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What is it about? Schools in Abu Dhabi are divided into public, private, and international. The educational system itself assumes that schooling starts at the age of six and lasts for 12 years, with a standard five-day school week.
How is the learning carried out? Families moving to Abu Dhabi often prefer to send their children to private schools, most commonly with British or American educational programmes. There is also a Russian school and schools for children with special needs in the capital. What unites them is the enrolment process, which differs from the one in Russia.
Schools in Abu Dhabi, UAE, are a key component of the education system, striving for high standards of teaching and compliance with international benchmarks.
The central role in regulating this system is played by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, overseeing the activities of 251 public and 192 private schools. Together with the Ministry of Education of the UAE, it ensures uniformity and quality of educational programmes throughout the emirate, creating a harmonious learning environment.
The Constitution of the UAE guarantees its citizens free and compulsory primary education. However, for foreign residents who do not plan to obtain citizenship, education becomes fee-based.
The educational journey in Abu Dhabi begins with kindergarten, divided into two stages for children aged 4–5 years. This is followed by a structured school system:
Additionally, there are technical schools where students can study sciences and natural sciences intensively while combining this with general secondary education.
In Abu Dhabi, children start school a year earlier than in Russia, at the age of 6. This means that a seven-year-old child from Russia could be enrolled directly into Year 2 in Abu Dhabi, whereas back home they would only be finishing kindergarten.
Abu Dhabi schools accept certificates from Russian preschool institutions, but it is important to clarify all the requirements of the chosen educational institution in advance.
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Compulsory education covers Years 1–9, ensuring all children have basic knowledge. The academic calendar in the UAE has undergone changes: until 2022, classes were held from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being weekends.
Since 2022, the school week has shifted to Monday–Friday, with Friday becoming a half-day, reducing the working week to 4.5 days. Schools can choose between semester and trimester systems. Summer holidays last for two months — from July to August.
Public schools offer free education to citizens of the UAE and GCC countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Since 2001, foreign students have also been able to enrol in these schools; however, this requires payment of tuition fees and obtaining a special permit, usually granted to children with high academic achievements.
In accordance with local cultural norms, schools are segregated by gender. The main language of instruction is Arabic, and the programmes follow national UAE standards. From Year 9, students choose between academic and technical pathways.
Upon completing final exams, a secondary school certificate is awarded. Technical pathways include specialisations in finance, information technology, and medical sciences.
Tuition fees for foreign students amount to approximately $1,600 per year.
Private schools in Abu Dhabi, regulated by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), offer various international programmes, including British, American, and Indian curricula, as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Teaching methods vary from traditional ones with an emphasis on memorisation to modern ones that stimulate critical thinking. In addition to Arabic and English, foreign languages such as French, German, and Japanese are offered, expanding students’ linguistic skills.
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Assessment includes regular tests and international exams such as GCSE and IB, ensuring global recognition of diplomas. Tuition fees vary significantly — from $545 to $26,000 per year, with higher rates for older students. For children with special needs, there are specialised programmes and schools.
The study of Arabic is mandatory in all UAE schools. The programme starts in Year 1 and continues through to Year 12, providing skills in reading, writing, and speaking.
In public schools, Arabic is the primary language of instruction, with English as the second; in private schools, the number of hours dedicated to Arabic may vary, but its study remains mandatory for all students, contributing to the preservation of cultural identity.
It is also worth noting the presence of a Russian school in Abu Dhabi. This is a unique choice for families seeking to maintain native educational standards and cultural traditions abroad.
The enrolment process may seem complicated, but knowing the key steps and requirements will ensure a smooth transition for your family.
Start by filling out the online form on the school’s website. Ensure that all the information about the child and parents is accurate and up-to-date.
After submitting the application, you will need to meet with representatives of the school. This can be either a personal visit or a video conference, depending on the institution’s policy.
Required documents:
If your child is already a student, you must provide:
Contact: +971 2 444 4333.
Address: 29th Street of Airport Road, Abu Dhabi.
Working Hours: 7:30 AM–4 PM.
Student Age Range: 4–18 years.
Education System: American standard.
Annual Fees: $8,600–$15,700.
The American International School in Abu Dhabi is renowned for its comprehensive educational programme. In secondary school, separate education for boys and girls is provided, corresponding to regional cultural traditions.
There, students’ sporting talents are actively developed — there are sections for tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and football. Such an approach ensures not only academic but also physical development of children, preparing them for an active life and successful career.
Contact: +971 2 443 4433.
Address: 110 Bab Al Nabil Street, Abu Dhabi.
Working Hours: 7 AM–4 PM.
Student Age Range: 4–18 years.
Annual Fees: $8,500–$13,200.
Education System: International Baccalaureate (IB).
Abu Dhabi International School stands out for its wide range of extracurricular activities, including football, basketball, table tennis, and robotics competitions. Additionally, the school offers diverse interest clubs, such as a book club, chess, dance, art, Arabic calligraphy, and Scratch programming.
Contact: +971 2 510 4343.
Address: Mall – 6th Street, Abu Dhabi.
Working Hours: 7 AM–3:15 PM.
Student Age Range: 3–18 years.
Annual Fees: $5,600–$9,800.
Education System: British standard.
GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi provides students with opportunities to engage in various sports activities, including cricket, football, rugby, athletics, and swimming.
The presence of a 25-metre pool allows for intensive training and the development of water skills. Creative clubs, such as theatrical productions, art history, chess, photography, and debate clubs, contribute to the development of creative thinking and communication skills.
Contact: +971 2 497 0000.
Address: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi.
Working Hours: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM.
Student Age Range: 4–18 years.
Annual Fees: $17,600–$25,000.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi stands out with its focus on creative and humanities education. Students can immerse themselves in disciplines such as 3D design, theatre arts, and music.
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Art history and the study of Arabic with an emphasis on Islamic traditions provide a deep understanding of the region’s cultural heritage. Modern sports facilities and a swimming pool contribute to children’s physical development.
Contact: +971 2 666 9229.
Address: Mussafah Mohamed Bin Zayed City ME9, Abu Dhabi.
Working Hours: 7 AM–2 PM.
Student Age Range: 3–18 years.
Annual Fees: $4,200–$8,600.
Al Murooj Scientific Private School offers a balance between creative and technical disciplines. Students can develop their artistic talents through theatre, visual arts, dance, and music, as well as deepen their technical skills in robotics, chemistry, and physics.
The school’s infrastructure includes a sand arena for games, a theatre stage, and sports fields, creating conditions for all-round development.
Contact: +971 2 666 7911.
Address: 16 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi.
Working Hours: 7:20 AM–2:30 PM.
Student Age Range: 3–18 years.
Annual Fees: $4,600–$7,500.
Al Bateen Scientific Private School follows American Common Core State Standards, ensuring a high academic level. Intensive subjects include design, drawing, sociology, world history, economics, biology, and nutritionology. Extracurricular activities include football, tennis, and basketball.
Contact: +971 50 804 6650.
Address: 6 Al Quoz Street, Abu Dhabi.
Working Hours: 7:30 AM–6 PM.
Annual Fees: $4,800–$5,200.
The Russian School in Abu Dhabi is the only institution in the city offering education according to Russian Federal State Educational Standards (FSES).
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This establishment offers a variety of extracurricular activities promoting all-round development of children:
In addition to the core curriculum, the school includes the study of Islamic culture, Arabic language, and sociology. These subjects help children better integrate into local society while maintaining a connection with Russian traditions and culture.
Tuition fees for children of foreign citizens range from $1,500 to $25,000 per year. Public schools cost around $1,500 on average, making them an affordable option.
Meanwhile, British schools like British International School Abu Dhabi and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi charge approximately $19,000 per year, ensuring high-quality education by international standards.
Yes, home education is becoming increasingly popular. It can be organised through private tutors or specialised services that help structure the curriculum, monitor homework completion, and offer additional interest-based activities for the child.
Russian families tend to prefer international schools with British and American educational programmes, where education is conducted primarily in English. The level of education enables graduates to gain admission to leading colleges and universities in the UK and the USA.
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