Italian International School vs The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi
Italian International School and The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi are both in Abu Dhabi, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) programmes. Italian International School also offers Italian, and The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi also offers Bespoke, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are AED 30,065 - 53,380 at Italian International School and AED 28,740 - 46,460 at The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi, which puts Italian International School roughly 11% higher. Italian International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi from 4 to 18. The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi is the larger school, with around 6,728 pupils to Italian International School's 225. Typical class sizes are 7 at Italian International School and 28 at The International School of Choueifat Abu Dhabi.
Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils
Pupils
225
Pupils
6,728
Typical class size
Typical class size
7
Typical class size
28
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, Italian
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
1978
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Italian International School is located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The campus address is Khalifa City A, South East 44, Block 10. Khalifa City A is a residential district with convenient access to major roads linking central Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, and it is served by local transport options suitable for families.
Location
The International School of Choueifat – Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, Yas East, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus relocated to Yas Island and opened at the current site in September 2023. The postal address is P.O. Box 7212, Yas East, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The school serves students aged 4 to 18.
Stages
Stages
The school is an IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger students and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for older students. PYP serves students roughly aged 3–12, and MYP covers approximately ages 11–16. The school has been authorized to deliver both programmes as part of its IB framework.
Stages
Kindergarten to Grade 12 (ages 4+ to 18+).
School type
School type
Co-educational, day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
School type
Non-selective, co-educational, college-preparatory, English-medium day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Nationals represented: 48 nationalities. The most common nationality is not publicly disclosed, and the local-to-international student ratio is not publicly disclosed.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. It emphasises small class sizes and a holistic 360º care and support approach.
Additional learning support
Special academic support is provided, including placement tests to determine class level; if a student is behind, extra lessons or classes may be offered, and summer school or other options may be available at an additional cost.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation stated; the curriculum combines IB with Italian language and culture enrichment.
Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is indicated.
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
School days run from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The campus includes a canteen offering chef‑prepared meals daily.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
A school bus service is available with an annual fee of 5,000 AED. Bus routes cover Khalifa City A and areas such as Al Raha, Al Reef, Yas Island, Shakhbout City, Al Riyadh City, Al Shamkah, Airport Road, Zayed Sports City, Rabdan, and MBZ.
Tuition — per-term breakdown (school term months: Term 1 = 4 months, Term 2 = 4 months, Term 3 = 2 months; annual tuition is split on that basis) - Preschool (AED 30,065): Term 1 AED 12,026; Term 2 AED 12,026; Term 3 AED 6,013. - KG1 / KG2 (AED 40,120): Term 1 AED 16,048; Term 2 AED 16,048; Term 3 AED 8,024. - Grade 1–5 (AED 44,115): Term 1 AED 17,646; Term 2 AED 17,646; Term 3 AED 8,823. - Grade 6–9 (AED 48,535): Term 1 AED 19,414; Term 2 AED 19,414; Term 3 AED 9,707. - Grade 10–12 (AED 53,380): Term 1 AED 21,352; Term 2 AED 21,352; Term 3 AED 10,676.
Application / registration fees - A non-refundable registration (or re-registration) fee is charged for new and returning students. If a student remains on the waiting list and a place cannot be offered, the registration / re-registration fee will be refunded; no refund is given when a parent voluntarily withdraws a child. Specific registration fee amounts are charged at the time of application and are processed through the school's enrolment/registration procedures.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Term payment due dates: Term 1 due 01/09/2025 (covers 4 months); Term 2 due 01/12/2025 (covers 4 months); Term 3 due 01/03/2026 (covers 2 months). Tuition is collected according to these term dates. - Fee deduction policy based on attendance: no-show or present less than 1 week — registration/re-registration fee only; attendance over 1 week up to 3 weeks in a term — one full month's tuition; over 3 weeks up to 6 weeks — two full months' tuition; over 6 weeks of the term — full term tuition.
Banking and payment methods - Payment methods accepted: bank transfer, credit card payment at the school accounts counter, cash at the accounts counter, or cheque at the accounts counter. - Bank account details for bank transfers: - Account name/title: Italian International School. - Account number: 4031005609765001. - IBAN: AE410354031005609765001. - Bank: First Abu Dhabi Bank (SWIFT NBADAEAAXXX).
Boarding - The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities do not apply.
Other compulsory or commonly charged items - Transportation: AED 5,000 per year for school bus service (specific routes covered are defined by the school). - Canteen: Mandatory three-month canteen meal subscription; special rate AED 1,900 for 3 months (discounted from AED 2,050). Parents can choose any three months within the academic year for this subscription. - Uniform: Purchased separately (online from the school's official supplier). Uniform costs are charged separately at point of purchase. - Books and external-provider ECAs: Charged separately when applicable; costs vary by provider. - Device requirement: Students from Grade 3 are required to supply their own device; associated costs are borne by parents. - MYP / Grade 10 examination fees: MYP board/examination fees apply for Grade 10 students; IB exam and registration fees are charged in line with the IB billing schedule and applicable examination fees.
Refunds and credits - Registration / re-registration fee: refundable only when a student is on the waiting list and a place cannot be offered; otherwise non-refundable for voluntary withdrawal. - Tuition refunds/credits on withdrawal are governed by the school's attendance-based fee deduction policy (see Billing schedule and payment terms). Specific pro rata refunds or charges are applied according to the period of attendance within the term as stated in the fee deduction policy.
Notes on discounts and special cases - A flat 15% new-registration discount is applied to the listed tuition amounts for new registrations for Academic Year 2025–2026; other discounts (cardholder, employee, community partner and grade-specific) may apply as defined in the school's discount policy. Grade 10 students have a specific 25% founders discount for Academic Year 2025–2026 where applicable.
Contact for fee queries and payments - Finance contact: Mr. Jithu Mohanan, Finance Manager (email provided by the school for fee and payment queries). Bank remittance instructions require sending a scanned copy of the remittance advice with the student ID to the school's finance contact to allow reconciliation.
Fee details
Application / Registration Fees
- A registration or enrolment fee may be charged on acceptance of an offer. The fee must not exceed 5% of the annual tuition and, when charged, is deductible from the tuition payable.
Annual tuition and per-term amounts (by grade)
Notes: amounts are in AED. Per-term figures are shown as an equal three‑instalment split of the published annual tuition (annual ÷ 3). The published annual tuition and the school's approved additional fees are listed below.
- KG 1 — Annual: AED 21,140; Per term (equal split): AED 7,047. - KG 2 — Annual: AED 21,980; Per term (equal split): AED 7,327. - Grade 1 — Annual: AED 23,250; Per term (equal split): AED 7,750. - Grade 2 — Annual: AED 23,670; Per term (equal split): AED 7,890. - Grade 3 — Annual: AED 24,270; Per term (equal split): AED 8,090. - Grade 4 — Annual: AED 25,120; Per term (equal split): AED 8,373. - Grade 5 — Annual: AED 25,960; Per term (equal split): AED 8,653. - Grade 6 — Annual: AED 27,330; Per term (equal split): AED 9,110. - Grade 7 — Annual: AED 29,540; Per term (equal split): AED 9,847. - Grade 8 — Annual: AED 30,790; Per term (equal split): AED 10,263. - Grade 9 — Annual: AED 32,060; Per term (equal split): AED 10,687. - Grade 10 — Annual: AED 33,760; Per term (equal split): AED 11,253. - Grade 11 — Annual: AED 36,390; Per term (equal split): AED 12,130. - Grade 12 — Annual: AED 37,240; Per term (equal split): AED 12,413.
- Fees must be charged in a minimum of three instalments per ADEK policy; the school's approved fee schedule requires collection across at least three instalments. The registration/enrolment fee (when charged) is deductible from the tuition and must not exceed 5% of the annual tuition. The school is prohibited from taking any additional financial guarantee or deposit from guardians to secure enrolment. - Per-term dates and the exact instalment split are determined by the school's published billing timetable; instalment timing may vary between schools in Abu Dhabi. The school's accounting/finance office handles invoicing and receipting for tuition and additional charges.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision or boarding fees are included in the approved fee schedule for this campus; the schedule lists day‑school tuition and separate charges (books, transport, uniform).
Refund and deposit rules
- The approved fee schedule specifies that registration fees, when charged, are deductible from tuition but must not exceed 5% of annual tuition, and that schools are not permitted to accept financial guarantees or deposits from guardians for enrolment. No general blanket refund timetable is included in the approved fee schedule itself; specific refund conditions (for example on withdrawal or unused term fees) are managed through the school's published finance or enrolment terms and any ADEK-required guarantee form.
Fee payment options and how payments are made
- Payments are payable to the school's accounting/finance department. Commonly accepted methods at SABIS/ISC campuses include bank transfer, cheque, cash and card payments; specific accepted payment channels and bank details are provided by the school's finance office at billing. Examples of payment instructions and accepted methods are handled at the campus level.
Other notes on costs
- Examination fees (external exam charges for IGCSE, A‑Levels, international tests) are commonly charged separately and are not always included in the published tuition; check grade‑specific exam obligations in the senior years. - Co‑curricular activity charges, specialised programme fees, after‑school clubs, meals and any medical or insurance fees may be additional and are typically listed separately on school invoices. These additional optional costs are not included in the annual tuition figures above unless explicitly listed.
If you require these amounts presented in another currency or arranged in a different instalment example (for instance a 40% / 30% / 30% split), those per‑term figures can be calculated from the annual amounts shown above.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The SIS uniform is mandatory for all students. New uniform designs for all grade levels will be available from 10 August 2025; students may continue wearing the current uniform during the 2025/2026 academic year, with the new designs becoming mandatory from the 2026/2027 academic year. Uniform items feature the SIS emblem and include KG1–KG2 polo dresses or polo shirts with skirts/shorts, Grades 1–6 polo shirts with skirts/shorts/trousers, and Grades 7–10 formal shirts, trousers/skirts, ties and blazers, plus a new PE uniform. Uniforms can be purchased online via the SIS site or in-store at Raha Mall (2nd floor, next to Orange Wheels Edutainment), open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00.
Uniform requirement
Uniform is compulsory. Boys wear a plain white shirt (long or short sleeves) with light grey trousers or a plain white polo with light grey trousers; girls wear a plain white blouse with a light grey skirt (below the knee) or grey trousers. SABIS jumpers and cardigans may be worn, but non-SABIS T-shirts must not be worn under them; the PE kit is included. Boys should have a short classical haircut, and girls may not wear makeup or coloured streaks in their hair.
Food options
Food options
La Cucina is the official school canteen, offering snacks and daily lunches. A minimum 12-week subscription is recommended in some cases to ensure continuous service. Meal subscriptions are available at 650 AED per month, 1,900 AED for three months, or 5,800 AED for the full academic year, with payments via the Zenda app; subscriptions can be arranged via Toddle App, email, or WhatsApp.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
SIS Khalifa City is part of Sama International Schools (SIS). It transitioned from Italian International School to Sama International Schools in January 2026 as part of an expansion. The school is governed by a Board of Governors/Trustees with defined responsibilities (adherence, accountability, budgeting, safeguarding, etc.), and ownership is held by Sama International School, a sole proprietorship LLC. The SIS group and the Khalifa City campus are explicitly identified as part of the Sama International Schools network.
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the SABIS network.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Italian International School (IIS) Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi is an IB World School with English as the language of instruction and Italian language and culture integrated throughout its programme. It is authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) within the IB continuum, with IB authorizations recorded in early 2025. The Italian language department combines the Italian Ministry of Education curriculum with IB guidelines, offering Language A for Italian mother-tongue learners and Language B for non-native learners across KG1 through Grade 12, with Italian available as a Diploma Programme study option within the Language A track. Language learning is embedded across the curriculum, with English, Arabic, and Italian vocabulary integrated across subjects and close collaboration between language departments to foster multilingualism. The school reports a 1:7 staff-to-student ratio and offers over 20 extracurricular options to support holistic development. As of January 2025, IB authorizations cover PYP and MYP for IIS Khalifa City; there is no Diploma Programme authorization listed for this school in the IB information system. } }? The extra characters may be extra. Wait there is extraneous closing braces. I need to fix. The final should be a valid JSON object with a single key
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The Italian International School in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi supports social and emotional learning through safeguarding and welfare policies, a designated team for student safety, and a school counsellor who provides social, emotional, and wellbeing support; the campus is now Sama International School as of December 2025.
Social & emotional learning
The SABIS Student Life Organization is a student-led body that empowers students to participate in daily school life. It offers academic, social, and emotional benefits for students. Students take on active roles that promote responsibility for their emotional, social, and moral development as individuals and as members of the school community. The program supports leadership, collaboration, and engagement through clubs and activities across the school.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Public materials describe 360º Care and Support and an inclusive, student-centred community, but explicit SEN provisions or a specialist SEN department are not publicly disclosed.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The language of instruction is English and Arabic, Italian language is taught as part of the curriculum, and there is no publicly disclosed dedicated EAL program.
English as an additional language
The school is an English-medium day school, with instruction delivered in English.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through wellbeing provisions, including a designated school counsellor, Ms. Walaa Nasredin, and training for staff and students.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through the SABIS Student Life Organization and through clubs and break-time activities that promote social interaction and emotional development. Break-time activities and clubs provide opportunities for students to engage, socialize, and build resilience.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is central, with policies aligned to ADEK regulations, zero tolerance for bullying and cyberbullying, training for staff and students, and a designated team to monitor safety and welfare.
Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection Policy.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The Khalifa City campus features 21st-century facilities designed to support IB learning. Classrooms have high-speed connectivity and interactive whiteboards to integrate multimedia resources. The campus includes libraries, laboratories, and multiple multi-purpose spaces for group work and activities. There is an on-site cafeteria providing meals for students. The facilities support a broad program of sports and creative spaces, aligning with a holistic education approach.
Facilities overview
The campus spans 27,000 square meters in Abu Dhabi. It is a private, English-medium day school fully accredited by the government and international accreditation agencies. Classrooms are spacious and equipped with Interactive Smart Boards. Main facilities include two science labs, four computer labs, a library, music and art rooms, and an auditorium with sound and lighting for presentations. The SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall provides a computerized testing and learning environment. KG facilities include dedicated classrooms, a large playground, an indoor pool, a KG car track, and on-site nurses in modern clinics; there is a bright cafeteria.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The school provides extensive sports facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, a football pitch, a gymnasium, and a basketball court. A padel tennis court on campus is noted as Abu Dhabi's first, with multiple athletic spaces to support school-level sports programs.
Sports facilities
Two swimming pools are on the campus. Outdoor courts are available for a range of sports. A large multipurpose air-conditioned sports hall is on-site. A gymnasium and a ballet room are provided for physical education and performing arts. A full-size soccer field is surrounded by a running track.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Academic facilities include libraries and science laboratories, with all classrooms equipped with high-speed connectivity and interactive whiteboards. The school emphasizes technology-enabled learning across subjects, with smart classroom capabilities.
Academic facilities
There are two science labs and four computer labs. A library supports study and research, and an auditorium provides space for presentations. All main classrooms are equipped with Interactive Smart Boards. The SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning Hall is a computerized testing and learning center for exams and revision. KG facilities include engaging classrooms, a large playground, an indoor swimming pool, and a special KG car track.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
More than 20 extracurricular options are available, complemented by partnerships with international sport academies and other activity providers.
Extra curricular facilities
The SABIS Student Life Organization is at the heart of school life, empowering students to be actively involved and make a difference in their school and community. During School Activities provide opportunities within the school day. After School Activities extend learning beyond class time. Weekend Activities offer additional programs. Regional and International Experiences are available to students.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Italian International School (IIS) Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, was the founding campus of Sama International Schools, offering an IB World School experience with English instruction enriched by Italian language and culture. Janet Des Jardins served as the founding principal, guiding IIS from its early development. The school has established partnerships with Juventus Abu Dhabi Football Academy, Abu Dhabi Chess Club, and Mind Games to support cocurricular programs and student development. In January 2025, IIS transitioned to Sama International Schools as part of a strategic expansion, with the branding and legacy affiliations continuing under the SIS umbrella. The IB World School status was formalized for the campus in January 2025.
History
The International School of Choueifat – Abu Dhabi is a non-selective, co-educational, college-preparatory, English-medium day school for students aged 4+ to 18+. It is a member of the SABIS network with students representing 58 nationalities. ISC-Abu Dhabi opened in November 1978 in a temporary site and moved to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in September 2023. Current enrollment is 1600+ students representing 58 nationalities. The campus is located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Community
Community
The school fosters a multilingual community with Italian, English, and Arabic used in daily learning. A rich calendar of events and trips engages the broader school community throughout the year. The IIS Parent Group provides avenues for family involvement through Coffee Mornings, workshops, and theme days such as World Book Day, National Day, Culture Day, and Pink Day. The campus emphasizes partnerships and community connections to support student well-being and learning.
Community
The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) is the heart of the school and a pillar of the SABIS Educational System. SLO works hand in hand with staff to support student life. The school hosts a range of student events such as International Day, Talent Show, and Science Fair, as shown in its media gallery. The student body is diverse, with 58 nationalities represented.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school maintains an active Parent Group that functions as its PTA, with a formal policy and membership framework. Parents participate as partners in wider school life, contributing to events and supporting student learning. The PTA organizes and supports events such as Coffee Mornings, workshops, and theme days including World Book Day, National Day, Culture Day, and Pink Day. The PTA materials include a policy document and membership sections labeled \"IIS PTA POLICY\" and \"IIS PTA MEMBERS.\" The school encourages ongoing parent involvement to enrich learning and community well-being.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school is an IB World School delivering the IB curriculum. English is the language of instruction, and Italian language and culture are integrated into learning. Learning is multilingual, with Italian, English, and Arabic embedded across the curriculum.
Academic & intellectual
The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) at ISC-Abu Dhabi works hand in hand with the staff. SLO raises academic standards and promotes high social and moral values. It develops communication and management skills and involves students in organizing sports and aesthetic activities.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
Arts activities include music concerts and drama/choir performances. Ballet showcases and folk dances are featured in school events. Talent shows and other artistic performances are documented in the media gallery. Students participate in stage productions and music programs.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
A tri-lingual pathway is central to learning, with Italian, English, and Arabic coexisting in meaningful learning. Italian language and culture are integrated into the curriculum. Multilingual learning includes Italian, English, and Arabic embedded across learning.
Cultural & language
The school hosts events celebrating cultures and languages, including International Day and Cultural Day. Students participate in cultural activities such as folk dances and National Day celebrations. The media gallery shows International Day and Cultural Day.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
More than 20 extracurricular options are available. Chess Academy is a dedicated program. Swimming and diving classes are offered. Culinary programs and padel tennis are part of the school's sports and life-skills offerings.
Social & hobbies
Students participate in a wide range of clubs and recreational activities, including STEAM clubs, chess tournaments, spelling bees, and trivia games. The SABIS Global STEAM competition involves student teams competing across Choueifat schools. The media gallery features music concerts, talent shows, drama events, and other artistic activities that enrich student life.
Community & service
Community & service
The school maintains partnerships focused on community wellbeing and the success of future generations. The IIS Parent Group provides opportunities for parent involvement through events and workshops, including World Book Day, National Day, Culture Day, and Pink Day. The school emphasizes community engagement through partnerships.
Community & service
Students engage in environmental and community-service initiatives, including can collection campaigns for recycling. They participate in Go Green campaigns and tree-planting events. The school highlights these activities in the media gallery.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leaders Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders motivates students to develop leadership abilities. The school emphasizes holistic development and leadership as core elements of its approach to learning. A leadership transition occurred in January 2026 with a new principal joining the leadership team. The school aims to shape future leaders through its integrated IB framework.
Leadership & professional
Members of the SLO are appointed by the administration for their competence rather than elected by students. The SLO seeks to raise academic standards, promote social and moral values, develop personality, and cultivate communication and management skills. It also involves students in organizing sports and aesthetic activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Nutrition is a focus for optimal learning. Facilities include 21st-century classrooms and sports facilities, including indoor swimming pools and a padel tennis court. Swimming and diving classes are offered. Wellbeing and safeguarding are integrated into school life.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school supports student wellness through sport and physical activity, including sports days and athletic events. It participates in the SABIS Global Sports Tournament and the ADEK Cup as part of its sports program. The media gallery shows football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and other sports activities.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The school provides a tri-lingual pathway to cultural identity with Italian, English, and Arabic integrated into learning.
Language provision
The school uses English as the language of instruction. French is taught as a language (French Language and Culture) and is part of the curriculum. Arabic is taught as a language; Arabic is compulsory for all students from Grades 1 to 9; in Grades 10 to 12, Arabic is compulsory for Arab students and optional for non-Arab students. The SABIS curriculum includes English Language and Composition and French Language and Culture as exam subjects.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school has a tri-lingual learning environment with Italian, English, and Arabic embedded across learning.
