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SABIS International School - Yas Island

United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees AED 39,500 - 62,200
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 730
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP)
Typical class size 28
Introduction

SABIS® International School – Yas Island is a private, English-medium day school located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The school offers a SABIS® international curriculum drawing on American, British and Emirati systems and prepares students for external examinations including Advanced Placement (AP), SAT, IGCSE, AS/A Level and U.A.E. national exams. It serves Early Childhood (Pre‑KG – KG), Lower School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8) and High School (Grades 9–12). Instruction is in English, and the programme includes Arabic plus a choice of additional languages (French and Chinese are taught). The campus occupies a reported 60,000‑square‑metre site and includes classrooms with interactive smart boards, science and computer laboratories, music and art rooms, a library, an auditorium with professional sound and lighting, a semi‑Olympic pool, indoor basketball/tennis court, a full‑size football (soccer) pitch with running track, dedicated KG facilities (including an indoor pool) and on‑site clinics. Distinctive elements cited by the school include the SABIS® Student Life Organization and an Integrated Testing and Learning (ITL) Hall.

Yas Island, Yas North, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Essentials

SABIS International School - Yas Island has 730 pupils, typical class sizes of 28, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located on Yas East, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus sits in the Yas East residential area on Yas Island, approximately 25 kilometers from central Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is a purpose-built leisure and residential district with road connections to the Abu Dhabi mainland. The postal address is SABIS® International School – Yas Island, Yas East, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Stages
Early Childhood Education (Pre-KG – KG); Lower School (Grades 1 - 5); Middle School (Grades 6 - 8); High School (Grades 9 - 12).

Type
Co-educational, day school; independent; English-medium.

Additional learning support
Learning support is part of the SABIS Educational System at SIS‑Yas Island. Support is delivered through teacher-led study groups, peer tutoring, and SLO-assisted approaches; on-demand tutoring videos are available, and there are coordinated health and wellbeing supports including resident nurses. The school also provides Special Academic Support policies as part of its inclusive framework.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation. The school is part of the global SABIS Network and operates as a SABIS International School.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation; SABIS Network schools are non-sectarian.

School day structure
Public daily start/end times are not published on the site. The school publishes an Academic Calendar for 2025–2026 with term dates; the 2025–2026 calendar shows the year starts in August 2025 and concludes in late June/early July 2026.

Bus service
The Downloads section includes a Bus Registration Form, indicating that a school bus service is offered and that families can register for transport.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school provides day schooling only; there is no boarding.

Food Options
The school has a canteen service provided by Mikana International Catering Services L.L.C. Food is prepared in HACCP-compliant facilities and follows ADEK healthy eating guidelines, with nutritious meals and allergen labeling.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a member of the SABIS Network and operates as a private, English-medium day school fully accredited by the government and international accreditation agencies. The School Governing Board approves key policies at the school level.
Fees

Annual tuition at SABIS International School - Yas Island ranges from AED 39,500 to AED 62,200 for 2026/27.

Tuition fees (Academic Year 2025–2026) — annual amounts by year group

- KG1 (Preschool age 3): AED 39,500 per year.
- KG2 (Preschool age 4): AED 39,500 per year.
- KG3: AED 39,500 per year.
- Grade 1: AED 44,200 per year.
- Grade 2: AED 44,200 per year.
- Grade 3: AED 44,200 per year.
- Grade 4: AED 49,500 per year.
- Grade 5: AED 49,500 per year.
- Grade 6: AED 49,500 per year.
- Grade 7: AED 55,500 per year.
- Grade 8: AED 55,500 per year.
- Grade 9: AED 55,500 per year.
- Grade 10: AED 62,200 per year.
- Grade 11: AED 62,200 per year.
- Grade 12: AED 62,200 per year.

Application / registration fee

- A joining/registration fee is charged to initiate admission. Registration fees are deductible from the annual tuition and, where charged, must not exceed 5% of the annual tuition fee. The school follows the Abu Dhabi approval rules that set this limit.

Tuition per term / billing schedule and payment terms

- The school collects tuition in a minimum of three installments per academic year (minimum three payments). Exact installment amounts and due dates are set by the school; the approved fee schedule requires at least three installments. Because the school publishes only annual tuition levels in the ADEK-approved schedule, a simple equal-three-way split of the annual tuition is an arithmetic inference (annual tuition ÷ 3) and may not match the school's chosen installment values or calendar.

Boarding

- Boarding is not applicable. SABIS International School – Yas Island operates as a day school; there is no boarding programme at this campus.

Other costs and mandatory / commonly charged additional fees

- Books: AED 8,000 per year (listed separately in the ADEK-approved fee schedule). This is a separate charge in the schedule in addition to annual tuition.
- Transportation (school bus): transport service is available but bus fees are not published as fixed amounts in the ADEK-approved fee schedule; transportation is charged separately.
- Uniform: a school uniform is required; uniform charges are not published as a fixed amount in the ADEK-approved fee schedule and are treated as a separate cost.
- Extracurricular activities, meals, examination fees and some specialty items are charged in addition to tuition when applicable; these items are not included in the annual tuition figures shown in the approved schedule.

Refunds and deposits

- The approved fee schedule explicitly prohibits the school from accepting any financial guarantee or deposit from guardians to secure enrollment, even if the same is refundable. Registration fees, when charged, are deductible from the tuition; the schedule does not publish a separate refundable-deposit scheme. Fees and fee levels published in the ADEK-approved schedule cannot be increased without prior written approval from the regulator.

Fee payment arrangements and options

- Fees are payable to the school's accounting department. The school's published admissions/fees page directs payment processing through the school's accounting office.
- Publicly available listings indicate there is no online fee-payment facility for this campus; parents should expect to use the school's accepted local payment channels (paying via the school's accounting office) rather than a published online portal. Confirmed, bank transfer or card acceptance policies are not published in the ADEK-approved schedule.

Regulatory and practical notes (billing practice)

- The annual tuition figures above are the ADEK-approved maximum levels shown in the school's fee schedule for AY 2025–2026; the regulator requires that these levels be used until any subsequent approved change. Fees cannot be increased without regulator approval.

Summary (key figures)

- Annual tuition range: AED 39,500 (entry level KG) up to AED 62,200 (Grades 10–12). Books fee: AED 8,000 per year. Registration/joining fee may be charged but must not exceed 5% of the annual tuition and is deductible from tuition. Tuition is collected in a minimum of three installments per year. Fees are payable to the school accounting department; no online payment facility is listed for this campus.
Academics

SABIS International School - Yas Island teaches Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The SABIS® Educational System provides an international curriculum drawn from American, British, and Emirati educational traditions. The school serves Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The curriculum develops fluency in English, Arabic, and French/Chinese. There is a strong emphasis on English and mathematics, as well as the sciences in secondary school, with preparation for external exams such as the British-based IGCSEs and the U.S.-based Advanced Placement® (AP®) exams. Social studies, music, fine arts, physical education, psychology, business and economics, computer studies, and STEAM subjects such as robotics and 3D printing are integrated into the program. The SABIS® Student Life Organization and continuous assessments provide a 360-degree view of student progress.

Exam Results
Graduates are prepared to take external exams including AP®, SAT, IGCSE, AS/A Level, and UAE national exams. External-exam readiness is supported by a curriculum that emphasizes English, mathematics, and the sciences, with regular assessments to monitor progress. The program aims to equip students for success in higher education through a rigorous, internationally oriented approach.

Higher Education Progression
University counselling begins in Grade 9. The university counselor helps students select universities and navigate applications across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Counseling covers diploma equivalence, résumés, personal statements, and preparation for standardized tests such as AP®, IGCSE, AS/A Level, and SAT. Students receive ongoing access to the university counselor through Grade 12 and beyond.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and emotional learning at SIS‑Yas Island is centered on the SABIS® Student Life Organization (SLO), described as the heart of school life, with a weekly SLO period and nine departments that empower students to participate, lead, and develop academic, social, and emotional life skills.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is an essential part of the SABIS® Educational System at SIS‑Yas Island; progress is monitored and gaps are addressed through teacher‑led study groups, Prefects & Group Leaders, Peer Tutoring, Power Study Sessions, and On‑Demand Tutoring Videos, with SLO mentors available to assist, and the materials do not describe SIS‑Yas Island as a specialist SEN institution.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school is English‑medium; the curriculum enables fluency in English, Arabic, and French/Chinese.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through Health & Wellness with resident nurses who provide day‑to‑day medical care and long‑term health management, and Advising Classes from Grade 4 onward address topics related to health and well‑being, IT safety, culture, and career guidance.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and online‑safety education are addressed through Community Police Service engagements, including internet‑safety discussions with students in upper grades.
Parent Experience

History
SIS‑Yas Island opened in October 2015 to students in Kindergarten through Grade 10. It is the third SABIS Network school in Abu Dhabi and was opened in response to parent demand and a long waiting list of students eager to enroll in ISC‑Abu Dhabi and ISC‑Khalifa City. Today, SIS‑Yas Island offers KG1 through Grade 12 and follows the SABIS Educational System, a program developed and refined over more than 135 years. The campus is located in the Yas East residential area, about 25 kilometers from central Abu Dhabi.

Community
The school hosts cultural and community events such as UAE National Day celebrations and International Day, with involvement from students, parents, and staff. The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) anchors student life, with prefects and leadership roles that organize activities and community projects. There are broad extra‑curriculars including Saturday Activities such as music, arts and crafts, tennis, taekwondo, ballet, and more. The school also hosts regional and international experiences, including the SABIS Global Sports Tournament (GST), with the 2025 edition jointly hosted by SIS‑Yas Island and Al Bateen, and events like hosting the Almaty Symphony Orchestra.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A formal PTA is not described publicly on SIS‑Yas Island materials; however parent involvement is evident through events and school communications. UAE National Day celebrations in 2015 show parental involvement, with a special thanks to parents who helped make the day memorable. Open Day on 30 April 2016 invited parents to participate and observe lessons, with students performing and parents viewing interactive lessons and exams. International Day 2023 notes that parents participated alongside students and staff in the event. The SABIS Digital Platform provides parents with up‑to‑date information on progress, attendance, and contributions to Student Life, and three term reports keep families informed. The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) includes student leadership (e.g., prefects and the Head of Social Responsibility), offering opportunities for family engagement through school activities and regional events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The SABIS International School – Yas Island sits on a 60,000-square-meter campus in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Main facilities include spacious classrooms, large play areas, science and computer laboratories, music and art rooms, a library, and an auditorium equipped with professional-quality sound and lighting systems. All main classrooms are equipped with Interactive Smart Boards to complement the teaching method. The KG section is in a separate building with a large playground, an indoor swimming pool, and an indoor multipurpose hall. The campus features a semi-Olympic pool, an indoor basketball/tennis court, and a full-size soccer field surrounded by a running track. The SABIS Integrated Testing and Learning (ITL) Hall provides a computerized testing and learning center. A bright and modern cafeteria serves meals, and, on-site nurses operate in modern clinics to care for students. The campus is accredited by the government and international accreditation agencies.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a semi-Olympic pool, an indoor basketball/tennis court, and a full-size soccer field surrounded by a running track. The KG building also contains an indoor swimming pool as part of its dedicated facilities for younger students.

Academic Facilities
The curriculum is the SABIS Educational System for Pre-K through Grade 12, merging elements from American, British, and Emirati educational models. Students develop fluency in English, Arabic, and French or Chinese, with strong emphasis on English and mathematics and the sciences in secondary school to prepare for external exams such as IGCSEs and AP. The SABIS ITL Hall provides a computerized testing and learning environment, while the campus includes science and computer laboratories, a library, and an auditorium to support learning. The SABIS approach emphasizes continuous assessment, ongoing support, and life-skills development integrated across subjects.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The SABIS Student Life Organization (SLO) is at the heart of school life, empowering students to be actively involved and to make a difference in their school and broader community. SLO offers during-school activities, after-school activities, weekend activities, and regional and international experiences, promoting leadership, collaboration, communication, and other life skills as part of a well-rounded education.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is a private, English-medium, day school in the United Arab Emirates. SIS‑Yas Island opened in 2015. The curriculum draws from American, British, and Emirati educational systems and prepares students for AP, SAT, IGCSE, AS/A Level, and UAE national exams. The SABIS® Student Life Organization provides life-skills development and opportunities to engage in the school and broader community.

Arts & Creative
Music Club is offered for grades 3–12, along with Chess Club, Art Club, Drama Club, and Reading Club during break times. Ballet and Gymnastics are also available as activities, with SABIS regional events and local shows featuring dancers. Art, music, and drama activities culminate in performances and exhibitions.

Cultural & Language
The curriculum enables fluency in English, Arabic, and French/Chinese. The school is English-medium, and English language instruction is central to the program. French or Chinese is offered as a language option within the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
The SABIS® Student Life Organization is at the heart of school life, empowering students to be actively involved in daily activities and the larger community. A range of clubs is available, including Music, Chess, Art, Drama, and Reading, as well as sports and performance activities. Break-time and after-school programs include Ballet, Gymnastics, football, basketball, and other events that foster social interaction and teamwork.

Community & Service
The SABIS® Student Life Organization aims to help students achieve high levels of academic and behavioral excellence and to create a positive school culture by involving students in community-oriented activities. SIS‑Yas Island participates in regional and international experiences such as SABIS® STARS, the SABIS® Global Sports Tournament, and STEAM competitions, which foster collaboration across schools. These programs also include events like Ballet and Music Festivals that bring together students, families, and communities.

Leadership & Professional
The Prefect is a student who is a member of the SABIS® Student Life Organization and is appointed to positions of responsibility. Prefects undertake duties within the SLO to support the school and develop leadership, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and other life skills. These experiences are designed to enhance university admission prospects and prepare students for leadership roles after graduation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports tournaments include Football, Basketball, Dodgeball, Track & Field, and Swimming, with senior and junior galas for competition. Ballet and Gymnastics provide performance-based activities and opportunities for regional competition. Break-time activities offer social, physical, and recreational engagement to support students' well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English and develops fluency in English, Arabic, and French/Chinese.
Admissions

Admissions
1. School Tour & Information. Families are encouraged to visit the SIS‑Yas Island campus for a tour and to discuss the program with the admissions staff. Appointments can be made by contacting the school administration or by booking a tour online. There is no application deadline, but the admission process should be initiated early, as place offers are granted based on spaces available throughout the school year. There is no joining fee on the first occasion of going through the admission process.
2. Application and Required Documents. Interested parents/guardians can apply online by filling in the SABIS Application Form or apply in person at the school by obtaining the application pack from the school reception desk. There is no application deadline, but space is available and offers are granted based on spaces available throughout the school year. The documents required include: SABIS Application Form, SABIS Medical Form, SABIS SDP Form, four passport photographs, copies of the student's, father's, and mother's passports, copies of the student's, father's, and mother's residency, copies of the student's, father's, and mother's UAE ID, copy of the student's birth certificate attested and translated where necessary, copy of the student's vaccination card, and a recent school report.
3. Document Attestation and Translation Requirements. These documents must be in English or Arabic and translated where necessary. They may need attestation by the relevant ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the UAE embassy. If transferring from KHDA‑registered schools, a transfer certificate may not be required.
4. Interview / Diagnostic Tests. Once the Admissions Office confirms that the application is complete and ready to be processed, they will coordinate a date for the interview (Pre‑KG to Grade 1) or a diagnostic test (Grade 2 and above). The interview or tests help determine readiness and fit for the program.
5. Admission Decisions. Admission decisions are made after careful evaluation of the diagnostic results and previous school records. Additional criteria include motivation, social and emotional development, willingness to work hard, and the school's ability to accommodate the candidate.
6. Confirmation and Place Reservation. Once accepted and the required fees are paid, a place for the student is reserved.
School Events
The school has not added events
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