Moving to Abu Dhabi

 

Many expats move to Abu Dhabi in search of the same tax-free wealth and less of the constant commercial frenzy found in nearby Dubai. Once a desert outpost dependent on pearling and palm gardening, the United Arab Emirates’ capital has grown tremendously in the last two decades and emerged as an attractive destination luring foreigners from around the globe.

There are many work opportunities available in this oil-rich emirate, the largest of the United Arab Emirates. Expats who are drawn to Dubai will find that the two emirates share many of the same characteristics, including a thriving expat community that greatly outnumbers the local population, a vibrant lifestyle with lots of opportunities for shopping and entertainment, and an extremely safe environment where crime and theft are rarities.

That said, life in Abu Dhabi tends to unravel at a slower pace than in Dubai, and the city is often characterised as being more family-friendly and better suited for those looking to settle down and stay a while. Not to mention, the UAE’s capital is less built-up and boasts broader patches of greenery.

The largest concern expats moving to Abu Dhabi will have is sorting out schooling for their children; while a number of reputable private, international schools exist, shortages are common and admission competitive. It’s important to start the enrollment process as early as possible.

For those enjoying the single life, or who have yet to have children, relocating is simply a matter of negotiating the right kind of contract in the face of a rising cost of living, waiting for the appropriate paperwork to come through, and then embarking on the period of cultural adjustment that always comes attached to life abroad.

Though the majority of those living in Abu Dhabi are foreigners, behaviour in the emirate is nonetheless mandated by the Islamic faith, and it’s essential expats familiarise themselves with what to expect and learn to respect traditional Arab culture. In addition, expats living in Abu Dhabi will have to adapt to the stifling summer heat and the artificial air-conditioned cocoon in which the city enshrouds itself in this desert emirate.

COST OF LIVING IN ABU DHABI

The cost of living in Abu Dhabi for expats is steep and is only predicted to rise as the emirate’s oil-exporting economy continues to thrive. Though many move to Abu Dhabi to save money in the income-tax-free environment, expats should be aware that the quality of life comes at a high price. This is demonstrated in Abu Dhabi’s ranking of 40th out of 209 cities ranked in Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey for 2018, placing it as the second most expensive city in the Middle East behind neighbouring Dubai.

Salaries in Abu Dhabi have come down, and many of the allowances included in expat packages of the past are no longer normal protocol. That said, with the right kind of research, expats can accurately estimate their costs and take the appropriate steps to wrangle for a better wage and the lifestyle they may have imagined.

As is the case anywhere, an individual’s cost of living in Abu Dhabi is highly variable; the opportunity to live a life of opulence exists, as does the chance to get by cheaply and conveniently.

Accommodation, automobiles and schooling comprise the bulk of expenses, while food, clothing and entertainment are generally affordable.

Cost of accommodation in Abu Dhabi

No matter one’s social status, the costs associated with accommodation in Abu Dhabi are outrageous. Expats should anticipate their largest expense to be housing; rent can take up nearly 50 percent of a monthly salary.

On-island accommodation is generally more costly than off-island accommodation, as is the case with furnished and unfurnished housing, respectively.

Don’t forget to broach the subject of a shipping allowance or, for those planning to buy most of their household goods upon arrival, a start-up stipend.

Utilities are reasonably priced in Abu Dhabi. However, utilities nonetheless form part of an expat’s account, so be prepared to pay, especially if planning to keep a garden and an air-conditioned villa.

House-sharing is a good solution to exorbitant rental rates, but do be careful of renting a room in a villa that has been divided; this is illegal in Abu Dhabi.

Cost of transport in Abu Dhabi

Alongside accommodation, the cost of renting or buying a car will likely be another major expense for expats in Abu Dhabi.

Public transport is available and economical; however, most who have relocated to Abu Dhabi prefer to use a car to get around the emirate.

An option that can save a good deal of money is to ship one’s car to Abu Dhabi. Costs vary depending on the location of an expat’s home country, and import duties must be paid; but on the whole, if planning to stay in Abu Dhabi for a year, the total cost of both import and export may be significantly less than leasing or buying a car in the emirate.

One unforeseen cost that is impossible to anticipate, but readily avoidable, is the outrageous cost of parking and speeding tickets in Abu Dhabi. In an effort to curb illegal behaviour the authorities have attached hefty fines to these violations.

Cost of food and clothing in Abu Dhabi

Food and clothing costs have the potential to monopolise great portions of an expat’s salary or cost next to nothing. There is an impressive assortment of cuisine and shopping options in Abu Dhabi to suit all budgets.

Local foodstuffs will always be more reasonably priced than imported goods, and ethnic-style (Indian, Arabic, Chinese and African) restaurants are much cheaper than hotel eateries and bars. Organic food and Western brands can summon a significant grocery bill, so don’t be afraid to try the Emirati equivalents to cut costs.

Furthermore, alcohol is expensive, so try and buy duty-free products in the airport.

Clothing from the Carrefour and the downtown shops is incredibly affordable, while the big names and popular labels found in Abu Dhabi’s malls will be expensive. Books and electronics also tend to be more costly than expats may be used to, and as a result, many purchase these goods during the odd trip home.

Cost of schooling in Abu Dhabi

Expat parents with children must certainly work high tuition fees into their annual budget. Private international schools in Abu Dhabi charge a fortune for an education that, some Westerners feel, is hardly worth the extravagant price tag.

Tuition ranges considerably, with additional charges such as school uniforms, annual bus fare, textbooks and a non-refundable enrolment fee, adding to the costs.

Assignees should try to negotiate an allowance into their salary package. Although education stipends are less common, they do still exist.

Cost of health insurance in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, employers are legally required to provide expats with health insurance. So luckily, this is one cost assignees won’t need to concern themselves with. That said, some employers use local health insurance, which is not recommended for those at-risk individuals who have significant health issues.

Older expats, or those in poor health, may need to maintain health insurance in their home country and make sure their employer finances emergency evacuation insurance. Otherwise, local health care is up to standard for minor issues.

Cost of living in Abu Dhabi chart

Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for November 2018.

Monthly accommodation (in a good expat area)
Furnished two-bedroom villa AED 12,000
Unfurnished two-bedroom villa AED 9,500
Furnished two-bedroom apartment AED 10,000
Unfurnished two-bedroom apartment AED 8,000
Groceries
Eggs (dozen) AED 12
Milk (1 litre) AED 6
Rice (1kg) AED 8.40
Loaf of white bread AED 4.50
Chicken breasts (1kg) AED 25
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) AED 20
Eating out
Big Mac Meal AED 25
Coca-Cola (330ml) AED 2
Cappuccino AED 20
Bottle of beer AED 40
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant AED 220
Utilities
Mobile to mobile call rate (per minute) AED 0.50
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) AED 330
Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) AED 400
Transportation
Taxi rate (per kilometre) AED 5
Bus/train fare to the city centre AED 2
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) AED 2.38

LIFESTYLE IN ABU DHABI

The expat lifestyle in Abu Dhabi has achieved nearly mythical proportions; many foreigners moving here conjure images of paradise and a life thick with lavish luxury.

And for a good number of expats it’s true that life here is centred on shopping, relaxation and socialising. For many, material wealth is much easier to come by in the emirate and, initially, finding new cause to swipe the credit card is invigorating.

Malls abound, an energised nightlife beckons and with such a large community of foreigners that there always seems to be something happening for everyone to take part in.

That said, for others with less lucrative salaries or for those who no longer value the pull of the spend, it’s necessary to be a little more ingenious when it comes to living the good life, especially in summer when the oppressive heat eliminates any opportunity for outdoor fun.

Shopping in Abu Dhabi

There is no doubt that the shopping in Abu Dhabi is excellent. Plenty of souks (markets), malls and airport duty-free shops exist in and around the city.

Souks are the place to go for oriental carpets, gold and antique jewellery, electronic gadgets, designer clothes, cosmetics, spices and souvenirs. Great shopping locations include the Souk at Central Market, the Fish Souk in the Mina Zayed Free Port, the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk or the modern adaptation of a marketplace at Souq Qaryat Al Beri. Typical gifts for family members back home include traditional coffee pots, Bedouin jewellery and antique chests.

Shopping malls open around 10am most days, and close late, even past midnight in some cases. In Abu Dhabi alone, there are more than 10 separate malls or centres, each with familiar Western outlets and cinemas. The two largest are Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall. The famous Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival, held in March each year, offers amazing bargains and shopping prizes that lure visitors from all over the world.

Nightlife in Abu Dhabi

The nightlife in Abu Dhabi is surprisingly lively, even if the city claims a reputation as being more ‘family friendly’ than nearby Dubai. As most expats will quickly realise, there are two centres to the Abu Dhabi social scene: the mall and the hotel. Malls are places to see and be seen, to go to the cinema, or to shop. Hotels have everything else, and all under one roof: happy hour, dinner, drinks and nightclubs.

Local nightclubs tend to feature international DJs as well as traditional Arab singers and belly dancers. Expats can also look out for regular live music, happy hours, quiz nights and ladies’ nights to spice up the regular routine.

While hotel bar house bands tend to be the most consistent form of music and theatre in Abu Dhabi, there are some world-class acts that come and go with some regularity. After the summer, the Abu Dhabi Classics season brings in orchestras from around the world, such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Every mall has a cinema showing box office favourites from Holly(and sometimes Bolly)wood and the New York University Abu Dhabi Institute also hosts occasional film screenings that would appeal to a more high-brow crowd. This is in addition to their extensive programme of public lectures given by visiting and local authors, politicians, musicians and scholars from across the academic spectrum.

For expats who tire of the clubs and restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Dubai is only 90 minutes away. The nightlife scene is bigger and wilder in Dubai, and plenty of hotels offer weekend specials for those in need of an escape.

Eating out in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to a wide range of international cuisine, top-notch restaurants and delivery options.

As a general rule, the best (and most expensive) restaurants in Abu Dhabi are in hotels. They’re also the only restaurants allowed to serve alcohol.

Local cuisine largely consists of rice and lamb dishes accompanied by salads, hummus and bread on the side. As Islam frowns upon the consumption of pork, very few restaurants serve the “other white meat”.

Ramadan is a good time to try local food as come Iftar (breaking of the fast), big hearty meals are often the norm. Lots of restaurants re-open after sunset during Ramadan, and the family-oriented vibe can make this a great month to eat out.

HEALTHCARE IN ABU DHABI

Most expats are more than satisfied with the standard of healthcare in Abu Dhabi, though many still opt to return to their home countries for complicated surgeries or specialist procedures.

Healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi

Both public and private healthcare facilities are available in Abu Dhabi, and the level of care and comfort is highly regarded across the board.

Many expats still hold onto the perspective that public facilities largely function as emergency service centres, and private facilities and clinics are more appropriate for everything else. Regardless of this viewpoint, an expat’s specific health insurance coverage dictates in which hospitals they can receive treatment.

Doctors in Abu Dhabi are generally thought to be accessible, and service is prompt. For the most part, all health workers speak English, though some are more proficient than others. Many health workers have received their education abroad, and it’s not unusual for expats to seek out professionals with accreditation from their home country.

High prices accompany healthcare in Abu Dhabi, but all expats are legally bound to have health insurance, which usually covers most of the costs. Where there are exceptions to this rule, expats will only have to finance a small co-pay.

ACCOMMODATION IN ABU DHABI

Expats moving to Abu Dhabi may have a housing allowance stipulated in their contract, depending on their job. Their employer will either allow an expat to choose their own accommodation in Abu Dhabi or allocate them a home prior to relocating.

Expats wanting to rent a property in Abu Dhabi will find that lease rates are on the decline, and newer areas of Abu Dhabi may even experience a brief oversupply that will further increase affordability. But rental prices are still expensive, especially in the highly sought-after on-island locations. The most popular areas are Bateen and Karama for houses, and Al Khalidiya and Corniche for apartments.

Types of accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Abu Dhabi, the former being more expensive. In the case of unfurnished apartments, even appliances will be absent, which could mean a large start-up cost for expats.

Expats planning to rent an unfurnished apartment should approach their employer about a shipping allowance or a stipend to furnish the property. Those with a housing allowance should make sure there is a separate allowance to cover the costs of purchasing standard household items.

Villas are perfect for expats with families or those with sufficient resources. These come in various shapes and sizes: freestanding villas, semi-detached villas in which properties share one adjoining wall, and townhouse-style villas in which two adjoining walls are shared. Regardless of the type, the properties tend to be large and are most frequently available off-island, in Khalifa City A.

Finding accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Expats are advised to use a real estate agent to help secure housing in Abu Dhabi. Even if one manages to discover a great deal on their own, an agent will likely be present upon signing the lease, and it’s best to let them do the legwork as well. Expats can ask their employer for agent recommendations or consult print and online listings. Tenants pay a five percent commission to agents, as well as a five percent security deposit upfront.

Renting accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Rent is paid annually and in advance. Expats can also explore the option of getting a salary advance from their employer to remain debt-free, as bouncing a cheque is a crime in Abu Dhabi.

There are no council taxes or permit fees associated with accommodation in Abu Dhabi. However, unless an expat is living in a company apartment or house, they’ll have to pay for utilities like water and electricity in addition to rent. These are generally affordable, but those living in large villas may find themselves financing a hefty power bill due to constant air conditioning.

Factors to consider when seeking accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Before picking an area to live in, expats should decide what their priorities are and what they’re willing to sacrifice. Each area of Abu Dhabi has its own unique set of pros and cons; it’s recommended that newcomers speak to other expats about their experiences, and also consider:

  1. Commute times to work and to local schools for those with school-aged children
  2. Congestion and noise level in the area
  3. Proximity to shops and restaurants
  4. Which areas are popular with expat communities

GETTING AROUND IN ABU DHABI

With plans for major expansion in place, getting around in Abu Dhabi is set to get easier. The government has put a lot of effort into improving buses in the emirate and a metro service is expected to launch in 2020.

In the meantime, most expats in Abu Dhabi drive themselves or take a taxi. Efforts are being made to ease congestion, but there is often heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours.

A bicycle-sharing scheme was launched at the end of 2014 but mainly seems to be for leisure purposes. Given the way the city is spread out and the summer heat, Abu Dhabi isn’t known for being very pedestrian-friendly.

Driving in Abu Dhabi

Most new expats avoid driving in Abu Dhabi if they can because of the reputation local drivers have for reckless behaviour. Expats who do decide to drive usually buy a new or used car instead of renting because vehicle prices in the UAE are often quite cheap.

Expats who have residence status and want to drive in the emirate will need to get a valid UAE driver’s licence. Those with a licence from a list of countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and South Africa, can apply to replace their foreign license with a local one at a Traffic and Licensing Department. They’ll need to undergo an eye test and provide various documents, including their passport, foreign licence and legal Arabic translation of the licence.

Driving in Abu Dhabi is best done with care. The authorities have zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and the smallest level of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream can result in jail time. Expats who have committed road offences will also be unable to leave the UAE before they have paid their traffic fines.

Even though expats are likely to see other drivers ignore red lights and speed limits, there are cameras at many intersections and fines are high. Unfortunately, despite having excellent road infrastructure, car accidents are among the leading causes of deaths in the UAE.

Public transport in Abu Dhabi

Buses in Abu Dhabi

Buses in Abu Dhabi are the most economical form of transport. The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport operates local routes on Abu Dhabi Island as well as various regional and intercity services.

Abu Dhabi’s buses are modern, fully equipped and operate 24 hours a day.  Most local city buses and some regional buses are wheelchair friendly. It is also worth noting that the front seats of buses are reserved for women.

A new automated card system called Hafilat was introduced in 2015, with vending machines installed at the main stations in Abu Dhabi. Under the system, the reloadable cards have largely replaced cash and the Orja card as means of paying for bus rides.

Taxis in Abu Dhabi

Expats who aren’t keen to buy or rent a car in Abu Dhabi and don’t want to brave the emirate’s roads alone often get around by taxi. Taxis can be flagged on the street or ordered ahead by telephone.

Most taxis in Abu Dhabi are silver and are easily spotted. Taxis are usually metered and are relatively affordable.

NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS IN ABU DHABI

Expats will have access to a wide range of options when it comes to having their little ones taken care of in the UAE capital. There are various nursery schools and kindergartens in Abu Dhabi that are aimed at foreigners, and which take a variety of approaches. Some of the most prominent ones are listed below.

Humpty Dumpty Nursery Abu Dhabi

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 4 years

Website: www.humptynursery.com

Teddy Bear American Nursery

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Own curriculum
Ages: 6 months to 4 years

Website: www.teddybearnursery.net

Bright Beginnings Nursery

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 4 years
Website: www.brightbeginnings.ae

Jigsaw Nursery

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British Early Years Foundation Stage
Ages: 1 to 4 years

Website: www.jigsawnursery.ae

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN ABU DHABI

Expat families looking for a high-quality education will find a wealth of excellent options among the international schools in Abu Dhabi. These schools offer a wide variety of respected curricula and qualifications, such as the English National Curriculum, the American High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate. Cultural diversity is emphasised throughout the emirate’s international school system and most are attended by a wide array of nationalities.

International schools in Abu Dhabi are held up to a high standard by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). This government organisation conducts stringent investigations once every two years. Schools are then given a rating. Comprehensive reports are freely available, allowing parents in Abu Dhabi to select the very best international school for their family.

Popular international schools in Abu Dhabi may reach full capacity before the school year starts, so it’s worthwhile to submit applications as early as possible. Expat children can then look forward to enjoying their new school’s top-notch facilities, exciting extra-curricular activities and familiar curriculum.

Below is a list of some of the most well-regarded international schools in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi International School

The Abu Dhabi International School offers British and American education for Kindergarten through to Grade 12 students. Class sizes are limited to just 23 students who receive individual attention from teachers. The school is attended by more than 70 different nationalities. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

Abu Dhabi Grammar School Canada

The Abu Dhabi Grammar School is situated on-island in Al Zahiyah. There are more than 1,000 students of 50 different nationalities attending the school, which teaches the highly regarded Canadian curriculum from Nova Scotia. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian
Ages: 5 to 18

Al Ain English Speaking School

Al Ain English Speaking School is a co-educational independent school that caters for students aged from 3 to 18. The school was founded in 1978 and has been expanded and enhanced considerably since then due to its popularity with expat families. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: National Curriculum of England, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18

Aldar Academies, Al Ain Academy

Al Ain Academy opened in September 2011 and has been providing high-quality education to the region ever since. Students are taught the English National Curriculum, tailored to be meaningful to children living in Al Ain, alongside the local curriculum of Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18

Aldar Academies, Al Bateen Academy

Al Bateen Academy provides high-quality education for students from the ages of 11 to 18. Facilities in the school are world-class and technologically advanced, reflecting the needs of 21st-century students. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 11 to 18

Aldar Academies, Al Mamoura Academy

Al Mamoura Academy is a mixed primary and girls-only secondary school located near the Sea Palace off the East Ring Road. The school endeavours to enable pupils to reach their full potential and develop them into motivated, ambitious and confident lifelong learners. 

Gender: Mixed primary school and girls-only secondary school
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 16

Aldar Academies, Al Muna Academy

Rated “outstanding” by ADEC, Al Muna Academy opened in September 2009 and is located in the heart of the city. Popular with English-speaking expats, the school hosts an international community with families from more than 50 countries. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 11

Aldar Academies, Al Yasmina Academy

Al Yasmina Academy, part of the Aldar Academies community, is one of the organisation’s longest established schools, having opened in September 2008. Children at this school are given a high-quality British education. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 18

Aldar Academies, The Pearl Academy

The school follows the National Curriculum for England, with additional lessons in Arabic language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies to meet the requirements of the UAE Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Education Council. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 11

Aldar Academies, West Yas Academy

West Yas Academy is an American-curriculum school teaching the Massachusetts State Curriculum. The school is located on Yas Island and first opened its doors to students in August 2016. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 3 to 14

American Community School of Abu Dhabi

Founded in 1972, this not-for-profit institution has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest schools in Abu Dhabi. The school teaches the highly regarded American curriculum. There are over 1,000 students in the school, hailing from close to 60 different countries. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American
Ages: 4 to 18

American International School in Abu Dhabi

The American International School is co-educational up to the end of elementary years and has boys-only and girls-only sections in secondary school. Parents can expect an American-style curriculum from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. From Grade 11 onwards, students may elect to pursue either the International Baccalaureate or the American High School Diploma. 

Gender: Co-educational except for secondary which is gender-segregated
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18

Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Rated “outstanding” by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Brighton College Abu Dhabi is the sister school of the prestigious Brighton College UK. The school is an excellent choice for expat families seeking an authentic, high-quality British education. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18 

The British School Al Khubairat

The British School Al Khubairat was established in 1971. Both academics and extracurricular activities at the school uphold the highest standards, and the school is a member of a number of prestigious education associations. 

Gender: Co-educational   
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18

British International School Abu Dhabi

The British International School Abu Dhabi has developed an accomplished reputation since it opened in 2009. The institution is part of the Nord Anglia Education group, which has vast experience in delivering excellent education to expat communities around the world. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18

The Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi

Part of the GEMS educational group, Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi provides high-quality education based on the National Curriculum for England to students from Kindergarten to Year 13. Outstanding teaching, a variety of opportunities and good facilities are just a few of the school’s standout features. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 18

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

A prestigious British-curriculum school, academic life at Cranleigh is balanced with rich sporting, cultural and arts extra-curricular activities, competitions and trips. The school also places a strong focus on character development through their Moral Education: Learning for Life Programme. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels
Ages: 3 to 19

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi is a modern and prestigious international school in Abu Dhabi. The state-of-the-art campus caters to students from over 40 nationalities, from Kindergarten to Grade 10. The academic programme gives students the best of both worlds by offering an enriched American curriculum within the International Baccalaureate framework.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 18

GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi

GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi has an excellent Kindergarten and Early Elementary programme based around the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Standards are assessed using the US Common Core and Virginia guidelines. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 4 to 10

Repton School Abu Dhabi

Welcoming families from all nationalities, Repton School Abu Dhabi offers the very best in British education, within the context of an international environment and epitomised by the school’s philosophy of ‘the best for every child’.

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 14

Aspen Heights British School

A member of the International Schools Partnership, Aspen Heights is part of a global network of more than 30 schools. The school offers excellent education from Foundation Stage to Year 6, expanding year by year. Small class sizes allow teachers to give individualised attention to children. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: English National Curriculum
Ages: 3 to 11

2022 © The above information mentioned is as per the research done by “Universal Ally” the accuracy of the information may change according to the change in the market, we do not accept any responsibilities for loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.