Compare Italian Curriculum International Schools in United arab emirates

Instructs in English, Italian

Ages 3 - 18 years

Fees AED 30,065 - 53,380

Pupils 225

Type Co-educational

Located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, Sama International School – formerly Italian International School – serves students aged 3 to 17. The campus is the founding site of Sama International Schools, part of expansion preserving its Italian identity. The school delivers an American Curriculum aligned with California/Common Core within the IB framework, taught in English and reinforced by a multilingual approach including Arabic and Italian. The Italian language department offers two pathways: Language A for mother-tongue Italian speakers and Language B for Italian learners; Language A enables Italian graduation through the IB Diploma Programme at higher or standard level. The IB continuum covers PYP and MYP, with the Career-related Programme as a candidate arriving 2026–2027, with final authorization planned for May 2026. Facilities include 100% smart classrooms and 21st-century learning spaces, plus culinary programs and sport academies. Extras include over 20 ECAs, such as Chess, Coding, Swimming, and Arts initiatives.

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.

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.

Type

Co-educational, day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.

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.

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.

Country affiliation

There is no formal country affiliation stated; the curriculum combines IB with Italian language and culture enrichment.

Religious affiliation

No religious affiliation is indicated.

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.

Bus service

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 — annual totals (after listed discounts)
- AED 30,065 — Preschool (special 30% discount applied).
- AED 40,120 — KG1.
- AED 40,120 — KG2.
- AED 44,115 — Grade 1.
- AED 44,115 — Grade 2.
- AED 44,115 — Grade 3.
- AED 44,115 — Grade 4.
- AED 44,115 — Grade 5.
- AED 48,535 — Grade 6.
- AED 48,535 — Grade 7.
- AED 48,535 — Grade 8.
- AED 48,535 — Grade 9.
- AED 53,380 — Grade 10.
- AED 53,380 — Grade 11.
- AED 53,380 — Grade 12.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

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.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through wellbeing provisions, including a designated school counsellor, Ms. Walaa Nasredin, and training for staff and students.

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.

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Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls

Instructs in English, Persian

Ages 4 - 18 years

Fees AED 8,960 - 19,197

Type Co-educational

Al Adab Iranian Private School for Girls is a private institution located behind Al-Bustan Center in Al Qusais 1, Dubai. It serves learners aged 4 to 18 and offers a range of curricula, including the IB Diploma Programme, American, Indian, Italian curricula, Cambridge IGCSE, and Cambridge Secondary. Although the name suggests a girls' school, the program notes indicate private provision for both boys and girls. The Iranian country affiliation informs language and cultural offerings, such as Persian/Farsi language classes for guest students. The campus provides facilities that support a variety of activities and learning environments. The school emphasizes international and bilingual programmes for the 4–18 age group, with the IBDP as a central pathway for higher education in different jurisdictions. Overall, the school combines exposure to multiple international curricula with Iranian cultural connections, positioned in a Dubai setting to meet diverse student needs. The school opens pathways to education abroad.

Location

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In the Al Qusais 1 area, behind the Al Bustan Center. The address is Adab Iranian Private School, Behind Al-Bustan Center, Al Qusais 1, Dubai, UAE.

Stages

KG-Grade 12

Type

Private, co-educational (for boys & girls)

Country affiliation

Iran

School day structure

Monday through Friday (7:15 am - 1:00 pm)

Application and enrolment fees

- Application (assessment) fee: AED 500.
- Enrolment fee: up to 10% of the tuition fee; non‑refundable and deductible from the first term fees.
- Re‑enrolment fee for existing students: up to 5% of the tuition fee or AED 500 (whichever is higher); non‑refundable and deductible from the first term fees.

Tuition and total fees by year group (Iranian section) — annual and per term

Note: the school issues fees per academic year. The school operates a three‑instalment billing pattern (example instalment dates shown in the registration form: 23 Aug, 1 Nov and 1 Feb); the per‑term figures below are the annual total divided by three to match that three‑payment schedule.

- KG1
- Tuition (school fee) per year: AED 8,960.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year (includes tuition, administration, health card, insurance, books and KG snack): AED 12,695. Per term: AED 4,232.

- KG2
- Tuition per year: AED 8,960.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 12,695. Per term: AED 4,232.

- Grade 1
- Tuition per year: AED 11,518.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 14,206. Per term: AED 4,735.

- Grade 2
- Tuition per year: AED 11,518.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 15,226. Per term: AED 5,075.

- Grade 3
- Tuition per year: AED 11,518.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 15,328. Per term: AED 5,109.

- Grade 4
- Tuition per year: AED 11,518.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 15,328. Per term: AED 5,109.

- Grade 5
- Tuition per year: AED 11,518.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 17,941. Per term: AED 5,980.

- Grade 6
- Tuition per year: AED 14,077.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 18,533. Per term: AED 6,178.

- Grade 7
- Tuition per year: AED 14,077.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 18,533. Per term: AED 6,178.

- Grade 8
- Tuition per year: AED 14,077.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 18,533. Per term: AED 6,178.

- Grade 9
- Tuition per year: AED 16,637.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 21,473. Per term: AED 7,158.

- Grade 10
- Tuition per year: AED 16,637.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 21,473. Per term: AED 7,158.

- Grade 11
- Tuition per year: AED 19,197.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 23,984. Per term: AED 7,995.

- Grade 12
- Tuition per year: AED 19,197.
- Total fees (Iranian section) per year: AED 23,984. Per term: AED 7,995.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school bills in three instalments during the academic year; the registration form shows a three‑payment schedule (example dates listed: 23 August, 1 November and 1 February). In the event of a returned cheque a penalty of AED 500 is charged and only cash will be accepted for the returned cheque. Parents must ensure sufficient funds for submitted cheques.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed for the Iranian section.

Other costs and optional fees

- Uniform: AED 150 to AED 500.
- Books: range shown AED 1,350 to AED 3,000 (KHDA range for required education supplies); the school's registration documentation lists book charges by section/grade as separate line items that are included in the total fees when applicable.
- Stationery: AED 100 to AED 250.
- Laptop / digital device: AED 500 to AED 1,800.
- School ID card replacement: AED 20 to AED 50.
- Optional services (examples and typical ranges): transport AED 5,500 to AED 7,000 (transport charges vary by route/area), extracurricular activities AED 1,200 to AED 6,000, medical AED 100 to AED 200, school trips AED 20 to AED 800, annual day AED 50 to AED 300, class photograph AED 100 to AED 500, club activities AED 100 to AED 1,000. Specific transport fees by area (as listed): Al‑Qusais AED 6,000; Deira AED 6,000; Bur Dubai AED 6,500; Dubai Marina AED 6,500; National City AED 6,500; Mirdif AED 6,500; Sharjah AED 6,500; Ajman AED 7,000.

Refunds and penalties

- Enrolment fees are non‑refundable. Re‑enrolment fees are non‑refundable (up to 5% of tuition or AED 500). A returned cheque is subject to a AED 500 charge and returned‑cheque payments thereafter must be made in cash.

Fee payment methods

- The school's registration form documents payment by cheque and references cash acceptance in the event of a returned cheque; the form includes the returned‑cheque penalty and instructions to keep sufficient funds. No credit card or bank‑transfer methods are specified in the published registration form or KHDA fact sheet. Only the payment methods shown in the school documentation should be relied on when preparing payment.

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Compare Italian Curriculum International Schools in United arab emirates

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Bus service

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Location

Stages

Type

Country affiliation

School day structure

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Filters

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Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

Brand

Preschool

Primary

Secondary

Pre-University

National Curriculums

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Language of instruction