12 Best Schools in Abu Dhabi (2026)

Understanding ADEK Ratings: Abu Dhabi’s School Quality Framework

Before exploring some of the best schools in Abu Dhabi, it is useful to understand the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and its framework for educational institutions.

ADEK is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing Abu Dhabi’s education sector and works with private schools, nurseries and higher education institutions to promote a high standard of education across the Emirate.

ADEK evaluates private schools through its Irtiqa’a inspection programme, providing families with an independent assessment of school quality and performance. Schools are typically inspected every two years.

Irtiqa’a assesses schools across the following areas:

• Students’ achievement

• Students’ personal and social development and innovation skills

• Teaching and assessment

• Curriculum

• Protection, care, guidance and support of students

• Leadership and management

Based on their performance, schools receive one of the following ratings:

• Outstanding

• Very Good

• Good

• Acceptable

• Weak

• Very Weak

These ratings can help families compare schools in Abu Dhabi, although they should be considered alongside factors such as curriculum, location, fees, facilities and the individual needs of each child.

The ratings included throughout this guide represent the latest available ADEK ratings for each school.

Some of Abu Dhabi’s Top-Rated Schools

The best schools in Abu Dhabi do not simply perform strongly under the ADEK framework. Families may also consider factors including academic opportunities, extracurricular activities, facilities and how well a school meets the individual needs of their child.

Here are three Outstanding-rated schools in Abu Dhabi:

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Located on Saadiyat Island, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is one of the Emirate’s Outstanding-rated British schools. Catering to students from early years through to Year 13, the school follows the English National Curriculum and has a seven-hectare campus with facilities including an auditorium, science laboratories, libraries, sports facilities and dedicated spaces for music and the arts.

Average annual fees: AED 83,845
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

Merryland International School

Merryland International School is an Outstanding-rated school in Abu Dhabi, teaching students from KG1 to Grade 12. Alongside its academic programme, it offers a range of extracurricular and enrichment activities, including opportunities across STEM, robotics, science and technology.

Average annual fees: AED 33,175
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

Muna British Academy

Muna British Academy is a British curriculum school with a diverse student community representing more than 50 nationalities. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities across areas including arts, drama, technology and sport.

Average annual fees: AED 46,125
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

Abu Dhabi’s Top IB Schools

You will find a wide range of IB curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi offering comprehensive programmes that foster critical thinking, practical skills and personal development. Some schools offer several International Baccalaureate programmes, while others combine IB pathways with another curriculum.

Here are some of the top IB curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi:

Bateen World Academy

Bateen World Academy is one of Abu Dhabi’s Outstanding-rated IB schools. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), catering to students from early years through to Year 13. With students representing more than 60 nationalities, the school provides a diverse and international learning environment.

Average annual fees: AED 63,690
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

Raha International School – Gardens Campus

Raha International School has been operating in Abu Dhabi for more than 20 years, teaching students from early years through to Grade 12 and offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The school offers the full IB continuum and provides extensive facilities across academics, sports and extracurricular activities.

Average annual fees: AED 53,525
Latest ADEK Rating: Very Good

Abu Dhabi International School – Mohammed Bin Zayed City

Abu Dhabi International School in Mohammed Bin Zayed City is another popular option for families seeking an international education in Abu Dhabi. The school offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside an American curriculum and places an emphasis on academic achievement, personal development and extracurricular opportunities.

Average annual fees: AED 36,475
Latest ADEK Rating: Very Good

Abu Dhabi’s Top American Curriculum Schools

Many families relocating from the US or seeking an American-style education prioritise schools following an American curriculum. Abu Dhabi offers several well-established options, including schools that complement the US curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate programmes.

Here are some of the top American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi:

American Community School of Abu Dhabi

American Community School of Abu Dhabi teaches students from early years through to Grade 12, with a diverse student body representing nationalities from around the world. Alongside its American curriculum, the school offers a broad range of academic subjects and extracurricular opportunities across arts, athletics and other areas.

Average annual fees: AED 77,793
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi offers an American curriculum alongside International Baccalaureate pathways. The school provides education from early years through to Grade 12, with its academic programme complemented by opportunities across sports, arts and extracurricular activities.

Average annual fees: AED 67,455
Latest ADEK Rating: Very Good

Summit International School

Summit International School offers a North American curriculum to students from KG1 to Grade 12. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the US and provides a comparatively affordable option for families seeking an American curriculum in Abu Dhabi.

Annual fees: AED 27,000 to AED 39,000
Latest ADEK Rating: Very Good

Abu Dhabi’s Top British Curriculum Schools

Some of the best schools in Abu Dhabi follow the British curriculum, which remains one of the most popular choices among international families. Students typically progress through the English National Curriculum towards GCSEs and A-Levels, although some schools also offer additional international qualifications.

Here are some of the top British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi:

The British International School Abu Dhabi

The British International School Abu Dhabi is one of the city’s Outstanding-rated international schools. With a large and diverse student community, the school follows the English National Curriculum before offering International Baccalaureate pathways in its senior years. Alongside its academic programme, students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities.

Average annual fees: AED 63,898
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

Yasmina British Academy

Yasmina British Academy teaches students from early years through to Year 13, following the English National Curriculum. Alongside its academic programme and A-Level pathways, the school offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities across areas including arts, sports and extracurricular activities.

Average annual fees: AED 54,075
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

The British School Al Khubairat

The British School Al Khubairat is one of the longest-established schools in Abu Dhabi and follows the English National Curriculum through to GCSE and A-Level qualifications. Alongside its academic programme, the school offers extensive opportunities across music, performing arts, sports and extracurricular activities.

Average annual fees: AED 60,060
Latest ADEK Rating: Outstanding

Best Indian and CBSE Schools in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is also home to a wide range of Indian schools, with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum particularly popular among Indian families. CBSE schools follow a structured curriculum covering core academic subjects and offer qualifications widely recognised by universities in India and internationally.

Some of the leading CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi include:

Bright Riders School

Bright Riders School is a CBSE school in Mohammed Bin Zayed City providing education from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school combines the CBSE curriculum with opportunities across technology, sports and extracurricular activities, with an emphasis on practical and skills-based learning.

Average annual fees: AED 15,805
Latest ADEK Rating: Very Good

Mayoor Private School

Mayoor Private School follows the Indian CBSE curriculum from Kindergarten through to senior secondary level. Alongside its academic programme, the school offers a range of extracurricular and enrichment activities designed to support students’ broader development.

Average annual fees: AED 27,280
Latest ADEK Rating: Very Good

Abu Dhabi Indian School, Al Wathba

Abu Dhabi Indian School, Al Wathba is another highly rated option for families seeking a CBSE school in Abu Dhabi. The school follows the CBSE curriculum and offers education from Kindergarten through to Grade 12, combining its academic programme with sports, arts and extracurricular activities.

Average annual fees: AED 11,378
Latest ADEK Rating: Very Good

Choosing the Right Curriculum in Abu Dhabi

The best schools in Abu Dhabi offer a diverse mix of curricula, giving families a wide range of options based on their child’s previous education, learning needs and future plans. Alongside the British, IB, American and CBSE curricula covered in this guide, families can also find schools offering French, German, Japanese and other international education systems.

So, which curriculum should you choose for your child? Here are some factors to consider:

• If your child is transferring from another school, choosing the same or a compatible curriculum can help maintain continuity in their education.

• School fees in Abu Dhabi vary significantly between schools and curricula, so the overall cost should be considered when evaluating different options.

• Consider your child’s learning style, academic interests and future education plans, particularly where they may eventually attend university.

• Families who expect to relocate again may also want to consider how easily qualifications and year groups transfer between international education systems.

There is no single curriculum that is best for every student. The right choice will depend on your child’s individual needs, previous education and your family’s longer-term plans.

School Fees in Abu Dhabi

Alongside the quality of education, curriculum, extracurricular opportunities and location, families should consider school fees in Abu Dhabi, as costs can vary significantly between schools and year groups.

School-related costs may include:

• Tuition fees

• Transport

• Uniform and sports kit

• Food

• Technology and device requirements

• Extracurricular activities

As the schools featured in this guide demonstrate, fees can vary considerably. Average annual fees range from around AED 11,378 at Abu Dhabi Indian School, Al Wathba to AED 83,845 at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, while fees can also vary by year group within individual schools.

Families should check the latest fee information directly with their preferred school before applying and consider additional costs beyond tuition when comparing their options.

How to Apply for Admission to Abu Dhabi Schools

Each school in Abu Dhabi has its own admissions process, requirements and application timelines. Some schools may interview or assess prospective students, while others may base admission primarily on previous school records and availability.

The admissions process for Abu Dhabi schools will typically involve the following steps:

1. Research and shortlist schools: Compare schools based on curriculum, ADEK rating, location, fees, facilities and your child’s individual requirements.

2. Check availability and apply: Popular schools and certain year groups can have limited availability, so families relocating to Abu Dhabi should begin their search as early as possible.

3. Submit the required documents: Requirements vary by school but may include identification documents, previous school reports, academic records and other supporting documentation.

4. Complete an assessment or interview: Depending on the school and year group, your child may be asked to complete an assessment or attend an interview as part of the admissions process.

5. Accept the offer and pay the required fees: If your child is offered a place, you will typically need to confirm acceptance and pay a deposit or registration fee within a specified timeframe.

As requirements differ between schools, parents should always check the latest admissions criteria and deadlines directly with their preferred school.

Choosing the Right School and Home in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers families an exceptional range of education options, from long-established British schools to leading IB, American and CBSE institutions. However, choosing the best school in Abu Dhabi ultimately depends on your child’s needs, your preferred curriculum, budget and longer-term plans.

Location is another important consideration. School runs can have a significant impact on daily life in Abu Dhabi, making proximity to your preferred school an important factor when deciding where to live.

For families relocating to Abu Dhabi, Engel & Völkers can help you find a home in a community that works for your family, whether your priorities include proximity to leading schools, more space, community amenities or convenient access to your workplace.

Contact Engel & Völkers Abu Dhabi to find the right home for your family.