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Best 20 International Schools in United Arab Emirates

International Education in United Arab Emirates

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Below, we have compiled the top 20 international schools in United Arab Emirates according to our users. However, there are another 223 schools to choose from in the country. You can find the best international school for your child by personalising your results. Just fill in your search criteria, and we will calculate a personal score for every international school in the city of your choosing based on your requirements.

Recommended Schools

The British International School Abu Dhabi

Part of the Nord Anglia family, The British International School Abu Dhabi offers a transformational education in a warm, inclusive community, empowering every student to excel, embrace global opportunities, and shape their future.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British, IB
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 52,816
to: Dirham 74,980
Reviews
(8 reviews)

The Arbor School

An ecological school in Dubai based on the National curriculum for England.
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2025/2026
from: Dirham 49,500
to: Dirham 90,250

Nord Anglia International School Dubai

At NAS Dubai, success is more than achieving outstanding exam results. We go beyond traditional education to offer transformative learning experiences to help students develop skills needed to thrive in a changing world.
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
British, IB
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 66,302
to: Dirham 100,264
Reviews
(1 review)

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi

Part of the Nord Anglia Education family of premium international schools, NAS Abu Dhabi offers a learning experience designed for the future where your child will achieve more than they ever imagined possible.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 65,000
to: Dirham 95,000

Best 20 International Schools in United Arab Emirates

Out of a total of 243 International Schools in United Arab Emirates.

Based on the aggregated preferences of our users in the last 30 days.

The Spanish School of Abu Dhabi

Founded on the basis of strong cultural relations between Spain and the UAE, the Spanish School of Abu Dhabi is committed to providing quality education based on the Spanish curriculum.
Presently, SSAD is offering Nursery to Grade 5.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
Spanish
Language of instruction
Spanish
Ages
3 to 13
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 20,750
to: Dirham 22,750

Newlands School

Newlands School Dubai enables every child to achieve their potential. Students gain an excellent quality British education in a values-based, internationally-minded environment so that they may understand, contribute to, and succeed in an ever-developing and competitive world.
Our vision is for the school to provide:
-opportunity and challenge
-a commitment to continuous improvement
-a route to university and lifelong learning
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 17
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 20,881
to: Dirham 36,936
Reviews
(1 review)

Good Will Children Private School

Good Will Children Private School L.L.C. is a recognized Cambridge International School teaching Cambridge Core subjects in English (as a second language), Math, Science and ICT.
This internationally respected curriculum is now taught in 150 countries across the world and culminates in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, AS and A level certification recognized by universities worldwide.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
4 to 15
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 26,650
to: Dirham 32,360

Oaktree Primary School

Small classes with intimate student teacher relationships, community engagement and happy and engaged students.
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 11
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 17,837
to: Dirham 30,178

Ajyal International School

Ajyal International School commits to:
- Offering students an education that is meaningful and relevant to their personal, academic, and social life using the Significant Learning Model;
- Providing active learning experiences, avoiding rote learning;
- Using means of assessment that are educative in nature (assessment for learning), qualitative and quantitative, standardised, frequent, performance–based (criterion and standards) and involving self-assessment;
- Aligning its teaching and assessment activities to Significant Learning Outcomes by a process referred to as backward design;
- Collecting wide-ranging performance data to continuously improve learning and teaching, curriculum provision, and institutional efficacy;
- Using technology to enhance learning, and not just to facilitate teaching;
- Providing continuous professional development to all our staff; and
- Adhering to the highest standards of student physical safety, health and personal well-being.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 23,136
to: Dirham 41,448
Reviews
(1 review)

German International School Abu Dhabi

German International School Abu Dhabi is a German international school in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates certified as an excellent German abroad school by the German government.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
German
Language of instruction
German
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 36,610
to: Dirham 53,480

American Gulf School

Holistic IB Education
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
American, IB
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2025/2026
from: Dirham 35,540
to: Dirham 75,440
Reviews
(2 reviews)

American International School in Abu Dhabi

The American International School in Abu Dhabi is celebrating its 25th anniversary, having been established in 1995 to provide local and expatriate residents of Abu Dhabi with high quality American education, based on American standards and an international curriculum. AISA received its first accreditation in October 1997 from the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA), and in January 2010 was accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). AISA offers education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. It was the first school to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma in the UAE and later became the first school in Abu Dhabi to be authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). In keeping with local regulations, the Secondary School is gender segregated.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
IB, American
Language of instruction
English
Ages
4 to 18
Yearly fees - 2023/2024
from: Dirham 32,950
to: Dirham 59,900
Reviews
(1 review)

Brighton College Abu Dhabi

Brighton College Abu Dhabi offers its pupils a vibrant and challenging learning environment, and a distinctive British independent school ethos which reflects the values and dynamic culture of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.
Located on Abu Dhabi Island in a purpose-built campus next to Khalifa Park, Brighton College Abu Dhabi boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is committed to becoming the leading school in the Middle East. With 144 highly experienced and talented Academic staff and over 100 support staff the school is able to provide an outstanding level of education as witnessed by our latest Inspection reports.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 50,830
to: Dirham 80,780

GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi

City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
IB
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2025/2026
from: Dirham 55,420
to: Dirham 73,890

Crown American Private School

Crown American Private School is an American curriculum school founded in 2005 and is welcoming students from Kindergarten up to Grade 12.
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
American
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 14,100
to: Dirham 31,400

Mamoura British Academy

At Mamoura British Academy our vision is to provide:
“An innovative learning community, where we nurture our learners through Collaboration, Leadership and Creativity.”
In our commitment to this vision, we strive to educate the whole child and to give every student the quality education and learning experiences that they deserve, whilst playing a full and active role in our local, national and international communities.
At Mamoura we strive for the highest of standards in all we do and to give every student the environment to express creative talents and academic abilities in innovative and enterprising ways; with a focus on cross-curricular learning and a highly specialised middle school curriculum using our highly trained specialist teachers. However, we also understand that young people need much more than a suite of excellent qualifications and so along with academic success we also promote the development of life long skills in order to succeed.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British, American
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 52,029
to: Dirham 77,224

Virginia International Private School

We aim to produce life-long learners who are innovative and creative, highly competitive in the modern economy and who are champions of UAE culture and heritage. We are a lead school in the United Arab Emirates, developing all learners for successful participation in Society and in the global economy.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
American
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 26,690
to: Dirham 47,369

Abu Dhabi International School

Abu Dhabi International School is a truly international school that educates students from over 70 nationalities in a familial, friendly, fun yet disciplined environment. The international flavor our school provides is also reflected in the diversity of its academic programs. AIS provides the opportunity for its students to graduate with an American program, the British (IGCSE and A-Levels) program or the International Baccalaureate Programme and join top tier institutions worldwide, such as Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge and the Sorbonne of France as well as regional universities in Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
IB, American, British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
4 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 32,635
to: Dirham 48,800

Collegiate International School

Collegiate International School is a community school providing a warm and caring atmosphere, for happy students and families .we empower our students with a holistic, rigorous and international education for success in an ever changing world.
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
IB, American
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 38,572
to: Dirham 69,008

Al Najah Private School

Al Najah Private School was founded in 1987 as a private international school from K-12 with the aim of providing the most comprehensive British curriculum as a college preparatory education to students of all nationalities.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
IB, British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
4 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 15,100
to: Dirham 33,420

Star International School Al Twar

Star International School Al Twar is a bespoke English Curriculum school in the heart of Al Twar. It is very much a family school, with teachers, SLT, TAs, Admin and site staff all working alongside parents and the wider community to offer its children the best opportunities it possibly can.
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 20,976
to: Dirham 46,140

GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi

GEMS Cambridge International School (GCIS) – Abu Dhabi, is a thoroughly modern school which takes an equally modern approach to education. Located just off the Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road in Al Mafraq, Adu Dhabi, this British curriculum school delivers an exceptional standard of education to children at foundation stage all the way through to Year 13, from age 3-18.
The GCIS – Abu Dhabi, is an international school with a real difference, providing children from all over the world with invaluable opportunities to realise their full potential academically, socially and personally.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 22,470
to: Dirham 39,310
Reviews
(15 reviews)

Al Basma British School

Al Basma British School students receive a robust, creative, vibrant, academic challenging and inspiring 21st Century education, making the schooling years an enjoyable time filled with rich and memorable experiences, preparing them for life. Each student’s unique skills and talents are released and enhanced in an environment of care and mutual respect; one that promotes resilience, confidence, self-esteem and self-management skills.
Al Basma British School is a healthy, safe environment within which students can enjoy learning, make progress and achieve high standards. They will be encouraged to participate fully in school life and make a positive contribution to the school and wider community, ultimately becoming successful, motivated, well-adjusted adults who achieve economic well-being. We will measure our success against these outcomes.
City
Abu Dhabi
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 18
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 21,330
to: Dirham 43,240
Reviews
(17 reviews)

Capital School

Capital School is an International school reflecting the diverse nature of students and the context of the UAE as centre of innovation and growth.
Capital School works to international standards based around the National Curriculum of England with a strong programme of Arabic and English language to ensure that all students have good communication skills.
The school boasts excellent facilities in sport, technology and learning support and a programme of English language support that will give all students both the confidence and skill to be able to access the National Curriculum of England successfully and enter higher education and the workforce with confidence.
City
Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman
Curriculum
British
Language of instruction
English
Ages
3 to 16
Yearly fees - 2024/2025
from: Dirham 20,500
to: Dirham 48,000
223 other schools in United Arab Emirates ⇨

Find the Best International School in United Arab Emirates FOR YOU!

Other lists of best international schools in United Arab Emirates

20 Best IB International Schools in United Arab Emirates 20 Best American International Schools in United Arab Emirates 20 Best British International Schools in United Arab Emirates 20 Best Indian International Schools in United Arab Emirates

Summary

What are the best international schools in United Arab Emirates?

  1. The Spanish School of Abu Dhabi
  2. Newlands School
  3. Good Will Children Private School
  4. Oaktree Primary School
  5. Ajyal International School
  6. German International School Abu Dhabi
  7. American Gulf School
  8. American International School in Abu Dhabi
  9. Brighton College Abu Dhabi
  10. GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi
  11. Crown American Private School
  12. Mamoura British Academy
  13. Virginia International Private School
  14. Abu Dhabi International School
  15. Collegiate International School
  16. Al Najah Private School
  17. Star International School Al Twar
  18. GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi
  19. Al Basma British School
  20. Capital School

Find your International School

How Many International Schools are there in United Arab Emirates?

There are 243 international schools in United Arab Emirates. See them all

What are the most popular curriculums in United Arab Emirates?
Curriculum International schools
British 139  
American 56  
IB 50  
Indian 19  
UAE 8  
Other 30  

Additionally, there are 3 boarding schools in United Arab Emirates.

What are the most popular languages of instruction?
Language International schools
English 237  
French 6  
German 3  
Arabic 2  
Spanish 1  
Other 1  

Among these, there are 4 bilingual schools in United Arab Emirates.

How Much do International Schools cost in United Arab Emirates?

The average price of international schools in United Arab Emirates is Dirham 48,390. (*)

Price for 12 y.o.
Min. price Dirham 5,850
Avg. price Dirham 48,390
Max. price Dirham 134,000
Price for 12 y.o. Number of international schools
Dirham 5,500 to Dirham 16,999 14  
Dirham 17,000 to Dirham 28,499 41  
Dirham 28,500 to Dirham 39,999 46  
Dirham 40,000 to Dirham 51,499 34  
Dirham 51,500 to Dirham 62,999 31  
Dirham 63,000 to Dirham 74,499 29  
Dirham 74,500 to Dirham 85,999 24  
Dirham 86,000 to Dirham 97,499 10  
Dirham 97,500 to Dirham 108,999 2  
Dirham 109,000 to Dirham 120,499 1  
Dirham 120,500 to Dirham 131,999 0  
Dirham 132,000 to Dirham 143,499 1  

(*) The price for one year of fees for a 12 year old (or the closest age to 12 available in the school), excluding one-time fees at enrolment.

How Big are Class Sizes in United Arab Emirates?

The average class size of international schools in United Arab Emirates is 22.5 students.

Class Size Number of international schools
10 to 14 2  
15 to 19 11  
20 to 24 55  
25 to 29 33  
30 to 34 2  
35 to 39 1  

How big are the schools in United Arab Emirates (in number of students)?

The average size, in number of students, of international schools in United Arab Emirates is 1602 students.

Number of students Number of international schools
50 to 449 14  
450 to 849 35  
850 to 1,249 40  
1,250 to 1,649 29  
1,650 to 2,049 28  
2,050 to 2,449 12  
2,450 to 2,849 9  
2,850 to 3,249 5  
3,250 to 3,649 5  
3,650 to 4,049 4  
4,050 to 4,449 1  
4,450 to 4,849 2  
4,850 to 5,249 2  
5,250 to 5,649 1  
5,650 to 6,049 0  
6,050 to 6,449 1  
6,450 to 6,849 1  

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International Schools Database

The International School Database is a one-stop shop for finding, researching and comparing schools in cities across the world.

Each school's listing includes full contact details, school policies, nationality information, extra-curricular activities, and much more. Everything you need to know is all under one roof, so you can make an informed decision on the best school for your children.

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