GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi vs Shining Star International School

	G GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	S Shining Star International School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 10,420 - 20,700	Fees / year AED 8,630 - 16,930
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 4,177	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 28	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GEMS United Indian School is located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, on 42nd Street. The campus sits in a residential area with easy access to Abu Dhabi's main roads and regular school bus routes. The address is 42nd Street, Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi 10996.	Location Shining Star International School is located in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at Shabiya 12. The campus serves Abu Dhabi's expatriate and local communities and is accessible by multiple bus routes across the city; transport is GPS-tracked. Coordinates: 24.321046, 54.53379.
Stages	Stages The school offers the Indian curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The age range is approximately 4 to 18 years.	Stages The school runs KG1 to Grade 12, with a Sixth Form for Grades 11–12.
School type	School type GEMS United Indian School is a co-educational day school.	School type Private day school that follows the CBSE Indian curriculum.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Publicly disclosed information does not include a nationality breakdown or local/international ratio.	Pupil nationality mix SSIS hosts a diverse international student body. The exact number of represented nationalities is not published, but the school emphasises diversity and serves the expatriate community of Abu Dhabi.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Public pages describe safeguarding and student wellbeing. The campus includes a school clinic, library facilities, and science laboratories. Explicit special educational needs (SEN) provisions are not detailed publicly.	Additional learning support SSIS is inclusive and provides support for students of determination, including Individualized Educational Plans, learning support assistants, and extra academic support as needed; modifications to papers/exams are available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation CBSE affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, India.	Country affiliation CBSE (India) affiliation; the school is fully accredited with CBSE and follows the Indian NCERT curriculum (CBSE affiliation No. 6630075).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is specified.	Religious affiliation There is an on-campus mosque and an in-house Imam to lead prayers for the Muslim community; no formal religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure Exact start and end times are not published publicly. The school uses Bright Bus Transport (BBT) for its bus service.	School day structure KG sessions run 7:30 AM–12:00 PM; Grades I–XII run 7:30 AM–2:00 PM; school days are Sunday to Thursday.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bright Bus Transport (BBT), part of STS Group, provides UIS Abu Dhabi with a fleet that includes CCTV surveillance, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking, RFID, and a 24/7 Operations Control Centre.	Bus service details School transport operates with GPS tracking; there are 30+ routes, and buses have GPS trackers and female attendants.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / New‑admission fee - A non‑refundable/non‑transferable fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition is due on acceptance of the Offer Letter to confirm enrolment. This amount is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. The admission fee is refundable only if the parent gives notice of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year, in accordance with ADEK policy. Tuition fees (2025/2026 academic year) — amounts in AED - Pre‑KG: Annual AED 10,420; Monthly AED 1,042; First term AED 3,126; Second term AED 4,168; Third term AED 3,126. - KG1 – KG2: Annual AED 10,420; Monthly AED 1,042; First term AED 3,126; Second term AED 4,168; Third term AED 3,126. - Grades 1–2: Annual AED 12,430; Monthly AED 1,243; First term AED 3,729; Second term AED 4,972; Third term AED 3,729. - Grades 3–5: Annual AED 12,510; Monthly AED 1,251; First term AED 3,753; Second term AED 5,004; Third term AED 3,753. - Grades 6–8: Annual AED 14,530; Monthly AED 1,453; First term AED 4,359; Second term AED 5,812; Third term AED 4,359. - Grade 9: Annual AED 17,660; Monthly AED 1,766; First term AED 5,298; Second term AED 7,064; Third term AED 5,298. - Grade 10: Annual AED 17,570; Monthly AED 1,757; First term AED 5,271; Second term AED 7,028; Third term AED 5,271. (Grade 10 board examination fees will be charged separately in line with CBSE norms.) - Grades 11–12: Annual AED 20,700; Monthly AED 2,070; First term AED 6,210; Second term AED 8,280; Third term AED 6,210. (Grade 12 board examination fees will be charged separately in line with CBSE norms.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is due prior to the start of the academic year and payable in advance of attendance; tuition is invoiced from the time of admission. Payments may be made up front (annual), per term, or on a monthly basis. - The school operates a 10‑month academic billing cycle; there are no tuition payments in July and August. Monthly payments are collected at the start of each month. - If tuition fees remain unpaid by the 20th day of the month, the student's name will be removed from the admissions roll and will not be re‑added until outstanding fees and the re‑admission fee are paid; students with outstanding fees will not be permitted to sit for board examinations. - School fees are charged in accordance with the GEMS fee framework and ADEK regulations; fees may be subject to change under applicable regulations. Payment methods and instructions - Accepted payment methods: Cash, current‑dated cheques, or credit card. Post‑dated cheques are not accepted. Cheques should be made payable to “GEMS United Indian School, Abu Dhabi.” - The school advertises a partnered FAB GEMS World Credit Card payment option with potential incentives for advance annual payments. Boarding fees - No boarding or residential provision is listed for this campus; no boarding fees are published. Other costs and fee items - Textbooks and declared learning materials: a textbook declaration and a textbook list are provided for parents; textbook arrangements (loaned or charged) are published in the school's Books/CBSE information resources. Expect textbook and learning‑materials costs or loans as indicated by the published textbook lists. - Transport: A contracted school bus service is available (Bright Bus Transport / STS Group). Bus transport operates as a fee‑for‑service; parents register with the school's transport contact for route availability and bus fee details and can pay bus fees through the school's online payment portal. - Uniforms: Official school uniform for GEMS United Indian School is supplied through the authorised uniform retailer (Threads), indicating uniform purchases are separate from tuition. Expect uniform purchase costs to apply. - Examination fees: Grade 10 and Grade 12 board examination fees are charged in line with CBSE norms (charged in addition to tuition). - Other potential costs: extracurricular activities, trips, lunches and other optional services are commonly charged separately at GEMS schools; specific optional service costs and schedule of extracurricular fees are provided by the school's parent communications and fee invoices. Refund information - The admission fee equal to 5% of annual tuition is generally non‑refundable/non‑transferable but is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. That admission fee is refundable only if the parent gives notice of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year, as per ADEK policy. Other refund conditions follow ADEK and school policy and may vary by fee type. Summary notes on enforcement and consequences - Late or non‑payment: removal from admissions roll after the 20th day of the month and restriction from board examinations until outstanding sums and re‑admission fees are cleared. Useful contacts for payments and fee queries - School accounts / admissions telephone: (+971) 02 2059777; general admissions email and transport contacts are published alongside fee information and the bus service contact for registration.	Fee details Application / registration fee - A registration/application fee must be paid before an application is processed and before any assessment is scheduled. Tuition fees — per grade (annual and term breakdown) - KG1: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791. - KG2: Annual tuition AED 7,900 — Term 1 AED 2,370; Term 2 AED 2,370; Term 3 AED 3,160; Books AED 495; Yearly fee AED 8,791. - Grade 1: Annual tuition AED 8,800 — Term 1 AED 2,640; Term 2 AED 2,640; Term 3 AED 3,520; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 9,818. - Grade 2: Annual tuition AED 9,300 — Term 1 AED 2,790; Term 2 AED 2,790; Term 3 AED 3,720; Books AED 594; Yearly fee AED 10,318. - Grade 3: Annual tuition AED 10,300 — Term 1 AED 3,090; Term 2 AED 3,090; Term 3 AED 4,120; Books AED 644; Yearly fee AED 11,368. - Grade 4: Annual tuition AED 10,500 — Term 1 AED 3,150; Term 2 AED 3,150; Term 3 AED 4,200; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 11,584. - Grade 5: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 660; Yearly fee AED 13,584. - Grade 6: Annual tuition AED 12,500 — Term 1 AED 3,750; Term 2 AED 3,750; Term 3 AED 5,000; Books AED 715; Yearly fee AED 13,639. - Grade 7: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733. - Grade 8: Annual tuition AED 13,500 — Term 1 AED 4,050; Term 2 AED 4,050; Term 3 AED 5,400; Books AED 798; Yearly fee AED 14,733. - Grade 9: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815. - Grade 10: Annual tuition AED 14,500 — Term 1 AED 4,350; Term 2 AED 4,350; Term 3 AED 5,800; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 15,815. - Grade 11: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815. - Grade 12: Annual tuition AED 15,500 — Term 1 AED 4,650; Term 2 AED 4,650; Term 3 AED 6,200; Books AED 880; Yearly fee AED 16,815. Transport and boarding fees - School transport (bus) is published as AED 4,420 (single standard amount shown). - Boarding / board fees are listed by grade for secondary levels: Grade IX AED 375; Grade X AED 750; Grade XI AED 375; Grade XII AED 900. Other fees and one-off costs - Uniform charges are shown per grade in the published fee schedule (examples: AED 519 for KG levels; AED 640–880 for higher grades) and are charged separately to tuition. - Textbook / book charges are shown per grade (examples above under each grade). - A yearly / miscellaneous fee is applied per student (figures shown under "Yearly fee" in the published schedule). Discounts and fee reductions - Sibling discounts: second child 7% and third (and subsequent) children 10% (published sibling discount scale is applied). - A one-time annual payment discount is available (5%); combined one-time payment plus sibling discounts may increase the effective discount (published scheme). Additional referral and achievement discounts are published. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are payable in a minimum of three equal instalments for the academic year. Parents may also make a one-time full payment. - Accepted payment methods: cash, card (debit/credit; bank charges may apply) and cheque. When paying the first term by cash or card, parents are requested to submit post-dated cheques for the 2nd and 3rd terms; cheque payment requires three cheques. The school publishes standard cheque dates for term payments in its payment instructions. Refund and cancellation policy (fees and items) - The school may retain a portion of tuition where a student attends part of a term: examples in the published policy include retention ranges from the value of one month up to the full-term fee depending on the length of attendance within a term. Textbook and uniform fees that have not been used are refundable. Transportation fees are refunded on the same prorated basis as tuition. Registration or re-registration fees may be retained where a student attends part of the first week or does not show up without prior written notice. Notes on payment handling - Card payments are accepted but bank charges may apply. Cheques should be made payable to "Shining Star International School" and post-dated cheques are required for subsequent instalments when the first instalment is paid in cash or by card. Specific cheque dates and document requirements for cheque submission are included in the school's payment instructions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory and formal. Boys wear a shirt and trousers with a belt and blue socks; a tie is worn where required. Girls wear a knee-length skirt with a blouse, black or white tights, and blue socks; abaya or burkha is not permitted and hair should be neatly tied.	Uniform requirement Uniform is required for all students. The annual uniform fee varies by grade: 519 AED for KG1-KG2 and up to 880 AED for Grades 9-12, according to the 2025-2026 fee schedule.
Food options	Food options Canteen services provide nutritionally balanced, ADEK-compliant food options on campus. External food deliveries are prohibited. All foods offered must include allergen labeling and accommodate students with allergies; the policy also restricts certain items such as carbonated drinks, pork and alcohol to align with health and safety standards.	Food options There is an on-site cafeteria that serves fresh, hygienic and nutritious food for students and staff. The cafeteria offers an assortment of cuisines at affordable prices.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a School Managing Committee (SMC) that includes Sunny Varkey as Chairman and Dino Varkey as Group Chief Executive Officer; the Principal serves as Secretary and the committee includes other trustees and senior staff. The school is part of the GEMS Education group and is CBSE-affiliated.	Governance and ownership SSIS is governed by an executive leadership team led by the principal, with a chairperson (Sudha Gupta) noted in the site's governance materials. The school is CBSE-accredited, and there is no public indication that it is part of a larger school group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum designed by NCERT, with English as the medium of instruction. Arabic is taught and compulsory for Muslim students within Islamic Studies, and UAE culture and heritage are integrated into the program. The curriculum emphasizes 21st-century learning through enquiry-based and project-based approaches, supported by digital resources. Curriculum is organized by stage: Early Years (Pre-KG to KG2) with English, Mathematics and Environmental Studies plus Music/Art/PE; Primary (Grades I–V) adds Hindi/Malayalam, Arabic and Islamic/Moral Science with Foundational Literacies aligned to CBSE/NCERT. Middle School (Grades VI–VIII) includes English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Arabic, Islamic/Moral Science and language options (Malayalam/Hindi, plus French from Grade 8) and Arts/Physical Education; Secondary (IX–X) features core CBSE subjects with Arabic compulsory, and Senior Secondary (XI–XII) offers Science, Commerce and Humanities streams with core and elective subjects.	Curriculum details Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum using NCERT textbooks, with the academic year running from April to March. Early Years (Kindergarten) emphasizes social-emotional development and language skills through Global Phonics and the RAZ A-Z program, with Arabic, Islamic studies and additional language options introduced in Term 3. The Primary program is CBSE-based, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework and NEP 2020, guided by the ADEK Student Competency Framework, and includes Global SDG projects, ISTE standards, a Farm in School curriculum, and second-language options (Hindi, French, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil) along with Robotics and a TED-Ed Club from Grade 3. In Middle and Secondary, the curriculum continues under CBSE guidelines with ISTE standards and a focus on 21st-century skills, offering English, a second language, Arabic, Environment Studies, Mathematics, Moral Education, Islamic Studies or Moral Science, UAE Social Studies, Computer Science, Robotics, Global Citizenship, Art and Library. Senior Secondary follows CBSE at the senior level, based on the National Curriculum Framework-2005, with subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accountancy, Economics, Informative Practices, English and Arabic as a second language, along with mock examinations and career/higher education guidance.
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 The school supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, which embeds pastoral care and project-based learning across the curriculum. It also emphasizes inquiry-based, student-centered learning and student leadership to develop collaboration and communication skills. The school explicitly references protection, care and support of students as a core wellbeing and safeguarding focus. GEMS Education policies underpin safeguarding, with an independently chaired safeguarding committee and a confidential Speak Up platform for reporting concerns. The campus also provides a gender-specific health clinic staffed by a trained nurse to address student health needs, contributing to overall mental and physical wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning Shining Star International School follows ADEK's Well-Being Policy to support students' emotional, social, physical, and academic well-being. Counseling services are available to provide one‑to‑one and group support, and the school implements mindfulness and stress‑reduction programs to aid emotional regulation. Anti‑bullying initiatives, social skills workshops, and peer mentoring are in place to foster healthy peer relationships. A Well‑Being Committee oversees well‑being initiatives, with staff professional development on student well‑being and regular parental engagement to support well‑being at home and in school. The school emphasises a holistic approach to student wellbeing across these domains.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states in its materials that ADEK inspection includes provisions for POD students, indicating some level of support for students with Special Educational Needs. ADEK's own performance standards include 'the protection, care, guidance and support of students' as a key area of inspection. The school is described as following the CBSE MOE curriculum, and there is no explicit designation of UIS as a specialist SEN institution. Public information does not publish a detailed list of the specific kinds of SEN the school can support or the staff dedicated to SEN. The on-site health clinic and general wellbeing provisions are part of the broader support framework for students, including POD students.	Special educational needs (SEN) Shining Star International School is described as an inclusive school and provides SEN support within the mainstream setting. It offers Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for students of determination, extra academic support, and Learning Support Assistants to ensure safety and academic help. Modifications to classwork and exams, plus modified papers, are provided based on individual needs, with a Learning Support Team monitoring activities to ensure access to learning and extracurriculars. The Inclusion Policy defines accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, assistive technology, and a range of supports for Additional Learning Needs, including multilingual learners and twice‑exceptional students. In short, SSIS supports a spectrum of needs within a mainstream framework rather than being a specialist SEN institution.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school operates an English-medium instruction program; the Language(s) of Instruction are English. Arabic is also taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies, but explicit EAL programming or staff for English as an Additional Language is not publicly disclosed. There is no published description of a formal EAL department or dedicated EAL support beyond general English-medium instruction. Consequently, specific EAL provisions are not publicly detailed by the school. The available materials do not indicate a separate, explicit EAL programme.	English as an additional language Multilingual Learners are specifically recognised as students who are acquiring the language of instruction and require additional language support to access and attain with their peers. The Inclusion Policy outlines that accommodations and modifications to teaching and assessments, adaptive teaching, and assistive technologies are used to support these learners. The school's inclusion structure includes a Head of Inclusion, Inclusion Teachers, and an Inclusion Team to coordinate language and learning support, including documentation such as Learning Plans (IEP/ISP/ILP) where appropriate. The policy also emphasises Universal Design for Learning and equitable access to education for language learners within mainstream classrooms.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through the school's wellbeing-focused safeguarding culture and pastoral care within the HPL framework. High Performance Learning emphasizes the integration of academic learning with social-emotional development and collaborative, project-based work. The Health Clinic on campus supports student health needs, reinforcing wellbeing alongside academics. The school highlights protection, care and support for students as part of its safety and wellbeing approach. Staff and students are encouraged to report wellbeing concerns through formal safeguarding channels.	Mental wellbeing SSIS promotes mental wellbeing through its Well‑Being Policy, aligned with ADEK's framework, covering emotional, social, physical, and intellectual well‑being. It provides access to counselors for individual and group support and runs regular workshops on mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation. Physical and social wellbeing programs, including anti‑bullying campaigns and peer mentoring, are part of the school's well‑being initiatives. The Pastoral Care Policy emphasises PERMA‑influenced, relationship‑based approaches and mentoring to support students' welfare, with form tutors and counselors playing key roles in monitoring and supporting well‑being. Collaboration with external agencies is planned for specialist mental health support when needed.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a stated priority, with GEMS Education policies mandating safeguarding responsibilities for all staff and an independently chaired safeguarding committee. The safeguarding framework includes a confidential whistleblowing portal (Speak Up) and clear reporting channels for health, safety and wellbeing concerns. The GEMS group maintains health and safety governance and requires pre-employment background checks for staff. ADEK's inspection standards explicitly include the protection, care, guidance and support of students as a performance area. The school's Health Clinic and safety-focused facilities reflect its safeguarding orientation.	Safeguarding Shining Star International School has a Child Protection Policy and a Safeguarding Policy that underscore the welfare of children as paramount. A Child Protection Committee (CPC) is established to manage safeguarding with defined leadership levels and clear preventive, reporting, and responsive processes; staff are oriented on recognizing signs of abuse and must report concerns via designated channels. The policies set out awareness, prevention, reporting, and responding steps, including training, incident reporting procedures, and safeguarding in curriculum delivery. Recruitment and ongoing safeguarding practices include safe recruitment, supervision, and collaboration with external agencies (e.g., Child Protection Services, police, or ADEK) as required. The safeguarding framework is complemented by a separate Safeguarding Policy detailing procedures and compliance requirements.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Separate libraries serve the kindergarten/primary levels and the secondary level. The library collection is extensive and organized by age and ability for easy access by all students. Five ICT suites support digital learning, with a one laptop per child policy and wireless connectivity in every classroom. Well-equipped laboratories support Physics, Chemistry and Biology for hands-on experiments. A gender-specific Health Clinic on campus is staffed by a trained nurse and adheres to local health authority requirements. The campus includes a Multi-Purpose Hall, Art facilities, a fully air conditioned Sports Complex, an Astro-turf football pitch and four basketball courts.	Facilities overview Shining Star International School sits on a 10-acre campus comprising the original school block and a newer building that houses science and computer labs. The grounds include running tracks, football grounds, cricket pitches, and courts for badminton and basketball. The library holds 24,000+ books and magazines to support study and reading. An 800-seat multipurpose auditorium serves as a venue for events and indoor sports. The campus also includes a kitchen garden, greenhouse, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden, and there is an on-site health clinic and a mosque with an in-house imam.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a fully air-conditioned and soundproof Sports Complex with rubberized flooring for indoor games and the development of motor skills, including football, cricket, basketball, volleyball and athletics. The standard football pitch is Astro-turf. There are four basketball courts with appropriate markings and three-point arcs. Safety is paramount in sports areas.	Sports facilities Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. Outdoor spaces also feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb garden, and a vegetable garden that support additional learning experiences.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Separate libraries are available for kindergarten/primary and secondary levels, with an extensive range of books organized by age and ability. The school provides five ICT suites and a one laptop per child policy, with wireless connectivity in every classroom. Well-equipped Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories support practical, inquiry-based learning. A gender-specific Health Clinic on campus is staffed by a trained nurse and complies with local health requirements.	Academic facilities Technology-integrated classrooms number 72 and are equipped with the latest OHPs and smart boards. Computer labs with high-speed internet support IT-enabled learning across grade levels. The school provides biology, chemistry and math laboratories for hands-on experiments. A robotics laboratory offers building and programming experiences. The library is a purpose-built space with 24,000+ books for research and study.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Art Education is an important area of curricular activity, and students can select one or more forms of creative arts (Dance, Music, Art). The campus includes spaces for arts education such as a Music Room and an Art Studio.	Extra curricular facilities An 800+ seat multipurpose auditorium is used for workshops, events, and indoor sports. There is an on-site cafeteria serving fresh, hygienic, and nutritious food. The health clinic is staffed by a qualified nurse for medical needs during school hours. The campus also includes a mosque with an in-house imam for the Muslim community.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS United Indian School began as the well-known Our Own English School, which opened in September 1990. After restructuring and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art campus, enrolments began in November 2015 and the school was renamed GEMS United Indian School. The school operates under the UAE Ministry of Education and offers the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. It is part of the GEMS Education network and is regarded today as one of Abu Dhabi's premier educational institutions.	History Shining Star International School was established in 2014 in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. It is led by Chairperson Sudha Gupta. The school serves the local and international expatriate community and follows the CBSE curriculum. In 2024 SSIS celebrated a decade of operation and earned a Good rating from ADEK. By 2025 the school had grown to over 2,000 students.
Community	Community The UIS community supports a wide range of extracurriculars with notable sports achievements, including the under-19 girls' volleyball team and badminton successes. The school hosts inter-school cultural and language events such as the Inter School Modern Hindi Mahotsav. Sustainability and community service are active through initiatives like a tree planting project and participation at COP28. Students' achievements in diverse areas, including swimming, are highlighted in school communications.	Community SSIS serves a diverse expatriate community in Abu Dhabi. A flash mob event was held at Dalma Mall Abu Dhabi to express gratitude to UAE leadership and promote peace, tolerance and coexistence among residents. Open houses and other community engagements are held regularly to involve parents. The school emphasizes SDG-aligned initiatives and global partnerships as part of its community engagement.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association GEMS UIS operates a formal 'Parent Partnership' program rather than a standalone PTA. This partnership emphasizes close communication through consultation evenings, written progress reports, and an open-door policy for parents to speak with staff. It is supported by research on parental engagement as a driver of student achievement. Parental involvement is facilitated through newsletters and digital communications, and there is a 'Parent Partnership' portal and a 'Newsletters' section to keep families informed. The program also includes access to the Parent Experience Centre and other parent-focused resources within the GEMS ecosystem.	Parent teacher association SSIS maintains an active PTA that conducts regular meetings and open houses to encourage parental involvement. Parents are described as an integral part of the school's teaching methodology, with ongoing updates provided through a digital campus. The PTA supports groups and activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Program, First Responders, Toastmasters and Gavel Clubs. There are partnerships and outreach efforts coordinated by the PTA, including collaborations with schools in Africa and the USA. Regular events and volunteer opportunities are organized through the PTA to support student learning and community engagement.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The UIS offers a 21st-century education built on the CBSE framework and NCERT standards. English is the language of instruction. The curriculum emphasizes enquiry-based learning and project-based learning, with digital resources to support collaboration, thinking and communication. Project-based learning tasks provide problem-solving opportunities and aim to develop students' ability to think, collaborate and communicate.	Academic & intellectual SSIS focuses on academics, robotics, sports, and arts & crafts. Students gain hands-on experience in robotics through a Robotics Lab that develops technical, logical, and AI skills. Technology-integrated classrooms and computer and science laboratories support STEM learning. A massive library with over 24,000 books supports independent study and research.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school offers music, elocution, recitation, debating, essay writing, dramatics, and art and craft (including paper craft, clay modelling, mural painting and origami) as extra-curricular activities. The arts program includes exhibitions and performances in music, painting and performing arts.	Arts & creative Multipurpose Auditorium is available for performances, workshops, and events. Arts and crafts are among SSIS's focus areas. The School Song expresses creativity and teamwork, reflecting a culture of artistic and collaborative activity.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies. UAE culture and heritage are taught and emphasised to foster cultural appreciation.	Cultural & language SSIS serves the expatriate community in Abu Dhabi and follows the CBSE curriculum. Student Council includes Cultural Secretary roles for both girls and boys. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extra-curricular activities include basketball, football and ping pong, along with expressive arts such as music, painting and performing arts, providing students with opportunities to develop social and creative interests.	Social & hobbies SSIS offers extracurricular activities through the Student Council and climate action projects. The Student Council includes leadership roles such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. Cultural Secretary roles are part of the Student Council. The school participates in community events, such as flash mobs.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service SSIS engages with the wider Abu Dhabi community through events, including flash mobs at public venues. The principal is an SDG ambassador and the school is SDG-aligned. The school welcomes students from all cultural backgrounds.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership includes a student council, student prefect body, senior and junior prefects, anti-bullying squad, and club coordinators (e.g., reading club, eco club, inclusion champ, STEAM champions, teacher internship club). These roles provide opportunities to develop leadership, organisation and initiative.	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities exist through the Student Council, with positions such as Head Boy/Girl, Deputy Head Boy/Girl, and House Captains. The principal serves as an SDG ambassador. Senior leadership roles include House Captains and Senior Prefects within the student body.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school maintains strong health and safety policies and safeguarding practices, with a focus on the wellbeing of students and staff.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school has an in-house clinic with a HAAD-qualified nurse available during school hours. Sports facilities include astro turf running tracks, volleyball, football and badminton courts, and a cricket pitch. The grounds feature a greenhouse, kitchen garden, medicinal herb, and a vegetable garden. Transport is equipped with GPS tracking.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction. Arabic language is taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies. UAE culture, heritage and cultural appreciation are taught and emphasised to our students.	Language provision English is taught as a core subject within the CBSE curriculum. Second languages offered include Hindi, French, Urdu, Tamil, and Malayalam. Arabic is taught as a subject. The Early Years program develops language and communication skills through Global Phonics and speaking platforms.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school uses an online enquiry to start the application. The admission process is initiated remotely on submission of documents; scanned copies of the documents are sent to the Admission Secretary or the Registrar. The school will contact you to schedule an interview (required for all grades, including KG1 and KG2) and an assessment/entrance exam. Upon completion of the assessment and interview, the school will contact you if a place is available. Only students with a current and valid UAE residence visa are eligible for enrolment. At registration, the following documents are required: 1 copy of the child's Passport, Visa and Emirates ID card; 1 copy of the parent's Passport, Visa and Emirates ID card; 1 copy of the child's attested birth certificate (in English/Arabic); 3 recent passport-size photographs of the child (with a white background); Two years' of school reports, including any learning support documents pertaining to your child's educational needs; for Early Years, nursery reports if available; Copy of Health Form (download here) and a copy of Vaccination Record for KG1 and above. Things to remember: All students seeking admission for Grade 2 upwards must provide a Transfer Certificate; Validity of a Transfer Certificate is 3 months from the date of issue. Transferring during an academic year: If transferring from within Abu Dhabi, provide records of any tests undertaken in the current academic year and an eSIS transfer; If transferring from another Emirate, provide mark sheets from assessments taken at the current school in the current academic year, with attestation by the current school and the Ministry of Education of the Emirate; If transferring from overseas, provide the mark list of assessments done so far, a Transfer Certificate/School Leaving Certificate attested by the Education Officer of the issuing zone, embassy attestation in the UAE, MOFA attestation, and verification by the Indian Consulate in Abu Dhabi if applicable. Final transfer requires approval by the GEMS UIS principal and, finally, by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). For any further information regarding admissions, contact a member of the team.	Admissions The school is currently accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. Pre-admission procedure: Parents can complete the online registration form for 2026–2027, ensuring that all requested details are completely filled out; an auto generated email is sent once the application is received by the school. Checklist for Admission: A list of documents required during admission is provided. Post-Admission procedure: After the admission has been processed, an admission slip containing the Admission reference No with the Class & Division will be handed over to the parent. Apply for Admission: The school provides an 'Apply for Admission' option and a 'Register Now' button for online enrollment. Open Days: Open Days are held for prospective parents and students from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Thursday and Saturday (excluding public and school holidays); to schedule a visit, click 'Book a Visit'. Online Enrolment: Online enrolment is available at ssis.ethdigitalcampus.com.
Scholarships	Scholarships The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence provides a full-year scholarship at a GEMS school. The award is offered to female students who have proven themselves as global citizens, demonstrated outstanding leadership, achieved exceptional academic results, and shown commitment to their communities. Winners become ambassadors for both their school and GEMS Education and receive a commemorative certificate. The award was established in 2005 to empower UAE women.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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