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GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 10,420 - 20,700
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 4177
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Indian Curriculum
Typical class size 28
Introduction

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.

42nd St, Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi has 4,177 pupils, typical class sizes of 28, instruction in English.

Location
GEMS United Indian School is located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, on 42nd Street. The campus sits in a residential area with easy access to Abu Dhabi's main roads and regular school bus routes. The address is 42nd Street, Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi 10996.

Stages
The school offers the Indian curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The age range is approximately 4 to 18 years.

Type
GEMS United Indian School is a co-educational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Publicly disclosed information does not include a nationality breakdown or local/international ratio.

Additional learning support
Public pages describe safeguarding and student wellbeing. The campus includes a school clinic, library facilities, and science laboratories. Explicit special educational needs (SEN) provisions are not detailed publicly.

Country affiliation
CBSE affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, India.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is specified.

School day structure
Exact start and end times are not published publicly. The school uses Bright Bus Transport (BBT) for its bus service.

Bus service
Bright Bus Transport (BBT), part of STS Group, provides UIS Abu Dhabi with a fleet that includes CCTV surveillance, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking, RFID, and a 24/7 Operations Control Centre.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is mandatory and formal. Boys wear a shirt and trousers with a belt and blue socks; a tie is worn where required. Girls wear a knee-length skirt with a blouse, black or white tights, and blue socks; abaya or burkha is not permitted and hair should be neatly tied.

Food Options
Canteen services provide nutritionally balanced, ADEK-compliant food options on campus. External food deliveries are prohibited. All foods offered must include allergen labeling and accommodate students with allergies; the policy also restricts certain items such as carbonated drinks, pork and alcohol to align with health and safety standards.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a School Managing Committee (SMC) that includes Sunny Varkey as Chairman and Dino Varkey as Group Chief Executive Officer; the Principal serves as Secretary and the committee includes other trustees and senior staff. The school is part of the GEMS Education group and is CBSE-affiliated.
Fees

Annual tuition at GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi ranges from AED 10,420 to AED 20,700 for 2026/27.

Application / New‑admission fee

- A non‑refundable/non‑transferable fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition is due on acceptance of the Offer Letter to confirm enrolment. This amount is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. The admission fee is refundable only if the parent gives notice of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year, in accordance with ADEK policy.

Tuition fees (2025/2026 academic year) — amounts in AED

- Pre‑KG: Annual AED 10,420; Monthly AED 1,042; First term AED 3,126; Second term AED 4,168; Third term AED 3,126.

- KG1 – KG2: Annual AED 10,420; Monthly AED 1,042; First term AED 3,126; Second term AED 4,168; Third term AED 3,126.

- Grades 1–2: Annual AED 12,430; Monthly AED 1,243; First term AED 3,729; Second term AED 4,972; Third term AED 3,729.

- Grades 3–5: Annual AED 12,510; Monthly AED 1,251; First term AED 3,753; Second term AED 5,004; Third term AED 3,753.

- Grades 6–8: Annual AED 14,530; Monthly AED 1,453; First term AED 4,359; Second term AED 5,812; Third term AED 4,359.

- Grade 9: Annual AED 17,660; Monthly AED 1,766; First term AED 5,298; Second term AED 7,064; Third term AED 5,298.

- Grade 10: Annual AED 17,570; Monthly AED 1,757; First term AED 5,271; Second term AED 7,028; Third term AED 5,271. (Grade 10 board examination fees will be charged separately in line with CBSE norms.)

- Grades 11–12: Annual AED 20,700; Monthly AED 2,070; First term AED 6,210; Second term AED 8,280; Third term AED 6,210. (Grade 12 board examination fees will be charged separately in line with CBSE norms.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is due prior to the start of the academic year and payable in advance of attendance; tuition is invoiced from the time of admission. Payments may be made up front (annual), per term, or on a monthly basis.

- The school operates a 10‑month academic billing cycle; there are no tuition payments in July and August. Monthly payments are collected at the start of each month.

- If tuition fees remain unpaid by the 20th day of the month, the student's name will be removed from the admissions roll and will not be re‑added until outstanding fees and the re‑admission fee are paid; students with outstanding fees will not be permitted to sit for board examinations.

- School fees are charged in accordance with the GEMS fee framework and ADEK regulations; fees may be subject to change under applicable regulations.

Payment methods and instructions

- Accepted payment methods: Cash, current‑dated cheques, or credit card. Post‑dated cheques are not accepted. Cheques should be made payable to “GEMS United Indian School, Abu Dhabi.”

- The school advertises a partnered FAB GEMS World Credit Card payment option with potential incentives for advance annual payments.

Boarding fees

- No boarding or residential provision is listed for this campus; no boarding fees are published.

Other costs and fee items

- Textbooks and declared learning materials: a textbook declaration and a textbook list are provided for parents; textbook arrangements (loaned or charged) are published in the school's Books/CBSE information resources. Expect textbook and learning‑materials costs or loans as indicated by the published textbook lists.

- Transport: A contracted school bus service is available (Bright Bus Transport / STS Group). Bus transport operates as a fee‑for‑service; parents register with the school's transport contact for route availability and bus fee details and can pay bus fees through the school's online payment portal.

- Uniforms: Official school uniform for GEMS United Indian School is supplied through the authorised uniform retailer (Threads), indicating uniform purchases are separate from tuition. Expect uniform purchase costs to apply.

- Examination fees: Grade 10 and Grade 12 board examination fees are charged in line with CBSE norms (charged in addition to tuition).

- Other potential costs: extracurricular activities, trips, lunches and other optional services are commonly charged separately at GEMS schools; specific optional service costs and schedule of extracurricular fees are provided by the school's parent communications and fee invoices.

Refund information

- The admission fee equal to 5% of annual tuition is generally non‑refundable/non‑transferable but is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. That admission fee is refundable only if the parent gives notice of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year, as per ADEK policy. Other refund conditions follow ADEK and school policy and may vary by fee type.

Summary notes on enforcement and consequences

- Late or non‑payment: removal from admissions roll after the 20th day of the month and restriction from board examinations until outstanding sums and re‑admission fees are cleared.

Useful contacts for payments and fee queries

- School accounts / admissions telephone: (+971) 02 2059777; general admissions email and transport contacts are published alongside fee information and the bus service contact for registration.
Academics

GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi teaches Indian Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum designed by NCERT, with English as the medium of instruction. Arabic is taught and compulsory for Muslim students within Islamic Studies, and UAE culture and heritage are integrated into the program. The curriculum emphasizes 21st-century learning through enquiry-based and project-based approaches, supported by digital resources. Curriculum is organized by stage: Early Years (Pre-KG to KG2) with English, Mathematics and Environmental Studies plus Music/Art/PE; Primary (Grades I–V) adds Hindi/Malayalam, Arabic and Islamic/Moral Science with Foundational Literacies aligned to CBSE/NCERT. Middle School (Grades VI–VIII) includes English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Arabic, Islamic/Moral Science and language options (Malayalam/Hindi, plus French from Grade 8) and Arts/Physical Education; Secondary (IX–X) features core CBSE subjects with Arabic compulsory, and Senior Secondary (XI–XII) offers Science, Commerce and Humanities streams with core and elective subjects.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, which embeds pastoral care and project-based learning across the curriculum. It also emphasizes inquiry-based, student-centered learning and student leadership to develop collaboration and communication skills. The school explicitly references protection, care and support of students as a core wellbeing and safeguarding focus. GEMS Education policies underpin safeguarding, with an independently chaired safeguarding committee and a confidential Speak Up platform for reporting concerns. The campus also provides a gender-specific health clinic staffed by a trained nurse to address student health needs, contributing to overall mental and physical wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school states in its materials that ADEK inspection includes provisions for POD students, indicating some level of support for students with Special Educational Needs. ADEK's own performance standards include 'the protection, care, guidance and support of students' as a key area of inspection. The school is described as following the CBSE MOE curriculum, and there is no explicit designation of UIS as a specialist SEN institution. Public information does not publish a detailed list of the specific kinds of SEN the school can support or the staff dedicated to SEN. The on-site health clinic and general wellbeing provisions are part of the broader support framework for students, including POD students.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school operates an English-medium instruction program; the Language(s) of Instruction are English. Arabic is also taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies, but explicit EAL programming or staff for English as an Additional Language is not publicly disclosed. There is no published description of a formal EAL department or dedicated EAL support beyond general English-medium instruction. Consequently, specific EAL provisions are not publicly detailed by the school. The available materials do not indicate a separate, explicit EAL programme.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is addressed through the school's wellbeing-focused safeguarding culture and pastoral care within the HPL framework. High Performance Learning emphasizes the integration of academic learning with social-emotional development and collaborative, project-based work. The Health Clinic on campus supports student health needs, reinforcing wellbeing alongside academics. The school highlights protection, care and support for students as part of its safety and wellbeing approach. Staff and students are encouraged to report wellbeing concerns through formal safeguarding channels.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a stated priority, with GEMS Education policies mandating safeguarding responsibilities for all staff and an independently chaired safeguarding committee. The safeguarding framework includes a confidential whistleblowing portal (Speak Up) and clear reporting channels for health, safety and wellbeing concerns. The GEMS group maintains health and safety governance and requires pre-employment background checks for staff. ADEK's inspection standards explicitly include the protection, care, guidance and support of students as a performance area. The school's Health Clinic and safety-focused facilities reflect its safeguarding orientation.
Parent Experience

History
GEMS United Indian School began as the well-known Our Own English School, which opened in September 1990. After restructuring and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art campus, enrolments began in November 2015 and the school was renamed GEMS United Indian School. The school operates under the UAE Ministry of Education and offers the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. It is part of the GEMS Education network and is regarded today as one of Abu Dhabi's premier educational institutions.

Community
The UIS community supports a wide range of extracurriculars with notable sports achievements, including the under-19 girls' volleyball team and badminton successes. The school hosts inter-school cultural and language events such as the Inter School Modern Hindi Mahotsav. Sustainability and community service are active through initiatives like a tree planting project and participation at COP28. Students' achievements in diverse areas, including swimming, are highlighted in school communications.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
GEMS UIS operates a formal 'Parent Partnership' program rather than a standalone PTA. This partnership emphasizes close communication through consultation evenings, written progress reports, and an open-door policy for parents to speak with staff. It is supported by research on parental engagement as a driver of student achievement. Parental involvement is facilitated through newsletters and digital communications, and there is a 'Parent Partnership' portal and a 'Newsletters' section to keep families informed. The program also includes access to the Parent Experience Centre and other parent-focused resources within the GEMS ecosystem.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Separate libraries serve the kindergarten/primary levels and the secondary level. The library collection is extensive and organized by age and ability for easy access by all students. Five ICT suites support digital learning, with a one laptop per child policy and wireless connectivity in every classroom. Well-equipped laboratories support Physics, Chemistry and Biology for hands-on experiments. A gender-specific Health Clinic on campus is staffed by a trained nurse and adheres to local health authority requirements. The campus includes a Multi-Purpose Hall, Art facilities, a fully air conditioned Sports Complex, an Astro-turf football pitch and four basketball courts.

Sports Facilities
The school has a fully air-conditioned and soundproof Sports Complex with rubberized flooring for indoor games and the development of motor skills, including football, cricket, basketball, volleyball and athletics. The standard football pitch is Astro-turf. There are four basketball courts with appropriate markings and three-point arcs. Safety is paramount in sports areas.

Academic Facilities
Separate libraries are available for kindergarten/primary and secondary levels, with an extensive range of books organized by age and ability. The school provides five ICT suites and a one laptop per child policy, with wireless connectivity in every classroom. Well-equipped Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories support practical, inquiry-based learning. A gender-specific Health Clinic on campus is staffed by a trained nurse and complies with local health requirements.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Art Education is an important area of curricular activity, and students can select one or more forms of creative arts (Dance, Music, Art). The campus includes spaces for arts education such as a Music Room and an Art Studio.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The UIS offers a 21st-century education built on the CBSE framework and NCERT standards. English is the language of instruction. The curriculum emphasizes enquiry-based learning and project-based learning, with digital resources to support collaboration, thinking and communication. Project-based learning tasks provide problem-solving opportunities and aim to develop students' ability to think, collaborate and communicate.

Arts & Creative
The school offers music, elocution, recitation, debating, essay writing, dramatics, and art and craft (including paper craft, clay modelling, mural painting and origami) as extra-curricular activities. The arts program includes exhibitions and performances in music, painting and performing arts.

Cultural & Language
English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies. UAE culture and heritage are taught and emphasised to foster cultural appreciation.

Social & Hobbies
Extra-curricular activities include basketball, football and ping pong, along with expressive arts such as music, painting and performing arts, providing students with opportunities to develop social and creative interests.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership includes a student council, student prefect body, senior and junior prefects, anti-bullying squad, and club coordinators (e.g., reading club, eco club, inclusion champ, STEAM champions, teacher internship club). These roles provide opportunities to develop leadership, organisation and initiative.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school maintains strong health and safety policies and safeguarding practices, with a focus on the wellbeing of students and staff.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Arabic language is taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies. UAE culture, heritage and cultural appreciation are taught and emphasised to our students.
Admissions

Admissions
The school uses an online enquiry to start the application. The admission process is initiated remotely on submission of documents; scanned copies of the documents are sent to the Admission Secretary or the Registrar. The school will contact you to schedule an interview (required for all grades, including KG1 and KG2) and an assessment/entrance exam. Upon completion of the assessment and interview, the school will contact you if a place is available. Only students with a current and valid UAE residence visa are eligible for enrolment. At registration, the following documents are required: 1 copy of the child's Passport, Visa and Emirates ID card; 1 copy of the parent's Passport, Visa and Emirates ID card; 1 copy of the child's attested birth certificate (in English/Arabic); 3 recent passport-size photographs of the child (with a white background); Two years' of school reports, including any learning support documents pertaining to your child's educational needs; for Early Years, nursery reports if available; Copy of Health Form (download here) and a copy of Vaccination Record for KG1 and above. Things to remember: All students seeking admission for Grade 2 upwards must provide a Transfer Certificate; Validity of a Transfer Certificate is 3 months from the date of issue. Transferring during an academic year: If transferring from within Abu Dhabi, provide records of any tests undertaken in the current academic year and an eSIS transfer; If transferring from another Emirate, provide mark sheets from assessments taken at the current school in the current academic year, with attestation by the current school and the Ministry of Education of the Emirate; If transferring from overseas, provide the mark list of assessments done so far, a Transfer Certificate/School Leaving Certificate attested by the Education Officer of the issuing zone, embassy attestation in the UAE, MOFA attestation, and verification by the Indian Consulate in Abu Dhabi if applicable. Final transfer requires approval by the GEMS UIS principal and, finally, by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). For any further information regarding admissions, contact a member of the team.

Scholarships
The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence provides a full-year scholarship at a GEMS school. The award is offered to female students who have proven themselves as global citizens, demonstrated outstanding leadership, achieved exceptional academic results, and shown commitment to their communities. Winners become ambassadors for both their school and GEMS Education and receive a commemorative certificate. The award was established in 2005 to empower UAE women.
School Events
The school has not added events
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