (including SAT, TOEFL and MAP tests) are charged separately from the tuition and instalments. Refund information - The registration fee (5% of tuition) is non-refundable if the student withdraws before the beginning of the academic year. No additional refund policy details for tuition or other charges are specified in the published fee schedule. Fee payment options - Cash / Credit Card: Payments accepted in UAE Dirhams only. - Cheque: Payable to Rawafed Private School and drawn on local banks. - Bank transfer (wire): Bank name: First Abu Dhabi Bank. A/C No: 1011001500102019. IBAN: AE750351011001500102019. Applicable transfer fees are to be paid by the sender; indicate the student registration number on transfers and send proof of payment to ahmedkabeer@rawafedschool.com to credit the student account. Contact for payments - Landline: +971 2 666 2663. Email for payment proof: ahmedkabeer@rawafedschool.com.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are required for students. Uniforms are available for purchase from a designated tailor shop.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school operates a cafeteria on site. All meals served are halal and nutritionally balanced, prepared locally where possible. Parents visiting the school are welcome to use the onsite canteen facilities for lunch or a quick snack.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details Rawafed Private School in Abu Dhabi offers an American Curriculum accredited by Cognia. The school serves KG1 through Grade 12, with about 1,700 students and more than 150 staff from roughly 20 nationalities. KG1 and KG2 are taught in a separate unit; Grades 1–4 are taught in self-contained classes with English, Arabic, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Science, Computer Studies, PE, Music, and Art, with Social Studies and French introduced in Grade 4. Grades 5–12 are taught by specialist teachers; Grades 5–6 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, French, Art, Music, Moral Education and PE; Grades 7–8 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Robotics, Moral Education and PE; Grades 9–10 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Social Studies, Islamic Studies, American History, Moral Education and PE; Grades 10–11 cover English, Arabic, AP Mathematics, Islamic Studies and PE, with students choosing three subjects from AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Economics, Business Studies, Psychology and Sociology, and students are prepared for TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II and AP examinations. From Grade 10, students may continue to a High School Program, with a Diploma awarded on successful completion of Grade 12; to equate the Diploma with the Ministry of Education, Arabic and Islamic Studies Ministry examinations in Grade 12 are required, with English-language support available for these subjects if needed. The school day begins at 7:30am, KG finishes at 12:30pm and Grades 1–12 finish at 2:50pm.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results The school prepares students for external examinations including TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II and AP examinations.
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 The school emphasizes holistic student development within a supportive community and operates in an international setting with a focus on character development through its stated values.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The site describes a general school environment and provides a range of academic offerings; it does not publish dedicated SEN support details on the main pages.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English is a core language of instruction within the core curriculum; the school offers English-language delivery for some subjects in English and provides English-language support where MOE criteria apply.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school aims to foster well-rounded development in a caring environment, with staff dedicated to student growth; specific mental wellbeing programs are not itemized on the visible pages.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school presents a safety-focused environment with a structured staff team and safety-conscious procedures in transport and campus facilities; explicit safeguarding policies are listed in the site's policies section.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview Rawafed Private School is located in Abu Dhabi and is Cognia-accredited under the American curriculum. The facilities include transportation, laboratories, a cafeteria, and recreation spaces. The school day begins at 7:30am, with KG classes finishing at 12:30pm and Grades 1–12 finishing at 2:50pm. The campus serves about 1700 students from around 20 nationalities, supported by about 150 dedicated staff. The school offers 20 extracurricular activities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Rawafed Private School offers a full K–12 curriculum aligned to the American framework. In KG, emphasis is on language development and readiness for formal study. Grades 1–4 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Science, Computer Studies, PE, Music, and Art, with Social Studies and French introduced in Grade 4. Grades 5–12 are taught by specialist teachers and include English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, French (from Grade 4), Art, Music, Moral Education, and PE; Grades 9–10 add Biology, Physics, Chemistry, American History, and AP options starting Grade 10; Grades 10–11 offer AP Mathematics and three additional AP subjects with TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II preparation. A Diploma is awarded after Grade 12; to align with the Ministry of Education, students complete Arabic and Islamic Studies MOE examinations in Grade 12, with English-taught Arabic/Islamic Studies support available on request.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school offers 20 extracurricular activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community Rawafed Private School has an international community of about 1,700 students from around 20 nationalities and a dedicated staff of about 150. The school follows an American curriculum and holds Cognia accreditation. The school maintains an active academic calendar with events such as Open Day and parent meetings, and holidays including Prophet Mohammed Birthday Holiday, Winter holidays, Eid Al Adha, and Islamic New Year. The school also hosts a Blog with articles on educational topics that engage the school community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The curriculum for KG1-4 includes English, Arabic, Mathematics, Islamic Studies, Science, Computer Studies, PE, Music, and Art, with Social Studies and French introduced in Grade 4. In Grades 5-6, English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, French, Art, Music, Moral Education, and PE are taught. Grades 7-8 include English, Arabic, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Islamic Studies, Robotics, Moral Education, and PE. Grades 9-10 cover English, Arabic, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Social Studies, Islamic Studies, American History, Moral Education, and PE, while Grades 10-11 offer AP subjects and preparation for TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II, and AP examinations; a High School Diploma is awarded after Grade 12 with MOE Arabic and Islamic Studies requirements.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Art and Music are part of the Grades 1-4 curriculum. Art and Music are also included in Grades 5-6. The curriculum integrates visual and performing arts as part of a broad educational program.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language French is introduced in Grade 4. English and Arabic are taught across the school. There are 20 nationalities represented among the student body.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Recreation areas provide space for a variety of sporting activities during breaks and lunch times. Students can engage in football and other recreational activities in indoor and outdoor facilities. The recreation program supports physical activity and mental stimulation as part of daily life at school.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing A Healthy Eating and Food Safety Policy governs school food and nutrition. The policy requires nutritionally balanced meals and safe handling, and educates students on nutrition, hydration, and healthy lifestyle choices. It aligns with ADEK, ADAFSA, and UAE health regulations and includes food safety audits, training, allergy management, and sustainability measures.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision The school teaches English and Arabic as language subjects. French is introduced in Grade 4 and continues in higher grades. Grades 5–12 include English, Arabic, and French, with preparation for TOEFL, SAT I, SAT II and AP examinations. The Diploma awarded at Grade 12 requires successful completion of Ministry examinations in Arabic and Islamic Studies; special classes in Islamic Studies and Arabic in English are available for eligible students.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching Yes. English and Arabic are taught across the school; French is introduced in Grade 4; Some Islamic Studies and Arabic classes can be taught in English for students who meet the Ministry of Education criteria.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Cognia (Accredited as an American curriculum school)
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Enrollment is open to students of all nationalities who meet the school entrance requirements. The school conducts placement tests for all applicants. Placement tests typically take about two hours and assess English, Maths, and Arabic. Placement is determined by the test results and no prior preparation is required. 2. Documentation and registration: The following documents should be provided along with the application form and registration fee on enrollment: passport photographs; birth certificate; copies of the student's passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID; latest report card; family identification card for UAE nationals; and vaccination certificate. For students arriving from outside the UAE, a Transfer Certificate signed and stamped by the school and attested by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE Embassy is required. 3. Registration fee: A registration fee is charged at enrollment. This is stated as part of the enrollment documentation requirements. 4. Enrollment outcome: Enrollment is contingent on meeting the entrance requirements and on placement test results, which determine the appropriate grade level and program for the student.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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