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Al Dhafra Private School

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 28,700 - 51,180
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2800
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, American Curriculum
Typical class size 20
Introduction

Al Dhafra Private School (Abu Dhabi) is an American-curriculum K–12 school located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi (P.O. Box ME09). It serves Pre‑KG through Grade 12 (ages 3–18) and follows an integrated American programme with a range of electives and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. English is the medium of instruction for all subjects except Arabic Social Studies, Arabic Language and Islamic Education, which are taught in Arabic in line with UAE Ministry of Education requirements. The school publishes curriculum guides for primary and secondary phases, operates as an authorised College Board testing centre and highlights a school-wide digital strategy that includes a Chromebook programme. Student support services listed on the site include a school clinic and university and career guidance. The wider Al Dhafra group also operates other campuses offering UK and US curricula across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Mohammed Bin Zayed City, ME9, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Al Dhafra Private School has 2,800 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Al Dhafra Private Schools – Abu Dhabi is located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ City), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus is positioned in MBZ City along the local streets and is accessible by car; nearby public transit serves the area. Public bus routes 930 and 970 stop within walking distance of the campus at nearby streets such as Khaled Ibn Sultan Street and Zayed Al Awwal Street.

Stages
The Abu Dhabi campus operates from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. School phases are: Kindergarten (Pre-KG to KG2), Elementary (Grade 1–5), Middle School (Grade 6–8), and High School (Grade 9–12).

Type
The school is private and co-educational; from Middle School onward, boys and girls are taught in separate classes.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The school serves a diverse international student body, with more than 1,300 students across KG to Grade 12 reported for the Abu Dhabi campus. Publicly available data do not publish a detailed breakdown of nationalities or the local-to-international student ratio.

Additional learning support
A School Clinic system operates with three clinics (main clinic for primary and female secondary, a male clinic for Grade 6–12 boys, and a KG clinic) staffed by registered nurses and a visiting DOH- Abu Dhabi doctor. Public information does not specify a dedicated SEN program; families should inquire for details on additional learning support.

Country affiliation
The school offers an American Curriculum at the Abu Dhabi campus, with UK and/or US curriculum options available across campuses.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated.

School day structure
Regular days begin around 7:30–7:50 AM with an assembly. Pre-KG to KG2 dismissal is around 1:00 PM; Elementary and Secondary dismissal is around 2:15 PM on regular days. Fridays operate on a half-day schedule with earlier dismissal.

Bus service
A school bus service is available, with annual fees typically in the range of AED 4,000 to AED 4,500 depending on the route. The service is provided for student travel and routes are established through the school's transportation arrangements.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required for all students at Al Dhafra Private Schools. The Abu Dhabi campus outlines that every student must wear the DPS uniform in school and at school events, with the PE kit worn on PE days. Uniforms vary by level, from KG through to Year 12, and there are four House colours (see below) that can affect dress for house events. Uniforms can be purchased via the school's Online Store. Houses: Falcons (Blue), Camels (Green), Stallions (Red), Scorpions (Yellow).

Food Options
The Al Ain campus provides an on-site canteen with a 2024–2025 menu listing items such as Cheese Manakish, Zatar Manakish, Chicken Burger, Chicken Fillet Sandwich, and various snacks and drinks. Prices are shown on the menu, including beverages like water and juice. This indicates hot meals and snacks are available on site.

House System
The Abu Dhabi campus uses a four-house system: Falcons (Blue), Camels (Green), Stallions (Red), and Scorpions (Yellow). House groups participate in house-related activities and events as part of student life.

Governance and Ownership
The group is governed by a Board of Trustees (Board of Trusties). The chairman is Mr. Sultan Al Hameli and the vice chairman is Mr. Ahmed Sultan Al Hameli; the board includes school principals (Roger Mcduff and David Evans) as part of the governance structure. The Al Dhafra family founded and continues to grow the Al Dhafra Private Schools group, which operates multiple campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including Al Dhafra Private Schools – Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra Private Academy.
Fees

Annual tuition at Al Dhafra Private School ranges from AED 28,700 to AED 51,180 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fees

- A registration (re‑registration) deposit is charged to confirm a place and is deductible from the annual tuition. The registration/re‑registration amount is set at up to 5% of the annual tuition fee.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)

The school charges tuition per academic year. Fees are commonly collected in a minimum of three instalments; the per‑term figures below show each annual tuition divided into three equal instalments for clarity.

- PREKG: AED 24,000 per year (AED 8,000.00 per term).
- KG1: AED 25,520 per year (AED 8,506.67 per term).
- KG2: AED 27,780 per year (AED 9,260.00 per term).
- Grade 1: AED 30,040 per year (AED 10,013.33 per term).
- Grade 2: AED 30,040 per year (AED 10,013.33 per term).
- Grade 3: AED 30,040 per year (AED 10,013.33 per term).
- Grade 4: AED 30,040 per year (AED 10,013.33 per term).
- Grade 5: AED 37,040 per year (AED 12,346.67 per term).
- Grade 6: AED 37,040 per year (AED 12,346.67 per term).
- Grade 7: AED 38,170 per year (AED 12,723.33 per term).
- Grade 8: AED 38,170 per year (AED 12,723.33 per term).
- Grade 9: AED 40,540 per year (AED 13,513.33 per term).
- Grade 10: AED 41,570 per year (AED 13,856.67 per term).
- Grade 11: AED 42,800 per year (AED 14,266.67 per term).
- Grade 12: AED 43,930 per year (AED 14,643.33 per term).

These tuition figures are the school's approved fee amounts and appear in the school's published fee schedule. Per‑term amounts above are annual divided by three to reflect the standard three‑instalment billing structure.

Mandatory and additional charges

- Books and learning resources: charged in addition to tuition; amounts vary by grade (examples range from around AED 1,000 in early years up to AED 3,300–3,500 in senior grades).
- Transportation (bus): a single annual bus charge is applied where used (the school's published figure for transport is AED 4,950 for the Abu Dhabi campus; other breakdowns commonly show a range of AED 4,000–5,000 depending on route and grade).
- Uniform: a one‑off uniform cost is charged (typical ranges shown are AED 90–120).
- External/exam fees and other course‑specific charges: charged separately where applicable (for example, board/entrance/exam fees for college‑board or external exam sessions).

These ancillary charges are billed in addition to the tuition line and vary by grade and by service selected.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Fees are payable in a minimum of three instalments per academic year. Typical instalment timing is: first instalment at registration or at the start of the first term (August/September), second instalment in December, and third instalment in March. Instalment timing and exact due dates follow the school's published fee calendar.
- The registration/re‑registration deposit is deductible from the tuition and is normally applied against the final instalment (the school adjusts the registration deposit into the tuition schedule).
- The school follows the private school policy guidance on instalments and deposits; instalment proportions and any alternative payment plans (for example monthly plans where offered) are subject to the school's accounts office terms.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. Al Dhafra Private Schools operate as day schools and do not publish boarding charges.

Other one‑off or recurring costs

- Application or assessment fees: small one‑time application/assessment fees may be required when applying (amounts and whether these are refundable depend on the school's admissions procedures).
- Re‑registration fees: charged annually to hold a place for the following academic year and are deductible from that year's tuition (subject to the 5% rule above).
- Activity, co‑curricular and remedial fees: charges for optional activities, clubs, and certain intervention programmes are additional.
- Insurance/medical and consumables: occasional charges may apply for insurance, trips, or consumable materials.

These additional costs vary by student choices and grade and are billed as applicable.

Refund information

- The registration/re‑registration deposit is deductible from tuition. The school follows the regulator's rules on refunds; registration/re‑registration deposits are generally non‑refundable except in limited circumstances allowed under the regulator's guidance (for example approved relocation or other extenuating cases). If a refund is required, the school applies the regulatory refund calculation rules for tuition already paid and for the period of enrolment.

Fee payment options and payment administration

- Accepted payment methods include bank transfer (wire), cash payment at the accounts office, credit/debit card payments at the school payment counter, and post‑dated cheques submitted to cover later instalments.
- Returned cheque penalties and bank charges apply if a cheque is dishonoured; a returned‑cheque administrative fee commonly published is AED 250.
- Receipts are issued for every payment; the accounts office provides bank account details and invoice breakdowns on request. Late payment may attract penalties in line with the school's accounts policies.

Notes and practical points for parents

- Registration deposit: expect to pay a deposit equal to up to 5% of the annual tuition to secure a place; that amount will normally be deducted from the annual tuition.
- Instalments: plan for three instalments across the academic year (first instalment at registration/start of term, second in December, third in March).
- Ancillary costs (books, bus, uniform, exams) are charged separately and should be budgeted on top of the tuition figures listed above.

(Referenced sources used for the fee figures and terms: the Al Dhafra Abu Dhabi and Al Ain school fee schedules and ADEK/AUH approved fee schedule documents, plus recent independent school‑guide summaries.)
Academics

Al Dhafra Private School teaches British Curriculum, American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The Al Dhafra Private Schools offer a UK and/or US curriculum across campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with English as the primary language of instruction. Arabic-language subjects, including Islamic Studies, UAE Social Studies, and Arabic language, are taught in Arabic in accordance with UAE Ministry of Education guidelines. The schools serve students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with the MBZ City campus explicitly listing KG to Grade 12. In upper grades, Advanced Placement courses are offered to provide college-level study options, and standardized testing such as SAT and TOEFL is supported to aid university admissions. Curriculum enhancements emphasize STEM and robotics, with digital learning and a 1:1 device program from Grade 3 onward.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Al Dhafra Private Schools emphasise developing the whole child with a focus on personal development and wellbeing. The school describes its learning culture as centered on high expectations and empowering students to become internationally-minded global citizens. Guidance counselling provides proactive, individualized support for middle and high school students to assist educational and career decisions. The Career and University Guidance program aims to help students identify interests, strengths, and location requirements so they can pursue suitable pathways. Wellbeing is positioned as a core element of learning, reflecting the school's stated priorities.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Abu Dhabi campus lists a Special Educational Needs framework via an Inclusion Policy and related policy documents under School Policies. It also includes a Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding and Wellbeing Policy as part of its safeguarding framework. A School Clinic is staffed by registered nurses and a visiting DOH- Abu Dhabi–licensed doctor to address health needs. Publicly accessible pages do not indicate a dedicated SEN unit or a specialist SEN facility, and the school is not described as a specialist SEN institution. Details of SEN provision beyond these policy references are not publicly disclosed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the medium of instruction for all courses, with Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Arabic Social Studies taught in Arabic as required by the UAE Ministry of Education. Public pages do not indicate a separate EAL program or dedicated EAL staff. Therefore, information about explicit EAL provision is not publicly disclosed.

Mental Wellbeing
The school places wellbeing at the center of learning and highlights personal development alongside academic achievement. Student health support is provided by a School Clinic staffed with registered nurses and a visiting Doctor licensed with DOH Abu Dhabi, with preventive health campaigns conducted in collaboration with health partners. Guidance counsellors offer proactive, individualized support for middle and high school students on educational and career decisions, contributing to students' sense of direction and wellbeing. The combination of health services and counseling indicates a holistic approach to student wellbeing.

Safeguarding
The school policies page lists a Safeguarding and Wellbeing Policy and a Child Protection Policy as part of its safeguarding framework. These policies indicate formal safeguarding and child-protection provisions are in place. The linked policy documents are hosted on external platforms (Google Drive), and the content requires access credentials beyond public view. The existence of these policies demonstrates the school's commitment to safeguarding and student protection.
Parent Experience

History
Al Dhafra Private Schools opened its first school in Abu Dhabi in 1983. The group expanded to Al Ain in 1989 with a second school, and later added a third school in Al Ain along with a nursery to provide early years learning experiences. The Al Dhafra family guides the organisation through a board of trustees and a leadership team. Across campuses, Al Dhafra offers UK and/or US curricula and emphasizes a trusting, supportive school community that places students at the centre of learning and aims to develop personal responsibility, self-discipline, and independent thinking. The schools are aimed at producing internationally-minded global citizens prepared for a changing world.

Community
The school community is described as trusting and supportive, with students placed at the centre of learning and empowered to succeed within a culture of high expectations. Leadership emphasises the development of personal responsibility and self-discipline to foster independent and innovative thinking. The school promotes collaboration among students, parents, and the wider community as part of its mission and governance. Graduates are prepared to be internationally-minded global citizens in a changing world.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Al Dhafra Private Schools Abu Dhabi is a high-performing Pre-K to 12 American Curriculum school. It operates across Kindergarten (Pre-KG to KG2), Elementary (Grade 1–5), Middle School (Grade 6–8), and High School (Grade 9–12). English is the medium of instruction for all courses, with Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Arabic Social Studies taught in Arabic as required by the UAE Ministry of Education. The curriculum includes a broad range of electives and AP courses. The campus integrates digital learning as part of its strategy, including a Chromebook program, and provides health services through a staffed school clinic network.

Sports Facilities
The Abu Dhabi campus provides an extracurricular sports program through its Sports Club/After School Activities. The program includes sports and supports interschool competitions as part of student life. The Al Ain site (within the same school network) lists Sports Club/After School Activities as including sports and other activities such as school trips, environmental clubs, art exhibitions, science fairs, music classes, and more.

Academic Facilities
English is the medium of instruction for all courses, with Arabic studies taught in Arabic per MOE guidelines. The curriculum is modeled on an integrated American system and includes electives and AP courses. The program covers Kindergarten through Grade 12, with subjects such as Islamic Education, Arabic Language, English Language, Mathematics, Science, Information Technology, and other electives. The school emphasizes digital learning and has a Chromebook-related component as part of its technology strategy.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular life includes a Sports Club/After School Activities program and a range of activities such as school trips, sports, interschool competitions, Environmental Club, Art Exhibition, Science Fair, Annual Concerts/Prize Giving Ceremony, Graduation, Book Fair, and Music Classes.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Translate Arabic content found on the site:
- Heading: "التميّز والقيم" → "Excellence and Values".
Paragraph: "نحن في الظفرة نؤمن بتطوير الطالب من جميع النواحي، مع التركيز على التّميز الأكاديمي والتنمية الشخصية والرفاهية. نحن نقدّم لطلابنا فرصًا توفر لهم ميزة كبيرة عند البحث عن أماكن في الجامعة. سيصبح الطلاب الملتحقون بمدارس الظفرة الخاصة مواطنين عالميين ذا عقلية عالمية، حيث يقومون بمعالجة المهارات والشخصية لتزدهر في عالم مليء بالتحديات والمتغيرات." → "We at Al Dhafra believe in developing the student in all aspects, with a focus on academic excellence, personal development, and wellbeing. We provide our students with opportunities that give them a significant advantage when seeking places at universities. The students enrolled at Al Dhafra Private Schools will become globally minded citizens with a global mindset, where they develop skills and character to thrive in a world full of challenges and changes."
Languages

Language Provision
English is the medium of instruction for all courses except for Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Arabic Social Studies, which are taught in Arabic as stipulated by the UAE Ministry of Education. Moral Education is taught in Arabic.
School Events
The school has not added events
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