Most popular international schools in United Arab Emirates

Brighton College Dubai is a British, co-educational day school located in Al Barsha South, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It delivers the Brighton College curriculum, derived from the National Curriculum for England: Early Years follow the EYFS, primary and prep follow the National Curriculum, and the Senior School prepares pupils for International GCSEs and A‑levels. The College serves FS1–Year 13 (ages 3–18). The language of instruction is English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; Arabic and Islamic Education are included in the programme and modern languages provision includes French from Year 1 with Spanish and German offered in later key stages. The campus (around 40,000 sq m / 42 acres) provides a 25‑metre swimming pool, indoor sports hall and gym, football and rugby pitches, tennis and padel courts, a 400m running track, design and science labs, music and drama studios and specialist art and ceramics spaces. The school runs an extensive co‑curricular programme, including the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, and has formal links with Brighton College UK.

Annual fees

AED 64,175 – 105,773

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

The Indian International School Dubai Silicon Oasis provides the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum from Kindergarten 1 through Grade 10. Located within the Dubai Silicon Oasis technology park, the campus features specialized physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, an indoor auditorium, a dedicated library, and outdoor sports grounds. A unique signature initiative at the school is the "Happy Home" program for early years, which utilizes structured play-based learning spaces specifically designed to ease young learners into the school environment. Students participate in regular co-curricular activities, including performing arts, ICT workshops, and language clubs teaching Arabic, Hindi, French, and Malayalam. The school operates an organized student bus network across Dubai to transport pupils to and from the campus. Classrooms are equipped with interactive digital boards to support daily instruction, creating a technologically integrated learning environment for all enrolled pupils.

Annual fees

AED 9,679 – 21,000

Ages

4 to 18 years

Curriculum

CBSE Curriculum

Summit International School in Abu Dhabi delivers the American Curriculum, strictly aligned with California Common Core standards, for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The downtown, four-building campus features a regulation football pitch, a multi-use gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a theater. Instruction replaces traditional textbooks with a 1:1 Chromebook learning model and utilizes Exact Path adaptive software to create individualized learning paths based on NWEA MAP assessment data. A unique hallmark of the school is its unified "Climber" identity. Students, parents, and staff are all referred to as Climbers ascending "Mount Summit," and daily interactions frequently incorporate the school’s signature call-and-response motto, "To the Top!" Students begin in co-educational classrooms until Grade 4, transitioning to gender-segregated instruction from Grade 5 onward. The school provides a technology-driven, data-informed environment focusing on individual student growth, robotics, and strong core subject foundations.

Annual fees

AED 23,000 – 38,126

Ages

4 to 18 years

Curriculum

American Curriculum

Al Nahda National Schools is a private English-medium day school in Abu Dhabi with separate Boys' and Girls' campuses for ages 4–18. Established in 1983, ANNS offers British and American Curricula, including Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, plus Advanced Placement. The British Program and American Program cover languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities, information technology, Islamic studies, physical education, music, drama and art. The school is licensed by ADEK and the UAE Ministry of Education and accredited by NEASC, CIS, ECIS, Cambridge International Examinations, Pearson-Edexcel, and the SAT Center. Examinations include IGCSEs, GCSEs and A-levels, alongside the BTEC suite. The SAT Center supports university admissions testing. With nearly 5,800 students, the school focuses on high-quality learning and global citizenship, while maintaining its two-campus, gender-segregated model. Extracurriculars feature sports, robotics, and debating, and the school's arts program integrates music, drama and art alongside National Day and Cultural Evenings. National Day celebrations foster cultural awareness.

Annual fees

AED 17,730 – 33,020

Ages

4 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum, American Curriculum

SABIS® International School – Al Bateen is a co-educational, English‑medium independent day school in the Al Bateen area of Abu Dhabi that is a member of the global SABIS® network. It follows the SABIS® Educational System and an international curriculum that, according to the school, prepares students for external examinations including British‑based IGCSEs and the U.S. Advanced Placement programme. The school serves early years through secondary levels (student ages on file: 3 to 16) with discrete sections for Pre‑KG/KG and Grades 1–12. Instruction is in English, with Arabic taught as part of the curriculum and provision for an additional world language of the student's choice; the secondary curriculum also includes traditional and non‑traditional subjects such as sciences, business studies, computing, robotics, 3D printing and web development. Campus facilities listed by the school include spacious classrooms, science and computer laboratories, music and art rooms, a library and cafeteria, a SABIS® Integrated Testing and Learning (ITL) Hall, dedicated KG facilities, and extensive sports facilities including a semi‑Olympic swimming pool and full‑size football pitch with running track.

Annual fees

AED 28,776 – 45,962

Ages

3 to 16 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum, American Curriculum

The Westminster School (GEMS) is a British-curriculum, co-educational day school in Al Qusais, Dubai, offering Foundation Stage through Sixth Form provision (FS1 to Year 13) for children aged 3 to 18. The school follows the National Curriculum for England and prepares students for IGCSE examinations and AS and A Level qualifications. English is stated as the language of instruction; the school also delivers the UAE-required Arabic and Islamic studies and offers additional modern language options. Campus facilities described on the school website include science laboratories, computer labs, a library, music room, clinic, outdoor track, basketball court and playground. The school is part of the GEMS Education group and is identified on its site as a Microsoft Showcase School; it also runs student initiatives such as TEDxYouth events and has published KHDA inspection information. All statements above are taken from the school's published materials and official KHDA/GEMS records.

Annual fees

AED 9,930 – 18,771

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

The Apple International Community School (AICS), part of the LEAMS Education group, is a private British-curriculum school based in Al Karama, Dubai. The school follows the Early Years Foundation Stage and the English National Curriculum and delivers Cambridge IGCSE courses in Key Stage 4. AICS publishes age-placement guidance beginning with FS1 (age 3) and progressing through Key Stages 1–4 (Years 1–11), with compulsory UAE Ministry subjects such as Arabic and, for Muslim pupils, Islamic Education; French and other elective subjects are listed in the KS4 options. English is the language of instruction. Published information highlights on-site facilities including an indoor swimming pool, football pitch, lawn tennis and badminton courts, a basketball court, dedicated music, drama and visual-arts rooms, and a library, and refers to a broad co-curricular programme. The school also notes governance by LEAMS Education and its pursuit of the WELL Health & Safety rating to verify post‑COVID health and safety measures.

Annual fees

AED 6,993 – 20,131

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

The American International School in Abu Dhabi (AISA) is an international K–12 school located on Street 29, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. AISA publishes that it delivers an American curriculum aligned to Common Core standards alongside International Baccalaureate programmes (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme), serving students from early years through Grade 12 (ages 4 to 18). The school states that English is the language of instruction, with Arabic, French, Spanish and Islamic Studies taught as additional language or curriculum subjects and an English Language Learning (ELL/ELL) programme to support learners. AISA describes campus facilities including science and technology laboratories, two libraries (over 20,000 books and e‑books), an athletic complex with a regulation grass soccer field, two swimming pools, indoor and outdoor basketball courts and two gymnasiums, and a BYOD policy for secondary students. The school also notes use of MAP assessments and holds international and US accreditations and UAE Ministry of Education approval.

Annual fees

AED 32,950 – 59,900

Ages

4 to 18 years

Curriculum

IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum

GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI) in Dubai Sports City offers the British Curriculum from Foundation Stage through Year 13. The 47,600-square-meter campus features specific zones designed for specialized learning, including artificial intelligence laboratories, a food technology lab equipped with 3D printers, and a dedicated Esports academy. Students also have access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a FIFA-standard football pitch, and a 600-seat auditorium for the performing arts. A distinctive feature of SRI is its integration of advanced technology into daily learning, alongside a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental contribution. Early years classes are capped at 16 students, ensuring highly personalized attention. The school provides a structured progression from early years to Sixth Form, combining standard English National Curriculum subjects with unique offerings like robotics and martial arts to cater to a wide range of student interests and future career paths.

Annual fees

AED 92,800 – 161,000

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)

GEMS Winchester School – Abu Dhabi is a British-curriculum day school in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, offering the National Curriculum for England from Foundation Stage 2 through Year 9 and serving ages 4–14. The school implements the English National Curriculum (EYFS in FS2; Key Stages 1–3) and publishes provision for English alongside Ministry of Education subjects: Arabic (taught as both first and second language), UAE social studies and Islamic education per local requirements. The campus comprises a ground plus two-storey building and facilities listed on the school site include Wi‑Fi‑enabled classrooms with projectors and interactive whiteboards, an air‑conditioned multi‑purpose sports hall, a small outdoor sports field and shaded quad, an auditorium, music and art rooms, science laboratories, a computer laboratory plus laptops and iPads, a library, covered Foundation play areas, an on‑site clinic with full‑time nurses, school transport, canteen and school store. The school also highlights whole‑school approaches such as “Perform Like a GEM” and “Read Like a GEM” and cites an ADEK inspection rating of "Very Good".

Annual fees

AED 19,950 – 27,290

Ages

4 to 14 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

Abu Dhabi International School (AIS) operates across two campuses, the Abu Dhabi Campus at 121 Hadfah St, Al Manhal, and the MBZ Campus in Mohamed Bin Zayed City. Catering to students aged 3 to 18, AIS delivers three curricula under one private, coeducational K-12 umbrella: the British Program (IGCSE and A Levels) at the Abu Dhabi Campus; the American Program with Advanced Placement (AP) at the MBZ Campus; and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) also at MBZ for grades 11–12. The American track aligns English and Math with the Common Core, Science with NGSS, and Arabic with UAE Ministry standards. The High School offers Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Economics & Business, and Liberal Arts tracks. Facilities span two campuses with libraries, theatres, laboratories, and sports grounds, plus spaces for co-curricular activities. AIS fosters nationalities (about 60) and a spectrum of clubs in science, arts, sports, service, and sustainability.

Annual fees

AED 26,275 – 50,350

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum

Lycée Français International Théodore Monod (LFITM) is a French international day school on Saadiyat (Al Dhiba) in Abu Dhabi offering education from maternelle through lycée; the school's admissions policy specifies nursery entry from age two and secondary through terminale (ages up to 18). LFITM follows the French national curriculum while operating a bilingual track developed with École Jeannine‑Manuel that integrates Anglo‑Saxon methods and prepares bilingual students for IGCSE (Cambridge) and the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI); the school is also a British Council partner and an IELTS test centre. Instruction is primarily in French, with reinforced English and Arabic from kindergarten and additional language options (Mandarin, Spanish or German) offered from 5ème. The Saadiyat campus occupies about 34,000 m² and includes science laboratories, an auditorium, a swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasia, cafeterias and a daycare; the brochure also describes a connected campus with iPad provision from CM1 and programmes in robotics and engineering.

Annual fees

AED 33,490 – 55,466

Ages

2 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum, French Curriculum

The Oxford School, part of the LEAMS Education group, is a British-curriculum day school in Muhaisnah 4, Al Qusais, Dubai, serving children aged 3 to 18 (Foundation to Post‑16). The school follows the English National Curriculum from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 5 and prepares students for Cambridge IGCSEs and Pearson Edexcel/Cambridge post‑16 qualifications. English is used as the medium for study; Arabic is taught in separate streams (Arabic A and Arabic B), French and Urdu are offered, and Islamic education is compulsory for Muslim students from Year 2 to Year 13. The school describes classroom provision that includes designated investigation areas, indoor and outdoor early‑years learning spaces and reading areas, a library and ICT provision (the site lists Microsoft Education among partners), and a secure covered bike rack at the front of the school. The programme emphasises a skills‑based curriculum adapted to UAE requirements, integration of Islamic values and Emirati culture, external accreditation as a Cambridge and Edexcel centre, and an inclusion policy for students of determination.

Annual fees

AED 11,856 – 20,128

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

ABC Private School is a private all-through British-curriculum school in Al Shamkha City, Abu Dhabi (1st Street, Sector SH22, Plot 8). The school follows the National Curriculum of England and states it provides education from Foundation stage through secondary (ages 3–18). English is the language of instruction for all subjects; the school says native English-speaking teachers deliver the curriculum while Arabic staff teach Arabic, Islamic education and UAE social studies. The campus is described as a recently built two-storey complex with classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors and computers, multiple canteens and dedicated library, ICT and science laboratories; the school also reports three on-site clinics. Extra-curricular provision includes sports and clubs such as football and basketball and a programme of student activities. The school's website also notes it was rated “Good” in ADEK's 2023 inspection.

Annual fees

AED 18,800 – 27,500

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

Noya British School, located in the Noya Community on Yas Island, offers the English National Curriculum for students from FS1 to Year 9. The campus accommodates up to 3,000 learners, featuring dedicated performing arts spaces and extensive sports grounds. Students follow a thematic learning approach that connects core subjects to real-world global issues. The school is deeply committed to environmental responsibility and operates as a sustainability-focused campus with initiatives tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, guided by a dedicated Sustainability coordinator. Families benefit from wrap-around care available from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm and an extra-curricular program delivered with Infinite Sports, featuring robotics, rugby, and ballet. High Performance Learning principles are integrated into daily lessons, developing cognitive characteristics like resilience. Core academics are complemented by specialist instruction in physical education, music, and drama, ensuring varied opportunities for student engagement and personal development.

Annual fees

AED 28,000 – 43,000

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

GEMS Cambridge International School – Abu Dhabi is an all‑through British‑curriculum school in Baniyas, Abu Dhabi, serving Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13 (approximately ages 3–18). The school follows the National Curriculum for England and prepares students for Cambridge IGCSEs and A‑level qualifications, and describes a High Performance Learning approach across phases. Instruction is delivered through English with dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) and multilingual provision; Arabic is taught as a core subject (Arabic A and B) and a modern foreign language (for example French) is offered in the secondary phase. Campus facilities listed on the school website include nine science laboratories, seven ICT suites, libraries, art and music studios, a radio studio, a Sixth Form centre, a 25m swimming pool and beginner pool, cricket nets, playing fields and a full‑size astroturf pitch, together with drama and media spaces. The school also runs organised pupil activities such as CIAMUN (its Model United Nations programme).

Annual fees

AED 23,060 – 40,340

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum

Founded in 1982, Fujairah Private Academy is a fee-paying, co-educational day school serving students aged 4 to 18. Owned by the Government of Fujairah under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, it is unique for its student body comprising 85% UAE nationals who receive a British education in a bilingual setting. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, preparing pupils for Cambridge and Edexcel GCSE, AS, and A2 level examinations, alongside the Thanawa Ama equivalency. For primary students, the school uses the specialized 'Read Write Inc.' literacy program. French is introduced as a mandatory subject from Year 4 onwards. Campus physical amenities include a swimming pool, a separate training pool, a multi-purpose sports hall, football pitches, and basketball courts. Instruction is delivered in English by qualified teachers, the majority of whom are British-trained, while Arabic staff conduct dedicated Arabic and Islamic Studies lessons.

Annual fees

AED 23,850 – 42,000

Ages

4 to 18 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

GEMS United Indian School, Abu Dhabi is an Indian-curriculum day school on 42nd Street in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, operated as part of the GEMS Education family. The school follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE/NCERT) curriculum delivered through English-medium instruction and provides education from Pre-KG/KG levels through Grade XII (serving ages 3 to 18). The curriculum emphasises inquiry-based and project-based learning, uses digital resources for teacher–student collaboration, and includes UAE culture and heritage in its programme. Languages taught include Arabic (taught across the school and compulsory in Grades IX and X, with Islamic Studies examinations for Muslim students) and optional languages such as Hindi, Malayalam and French. Senior secondary (Grades XI–XII) is organised into Science, Commerce and Humanities streams with a range of subject options. Notable campus facilities listed by the school include separate libraries for younger and older students, five ICT/computer suites, well‑equipped Physics/Chemistry/Biology laboratories, a gender‑specific clinic with a nurse, an air‑conditioned sports complex, an Astro‑turf football pitch and multiple basketball courts, a multipurpose hall and dedicated music and studio spaces.

Annual fees

AED 10,420 – 20,700

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

Indian Curriculum

International Indian School – Abu Dhabi is a co-educational Pre‑K–12 school located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, serving children from around age 3 to 18. The school operates a mixed curriculum model: UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in Kindergarten, a tailor‑made international curriculum in Primary and Middle years, and the Indian national curriculum (CBSE) in Secondary and Senior Secondary (Grade 9–12), with students sitting CBSE board examinations. English is stated as the language of instruction for core subjects; the school also delivers formal Arabic provision and lists specialist teachers for Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu and Arabic (including Arabic for non‑Arabs). Facilities published by the school include a resource centre, science laboratories, AI & robotics provision, technology‑enabled classrooms, a sports complex, auditorium and cafeteria. Distinctive elements the school cites are an AI & Robotics‑integrated, enquiry‑and skill‑focused curriculum, Robotics/AI as a taught subject and participation in international benchmarking assessments (eg. ASSET, CAT4, IBT).

Annual fees

AED 12,200 – 17,200

Ages

3 to 18 years

Curriculum

Indian Curriculum

Woodlem British School is a British-curriculum day school located in Al Hamidiya 1, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, serving children aged 4 to 16. The school delivers Cambridge programmes in EYFS, Primary and Lower Secondary and follows Edexcel in its upper-secondary programme, while also offering the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) curriculum alongside these international routes. English is taught as a core subject and the admissions guidance requires basic English proficiency; Arabic instruction begins in FS2 as part of the MOE provision and French is offered in secondary years. The school publishes a focus on STEM, sustainability and robotics and operates dedicated STEM laboratories and a robotics & technology hub; other facilities include modern classrooms with educational technology, a library and resource centre, creative arts and music studios, sports and recreation facilities (multi‑purpose gymnasium, football and basketball areas) and a wellness and counselling centre. The MOE page also describes an Emiratisation identity programme and MOE subjects (Arabic, Islamic studies and Moral Education) as part of compliance with national requirements.

Annual fees

AED 13,380 – 19,990

Ages

4 to 16 years

Curriculum

British Curriculum