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Amity International School Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 47,000 - 66,220
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1208
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Introduction

Amity International School Abu Dhabi is a 3–18 international day school in Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, that follows an adapted version of the English National (British) curriculum from Foundation Stage through Sixth Form. English is the language of instruction for the majority of subjects; Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and some Ministry-mandated social‑studies subjects are taught in Arabic, and the school offers modern foreign languages (including French, Spanish and German) alongside Arabic. The school publishes comprehensive EAL provision, including a Total Early Immersion model in the Foundation Stage and tailored EAL support through to secondary. Post‑16 options include A‑Levels and vocational BTEC programmes alongside a bespoke Sixth Form enrichment pathway (the Amity Horizons Programme and Mini MBA). Campus facilities listed on the school site include a 540‑seat auditorium, Olympic (50m) and junior pools, a full‑size football pitch, 400m running track, indoor sports hall, sailing/watersports academy, multiple science laboratories, performing‑arts studios (Black Box Theatre, dance studio) and dedicated art, design and IT suites.

E10, Exit 39, Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

Amity International School Abu Dhabi has 1,208 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location

The Amity International School Abu Dhabi campus is located in the Al Bahya area, Al Bahya E10, Exit 39, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The bay‑side site sits by the Arabian Gulf with views of water and mangroves, and is near Al Raha Beach. Yas Island is in proximity to the campus, with local access via major roads and surrounding communities.

Stages

Lower Primary (Nursery–Y2); Upper Primary (Y3–Y6); Secondary (Y7–Y11); Sixth Form (Y12–Y13); and the Amity Mini MBA offering a post‑16 pathway.

Type

The school is co‑educational and serves both boys and girls. It operates as a premium British‑curriculum international school with a broad, multi‑level structure across the Foundation Stage to Sixth Form.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The student body is highly diverse, representing around 80 nationalities. Emirati participation is reported in the low‑to‑mid range (commonly cited around 20–30% of pupils, with exact figures varying by year); the remainder are international students from the UK, India, the USA and other countries.

Additional learning support

The Inclusion/Individual Support provision offers tailored support for pupils with additional needs. The Inclusion Team works in groups or one‑to‑one, creates and reviews individual education plans, and collaborates with parents and external professionals; the school follows the UK Special Education Needs and Disability Code of Practice (2014).

Country affiliation

British curriculum affiliation. The school follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales and prepares students for GCSE/IGCSE and A Levels.

Religious affiliation

Religious affiliation is not stated; the school emphasises an inclusive, diverse environment.

School day structure

The school day generally runs Sunday to Thursday with morning start times around 7:30 am and a formal end around 4:30 pm; Friday is a shorter day (closing earlier in the day). Admissions and on‑site hours reflect morning through late afternoon patterns typical of UAE private schools.

Bus service

Bright Bus Transport (BBT) provides the school bus service with multiple routes across Abu Dhabi. BBT is ISO‑accredited; bus staff are trained in safety, and routes/availability can be checked with the supervisor. Registration is via the School Bus Registration Form, with contact details provided for route information and fees (Term 1: AED 2000; Term 2: AED 1500; Term 3: AED 1500; Whole Year: AED 5000).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

All pupils must wear the school uniform in accordance with their year group. The uniform shop is on the first floor above the main reception; uniforms can also be ordered online via the Sumeru Online Shop with home delivery. A single uniform set costs about AED 500 for Nursery to Year 5 and AED 600 for Year 6 onwards.

House System

Amity operates a four‑house system: Murabba, Hosn, Jahili and Mezyad. Each House has form representatives and House captains that form the School Council, which meets fortnightly. Regular House competitions include swimming galas and Sports Day, with trophies awarded at year‑end.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by a Board of Governors that provides strategic leadership, accountability and oversight in line with UAE regulations. The Board uses sub-committees for Education and Pastoral Care, Finance and People Governance, with termly meetings to review performance. The Governing Body is led by Chairman Dr. Vajahat Hussain and Deputy Chair His Excellency Dr. Saif Al Seiari, and the school sits within the Amity Education Group network.
Fees

Annual tuition at Amity International School Abu Dhabi ranges from AED 47,000 to AED 66,220 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (amounts in AED)

- FS1: Annual AED 47,000 — Term 1 AED 18,800; Term 2 AED 14,100; Term 3 AED 14,100.
- FS2: Annual AED 48,360 — Term 1 AED 19,344; Term 2 AED 14,508; Term 3 AED 14,508.
- Year 1: Annual AED 51,270 — Term 1 AED 20,508; Term 2 AED 15,381; Term 3 AED 15,381.
- Year 2: Annual AED 51,270 — Term 1 AED 20,508; Term 2 AED 15,381; Term 3 AED 15,381.
- Year 3: Annual AED 55,280 — Term 1 AED 22,112; Term 2 AED 16,584; Term 3 AED 16,584.
- Year 4: Annual AED 55,280 — Term 1 AED 22,112; Term 2 AED 16,584; Term 3 AED 16,584.
- Year 5: Annual AED 55,280 — Term 1 AED 22,112; Term 2 AED 16,584; Term 3 AED 16,584.
- Year 6: Annual AED 55,280 — Term 1 AED 22,112; Term 2 AED 16,584; Term 3 AED 16,584.
- Year 7: Annual AED 59,860 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,958; Term 3 AED 17,958.
- Year 8: Annual AED 59,860 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,958; Term 3 AED 17,958.
- Year 9: Annual AED 59,860 — Term 1 AED 23,944; Term 2 AED 17,958; Term 3 AED 17,958.
- Year 10: Annual AED 66,220 — Term 1 AED 26,488; Term 2 AED 19,866; Term 3 AED 19,866.
- Year 11: Annual AED 66,220 — Term 1 AED 26,488; Term 2 AED 19,866; Term 3 AED 19,866.
- Year 12: Annual AED 66,220 — Term 1 AED 26,488; Term 2 AED 19,866; Term 3 AED 19,866.
- Year 13: Annual AED 66,220 — Term 1 AED 26,488; Term 2 AED 19,866; Term 3 AED 19,866.

(Annual and per-term amounts above follow the school's published fee schedule.)

Application, acceptance and registration fees

- A non-refundable acceptance deposit of AED 2,000 is payable within seven days of an offer to secure a place; this acceptance deposit is adjusted against Term 3 school fees if parents choose to pay termly. The acceptance deposit is neither refundable nor transferable.
- An application fee is required at the application stage and is paid via the school payment portal; the application fee is non-refundable (amount not published in the public admissions notes).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoices are issued approximately one month before term start. Tuition fees are due on or before five working days before the start of each term; if a student enrols mid-year, fees are charged pro rata and must be settled as soon as the place is accepted and the student is ready to start.
- Standard payment milestones referenced in the fee policy (illustrative payment dates used historically in the policy appendix): deposit AED 2,000 by mid-May; full-year payment deadline with available early-bird discount by end of June; Term 1 fee due in mid-August; Term 2 fee due in late December. Specific dates and deadlines are notified by the school at the start of each year.
- Discounts available: sibling discount (5% from the second child onwards), early-bird discount (5% when full tuition is paid by the published early-bird deadline), and an Etihad discount (10%, not combinable with other discounts).
- Non-payment consequences: failure to pay may lead to withdrawal of the place, withholding of reports/certificates and suspension until dues are cleared; the school issues reminders before taking action. A minimum of the first term's tuition must be paid prior to the start of the academic year.

Boarding fees

- There is no boarding provision; boarding fees are not applicable. The school operates as a day school with the facilities and services described for Foundation, Primary and Secondary phases.

Other costs and third-party charges

- Uniforms: charged separately; uniform supply is provided by a third-party uniform provider (Sumeru).
- Transport: school transport is provided by a third-party operator (Bright Bus Services) and is charged separately under terms agreed directly with the transport provider.
- Catering / lunches: optional, provided by a third-party caterer (Emirates Taste Catering Service Food); not included in tuition fees.
- External examinations: board/exam entry fees are charged separately; there is an administrative charge of AED 70.00 per paper for examination processing. Payment for exams is invoiced according to subjects chosen.
- Co-curricular activities, trips and extra-curricular providers: charged at cost when third-party providers are used; parents are invoiced separately for trips and activities.
- Devices, textbooks and materials: the school operates a BYOD policy and states there are no additional charges for textbooks and materials; parents should budget separately for any optional device purchase or third-party activity charges.

Refund information and withdrawal rules

- Refund processing: refunds are processed only after receipt of a completed, signed withdrawal form and supporting documents; refund processing takes a minimum of 30 working days from receipt of complete documentation.
- Retention schedule where a student has attended part of a term: if attendance is within the first week and the school was not informed by the published deadline, the school may retain registration fees; if the student attended between one and three weeks the school retains one month's tuition; attendance of more than three and up to six weeks results in retention of two months' tuition; attendance beyond six weeks results in retention of the full term fee.
- Re-enrolment / re-enrolment deposit: a re-enrolment deposit of AED 2,000 is payable during the third term to hold a place for the following year; this deposit is adjusted against Term 3 tuition of the following year. Refunds of re-enrolment and enrollment fees are only made if the school fails to enrol the student due to capacity or an ADEK-approved inability to accommodate, or where parents provide written notice in the timeframes set by the school.

Fee payment options and bank details (payment methods accepted)

- Accepted payment methods: Skiply application (Debit/Credit Card including AMEX), cash deposit/payment, bank transfer, online payment portal, and in-person payments at the school finance office by cash, cheque (UAE Dirhams only) or credit card during working hours. All transactions are in UAE Dirhams; senders must accept bank and foreign-exchange charges.
- Bank transfer details (bank details published for school payments): Bank Name: Emirates Islamic Bank (P.J.S.C); Account Holder: AMITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LLC; Account Number: 3708436082613; Sort Code: MEBLAEAD; IBAN: AE550340003708436082613. Ensure payer details include pupil name and/or pupil code when making transfers.

Notes on examinations, materials and optional charges

- External exam entry costs (other than mandatory standardised assessments explicitly referenced in the assessment policy) are the parents' responsibility and are invoiced separately; an admin charge of AED 70 per paper applies. Trips, catering and some co-curricular activities are additional and invoiced separately. Devices are handled via the BYOD policy; textbooks and core materials carry no separate charge.
Academics

Amity International School Abu Dhabi teaches British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

Amity International School Abu Dhabi delivers a British-style curriculum aligned to UK frameworks across all year groups. Foundation Stage (Nursery to Reception) uses the UK's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with biweekly Arabic lessons and literacy support via the Oxford Reading Tree and Bug Club. Lower Primary (Nursery–Y2) comprises Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Upper Primary (Y3–Y6) emphasizes project-based learning and 21st-century skills, with cross-curricular topics and an entrepreneurship programme plus value-based education. Secondary (Y7–Y11) follows Key Stages 3 and 4 and leads to IGCSE; Year 10–11 study English, Maths and Science as core with four optional subjects from a wide list (languages, humanities, computing, arts, business). Sixth Form (Y12–Y13) offers a wide range of A Level options with personalised pathways, plus Horizons and an Amity University MBA, and extensive co-curricular opportunities (250+ CCAs) and water activities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Amity International School Abu Dhabi uses a whole‑school approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) and wellbeing. The pastoral system is strong, with tutor groups, a House System, teachers and Circle Time supporting positive relationships and ongoing support. Personal Social Health Education, Personal Social and Emotional Development, Moral Education, and a Mindfulness curriculum are integrated to develop resilience and emotional skills. There is an emphasis on early identification of pupils with well‑being or mental health needs and on training staff to recognise factors linked to well‑being and mental health. The school is rated Outstanding in protection, care, guidance and support of students by ADEK.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school appointed a Head of Inclusion to lead inclusive education and student wellbeing. Inclusion and wellbeing are central to the school's approach to meeting diverse learners' needs, supported by an ethos of diversity and belonging. The inclusion leadership reflects a commitment to inclusive practices across the pupil population. The school does not publicly disclose the specific kinds of SEN it can support or whether it is a specialist SEN institution. The Head of Inclusion role and ongoing inclusion initiatives indicate formal attention to SEN and inclusive education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Amity Abu Dhabi provides strong English as an Additional Language (EAL) support delivered by a team of specialists who offer tailored programmes based on proficiency and age. In Early Years, the Foundation Stage uses Total Early Immersion in English to promote natural language acquisition. In Primary, the EAL team focuses on ensuring pupils learning English as an additional language can overcome barriers to learning, with provision delivered in class or via withdrawal for 1:1 or small‑group support. Lessons are tailored to individual or group needs to develop social and cognitive language, reading and writing in English. Visuals and dual‑language translations are used to acknowledge pupils' home languages as part of language development.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is addressed through a whole‑school approach to promoting positive mental health, including a dedicated Mindfulness curriculum and a Personal Social Health Education/Mental Health development program. The approach includes early identification of pupils with mental health needs and supports to develop resilience and wellbeing alongside academic achievement. Staff receive training to recognise factors linked to well‑being and mental health and to respond appropriately. The school highlights its protection and wellbeing outcomes with ADEK, noted as Outstanding in protection, care, guidance and support of students.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and the welfare of students are central to the school's framework, aligned with Abu Dhabi's policy environment where safeguarding priorities and processes are outlined for schools. ADEK publicly details safeguarding policy requirements for schools, including priorities and procedures to safeguard students. An external job posting for Amity notes the school follows the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection and is committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare. ADEK's Health, Safety and Wellbeing policies also frame safeguarding expectations within schools in Abu Dhabi. The school's ADEK rating of Outstanding in protection, care and guidance corroborates its safeguarding emphasis.
Parent Experience

History

The school was founded in September 2015 as a small primary school offering the National Curriculum of England and Wales for boys and girls. It is part of the Amity Education Group, aligning with the group's international education model. Since opening, the school has grown significantly, with enrolment increasing by over 600% and now serving pupils aged 3 to 18. The campus provides facilities across the Early Years to Secondary levels to support a broad curriculum and a global outlook. The sea-side location and a dedicated Water Sports Academy reflect the school's distinctive outdoor learning opportunities.

Community

Amity Abu Dhabi fosters a diverse, caring school community with a global outlook and a focus on cultural awareness and UAE values. The school supports a Community and Family Association (CFA), a group of volunteer parents who work to build and support the school community. CFA runs events such as Coffee Mornings, Cake Bake Sales, Beach Clean Ups, Movie Evenings, Eco Awareness Competitions and Mums Yoga Morning. The school also hosts UAE National Day celebrations and performing arts productions that involve families and the wider community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA at Amity International School Abu Dhabi is the Community and Family Association (CFA), a group of volunteer parents. CFA is open to all parents and aims to strengthen the school community through active parental involvement in school events. Its mission includes providing voluntary opportunities, promoting cultural diversity and UAE values, and increasing sustained parental participation in school life. CFA organizes events such as Coffee Mornings, Cake Bake Sales, Beach Clean Ups, Movie Evenings, Eco Awareness Competitions and Mums Yoga Morning. It coordinates with staff to support fundraising and community outreach and fosters family involvement in performances and national celebrations.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Amity International School Abu Dhabi serves students aged 3 to 18. The campus is sea-side in Abu Dhabi, located at Al Bahya E10, Exit 39. The school offers a broad, modern learning environment with facilities designed to support a diverse curriculum and co-curricular programme.

Sports Facilities

Key sports facilities include an indoor multi-sports hall, a 400m running track, a full-size football pitch, and an Olympic-size swimming pool (50m) with separate junior facilities. The school also hosts a Water Sports Academy as part of its offering.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include eight science laboratories, a dedicated art studio and music suite, an art gallery, a design and technology suite, a Black Box theatre, and multiple libraries tailored to Nursery through Secondary levels.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Co-curricular options are extensive, including sport, performing arts, Model United Nations, and the Amity Watersports Academy. The Horizons Programme and Amity Mini MBA provide additional enrichment opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The co-curricular programme includes Model United Nations and a broad range of enrichment activities. The Sixth Form offers a wide range of A Level options with highly personalised pathways in small cohorts. The Horizons Programme and the Amity University MBA prepare students for life beyond Amity. An Amity Diploma is part of the curriculum alongside the Horizons Programme.

Arts & Creative

Facilities include a 540-seat auditorium, a dedicated music suite, an art studio, a dance studio and a black box theatre with an art gallery. There are eight science laboratories and a Design and Technology suite with textiles, resistant materials and graphic design. Libraries serve Nursery/Reception, Primary and Secondary. Performing Arts is a designated area of the Co-Curricular Programme.

Cultural & Language

English is the language of instruction with strong English as Additional Language support for international students. In EYFS, Total Early Immersion in English fosters spontaneous second-language learning through play and interaction. In Primary and Secondary, EAL provides tailored support via personalised provision, 1:1 or small-group sessions, and dual-language strategies that recognise home languages. The Bell Foundation EAL Assessment Framework guides secondary-level assessment and support, with translanguaging valued.

Social & Hobbies

The Co-Curricular Programme spans sport, arts and leadership, including Model United Nations. The Water Sports Academy leverages the bay-side location for aquatic activities. The school offers facilities for music, theatre, dance and art within its co-curricular offerings. The overall programme supports a broad range of interests beyond the classroom.

Community & Service

The school emphasises a sustainability-focused and value-based education that aims to develop responsible, adaptable and resourceful global citizens. The Inclusivity Statement commits to an inclusive environment with diverse representation and equal access. The community is framed around celebrating differences to grow personally and collectively.

Leadership & Professional

Pupils have access to leadership development through both the curriculum and co-curricular activities. The Sixth Form Programme offers a tailored curriculum, a wide range of A Level options and small cohorts with individualised attention. The Horizons Programme and Amity University MBA prepare students for life beyond Amity. Model United Nations and other leadership initiatives are part of the co-curricular experience.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sport plays an important role in the school community, fostering cooperation, leadership, resilience and positivity. The campus includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, a full-size football pitch, an indoor multi-sports hall and a 400m running track. The bay-side location hosts the Water Sports Academy. Learning spaces include the Boathouse, the Auditorium, the Sixth Form Centre and outdoor learning areas at the bay.
Languages

Language Provision

The school uses English as the language of instruction and provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support across EYFS, primary and secondary. The EAL team tailors programmes based on students' proficiency and age. In EYFS, the Language Acquisition model is Total Early Immersion in English; in primary, EAL emphasizes overcoming barriers with a broad, visual-supported curriculum and dual-language translations; in secondary, EAL provides additional support with differentiated reading and listening activities, translanguaging and home language recognition. EAL assessments in secondary use The Bell Foundation's EAL Assessment Framework for Schools: Secondary.

Immersion Programs

Total Early Immersion in English is used in the Foundation Stage (EYFS). This approach encourages second-language acquisition through play and interaction with peers and adults. It is based on evidence-based research in early language acquisition and bilingual experiences.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Step 1: Complete the online Application Form. The admissions process starts with submitting the online form to express interest and begin the intake. 2. Step 2: You will be contacted to schedule a playdate, assessment or to request a clarification if required. The admissions team coordinates the next steps based on the child's age and year group, arranging any necessary assessments or clarifications. 3. Step 3: The Admissions Department will write to you with the outcome of your application (usually within 48 hours). After the assessments and review, you will receive the decision by email, and any next steps will be communicated. These steps align with the school's Admissions Process and are supported by the Admissions Policy and related procedures.

Scholarships

The Amity Scholar Programme rewards excellence and provides a broad enrichment offer beyond the standard British National Curriculum. Scholars receive exclusive access to talks, workshops and trips, bespoke courses, mentoring, and support developing a portfolio of skills; their awards are formally recognised on the Scholar Honours Board and they have regular target-setting with the Head of Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to gifted and talented students across Academic, Sport, Performing Arts (Music, Drama, Dance), Fine Arts, and Emirati Leadership categories, on a meritocratic basis; music scholarships may be offered in Years 5–6. To apply, families submit one or more scholarship forms (Academic, Sport, Performing Art, Music, Fine Art, Emirati Leadership). The Scholarship Timeline lists a submission deadline of June 6, an interview around June 16, and an expected awarding date of June 30. For more information, contact the Director of Admissions via the scholarship email provided.

Waitlist

If the entry group is full, students are placed on a waiting list. The waiting list is managed strategically and fairly in accordance with the date of application and admission priorities. Admission priorities include: (1) students who have attended the previous academic year at Amity, (2) siblings currently at Amity, (3) children of staff, and (4) students living near the campus.
School Events
The school has not added events