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Abu Dhabi International School
  1. Schools in Abu Dhabi
  2. Mushrif & Karama
  3. Abu Dhabi International School
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Abu Dhabi International School logo

Abu Dhabi International School

3.6
2024-2025Very good
Curriculum

British / American / British

Annual Fees

31K - 46K AED

Location

Al Karama

About Abu Dhabi International School

Last updated 26 September 2026 · Sources: ADEK inspection reports · methodology

Abu Dhabi International School is a private coeducational American school founded in 1992, located on Al Karama Street near Al Rowda Clinic. The school operates as a K-12 day school licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education, with additional campuses in MBZ City and plans for a Saadiyat location.

The school welcomes both boys and girls from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students come from varied backgrounds with different academic and career aspirations, and the school provides tailored educational pathways to support individual goals.

Abu Dhabi International School follows the American curriculum alongside British curriculum options. ADEK has rated the school as high performing, with outstanding recognition for governance, inclusion programmes, and college admissions support. Beyond academics, students can participate in extra-curricular activities focused on talent development, creativity, and community service.

Annual tuition fees range from AED 30,800 to AED 46,400 depending on grade level. The Al Karama Street campus provides convenient access for families residing in central Abu Dhabi.

Location

Al Karamah Street (Al Karamah Campus) and Mohammed Bin Zayed City (MBZ Campus)

Abu Dhabi International School fees 2026-2027

The academic year of some recorded fees has not been verified against its source. Confirm current rates with the school before using them.

Annual tuition at Abu Dhabi International School ranges from AED 30,800 (KG1/FS2) to AED 46,400 (G11/Y12) for 2026-2027, across 14 year groups, or about AED 2,567 to AED 3,867 a month.

Grade LevelAnnual Fees (recorded)Est. MonthlyFact Sheet
KG1/FS22026-2027 (year unverified)30,800 AED~2,567 AED-
KG2/Y12026-2027 (year unverified)30,800 AED~2,567 AED-
G1/Y22026-2027 (year unverified)36,000 AED~3,000 AED-
G2/Y32026-2027 (year unverified)36,000 AED~3,000 AED-
G3/Y42026-2027 (year unverified)37,600 AED~3,133 AED-
G4/Y52026-2027 (year unverified)37,600 AED~3,133 AED-
G5/Y62026-2027 (year unverified)39,200 AED~3,267 AED-
G6/Y72026-2027 (year unverified)39,200 AED~3,267 AED-
G7/Y82026-2027 (year unverified)41,600 AED~3,467 AED-
G8/Y92026-2027 (year unverified)41,600 AED~3,467 AED-
G9/Y102026-2027 (year unverified)44,000 AED~3,667 AED-
G10/Y112026-2027 (year unverified)44,000 AED~3,667 AED-
G11/Y122026-2027 (year unverified)46,400 AED~3,867 AED-
G12/Y132026-2027 (year unverified)46,400 AED~3,867 AED-

Inspection Report

ADEK rated Abu Dhabi International School "Very good" in its 2021-2022 inspection, up from "Good" at the previous inspection. The school has been inspected 2 times since 2016-2017.

Latest Rating (2021-2022)
Very good
Download Report

What inspectors found in 2021-2022

This American-curriculum school was rated Very Good overall. Students performed strongly in Mathematics, Science and English across phases, with progress often Very Good or Outstanding. Teaching, assessment, care, and leadership were consistently rated Very Good, reflecting effective management and a well-supported learning environment.

Source: ADEK inspection report 2021-2022 (PDF, pages 1-8), inspected 07-Mar-2022 to 10-Mar-2022. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

Since the 2016-2017 inspection

Of the 54 performance indicators rated in both reports, 40 improved, 0 declined and 14 kept the same rating.

Students
1,402 → 858
-544 (-39%)
Teachers
95 → 61
-34 (-36%)

Improved

  • Attainment — Islamic Education · Phase 2 (P/E/C1): Acceptable → Good
  • Attainment — Islamic Education · Phase 4 (P-16/HS/C3): Good → Very good
  • Attainment — Arabic First Language · Phase 2 (P/E/C1): Acceptable → Good
  • Attainment — Arabic First Language · Phase 3 (S/M/C2): Acceptable → Good
  • Attainment — Arabic Second Language · Phase 3 (S/M/C2): Acceptable → Good
  • Attainment — Arabic Second Language · Phase 4 (P-16/HS/C3): Acceptable → Good
  • Attainment — Social Studies · Phase 2 (P/E/C1): Acceptable → Good
  • Attainment — Social Studies · Phase 3 (S/M/C2): Acceptable → Good

and 32 more

Performance standards by year (105 indicators, 2 inspections)
IndicatorPhase2016-20172021-2022
Students' achievement
Attainment — Islamic EducationPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableGood
Attainment — Islamic EducationPhase 3 (S/M/C2)GoodGood
Attainment — Islamic EducationPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodVery good
Progress — Islamic EducationPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableVery good
Progress — Islamic EducationPhase 3 (S/M/C2)GoodVery good
Progress — Islamic EducationPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodVery good
Arabic (First Language) — AttainmentKGAcceptable-
Attainment — Arabic First LanguagePhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableGood
Attainment — Arabic First LanguagePhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableGood
Attainment — Arabic First LanguagePhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodGood
Arabic (First Language) — ProgressKGAcceptable-
Progress — Arabic First LanguagePhase 2 (P/E/C1)GoodGood
Progress — Arabic First LanguagePhase 3 (S/M/C2)GoodGood
Progress — Arabic First LanguagePhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodGood
Attainment — Arabic Second LanguagePhase 2 (P/E/C1)GoodGood
Attainment — Arabic Second LanguagePhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableGood
Attainment — Arabic Second LanguagePhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)AcceptableGood
Progress — Arabic Second LanguagePhase 2 (P/E/C1)GoodGood
Progress — Arabic Second LanguagePhase 3 (S/M/C2)GoodGood
Progress — Arabic Second LanguagePhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)AcceptableVery good
Attainment — Social StudiesPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableGood
Attainment — Social StudiesPhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableGood
Progress — Social StudiesPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableGood
Progress — Social StudiesPhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableGood
Attainment — EnglishPhase 1 (FS/KG)GoodGood
Attainment — EnglishPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableGood
Attainment — EnglishPhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableVery good
Attainment — EnglishPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodVery good
Progress — EnglishPhase 1 (FS/KG)GoodVery good
Progress — EnglishPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableVery good
Progress — EnglishPhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableVery good
Progress — EnglishPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodVery good
Attainment — MathematicsPhase 1 (FS/KG)AcceptableGood
Attainment — MathematicsPhase 2 (P/E/C1)GoodVery good
Attainment — MathematicsPhase 3 (S/M/C2)GoodVery good
Attainment — MathematicsPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)Very goodOutstanding
Progress — MathematicsPhase 1 (FS/KG)AcceptableVery good
Progress — MathematicsPhase 2 (P/E/C1)GoodVery good
Progress — MathematicsPhase 3 (S/M/C2)GoodVery good
Progress — MathematicsPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)Very goodOutstanding
Attainment — SciencesPhase 1 (FS/KG)GoodGood
Attainment — SciencesPhase 2 (P/E/C1)GoodVery good
Attainment — SciencesPhase 3 (S/M/C2)Very goodVery good
Attainment — SciencesPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)Very goodVery good
Progress — SciencesPhase 1 (FS/KG)GoodVery good
Progress — SciencesPhase 2 (P/E/C1)GoodVery good
Progress — SciencesPhase 3 (S/M/C2)Very goodVery good
Progress — SciencesPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)Very goodVery good
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — AttainmentKGAcceptable-
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — AttainmentPrimaryGood-
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — AttainmentMiddleGood-
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — AttainmentHighGood-
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — ProgressKGAcceptable-
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — ProgressPrimaryGood-
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — ProgressMiddleGood-
Other subjects (Art, Music, PE) — ProgressHighGood-
Learning skillsPhase 1 (FS/KG)AcceptableVery good
Learning skillsPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableVery good
Learning skillsPhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableVery good
Learning skillsPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodVery good
Students' personal and social development, and their innovation skills
Personal developmentKGGood-
Personal developmentPrimaryGood-
Personal developmentMiddleGood-
Personal developmentHighVery good-
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world culturesKGGood-
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world culturesPrimaryGood-
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world culturesMiddleGood-
Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati and world culturesHighGood-
Social responsibility and innovation skillsKGGood-
Social responsibility and innovation skillsPrimaryGood-
Social responsibility and innovation skillsMiddleGood-
Social responsibility and innovation skillsHighVery good-
Teaching and assessment
Teaching for effective learningKGAcceptable-
Teaching for effective learningPrimaryGood-
Teaching for effective learningMiddleGood-
Teaching for effective learningHighVery good-
AssessmentPhase 1 (FS/KG)AcceptableVery good
AssessmentPhase 2 (P/E/C1)AcceptableVery good
AssessmentPhase 3 (S/M/C2)AcceptableVery good
AssessmentPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)GoodVery good
TeachingPhase 1 (FS/KG)-Very good
TeachingPhase 2 (P/E/C1)-Very good
TeachingPhase 3 (S/M/C2)-Very good
TeachingPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)-Very good
Curriculum
Curriculum design and implementationKGGood-
Curriculum design and implementationPrimaryGood-
Curriculum design and implementationMiddleGood-
Curriculum design and implementationHighAcceptable-
Curriculum adaptationKGGood-
Curriculum adaptationPrimaryGood-
Curriculum adaptationMiddleGood-
Curriculum adaptationHighGood-
Protection, care, guidance and support
Health & safetyPhase 1 (FS/KG)-Very good
Health & safetyPhase 2 (P/E/C1)-Very good
Health & safetyPhase 3 (S/M/C2)-Very good
Health & safetyPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)-Very good
Care & supportPhase 1 (FS/KG)-Very good
Care & supportPhase 2 (P/E/C1)-Very good
Care & supportPhase 3 (S/M/C2)-Very good
Care & supportPhase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)-Very good
Leadership and management
Effectiveness of leadershipWhole school-Very good
Self evaluation & improvementWhole school-Very good
Partnerships with parentsWhole school-Very good
GovernanceWhole school-Very good
ManagementWhole school-Very good

Earlier inspections

2016-2017Good

Overall a good school with strong senior-grade attainment, positive relationships and good personal development. Teaching and attainment vary more in primary and middle years, and the school needs to reduce this variability, improve accommodation and resources, and strengthen support so all students make the best possible progress.

Strengths noted by inspectors

  • Progress in spoken English allows students to use technical language in other subjects
  • Strong attainment in a range of subjects by the time students leave in Grade 12
  • Positive relationships, attitudes to learning and students' contribution to the community
  • Teachers' positive attitudes towards improving their own teaching and sharing best practice
  • The school is a safe and secure learning environment

What the school was asked to improve

  • Reduce variability in teaching quality, particularly in the middle years of the school
  • Improve the quality of accommodation and resources to provide the best opportunities for learning
  • Provide more effective support so all students make the best progress in all subjects

Source: ADEK inspection report 2016-2017 (PDF, pages 1-14), inspected October 24, 2016 to October 27, 2016. Restated by BestSchool.ae.

Rating History

2016-2017Good

Videos

Video 35
Video 36

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Abu Dhabi International School fees in 2026-2027?

Annual tuition at Abu Dhabi International School ranges from AED 30,800 (KG1/FS2) to AED 46,400 (G11/Y12) for 2026-2027, across 14 year groups, or about AED 2,567 to AED 3,867 a month. Figures are annual tuition as recorded from the school's published fees. Confirm extras such as transport and uniform with the school.

What is Abu Dhabi International School's ADEK inspection rating?

ADEK rated Abu Dhabi International School "Very good" in its 2021-2022 inspection, up from "Good" at the previous inspection. The school has been inspected 2 times since 2016-2017.

What did ADEK inspectors say about Abu Dhabi International School in 2021-2022?

This American-curriculum school was rated Very Good overall. Students performed strongly in Mathematics, Science and English across phases, with progress often Very Good or Outstanding. Teaching, assessment, care, and leadership were consistently rated Very Good, reflecting effective management and a well-supported learning environment.

Has Abu Dhabi International School improved since its 2016-2017 inspection?

Between the 2016-2017 and 2021-2022 inspections, 40 of the 54 indicators rated in both reports improved, 0 declined and 14 kept the same rating. Improvements include Attainment — Islamic Education (Phase 2 (P/E/C1)) from Acceptable to Good, Attainment — Islamic Education (Phase 4 (P-16/HS/C3)) from Good to Very good, Attainment — Arabic First Language (Phase 2 (P/E/C1)) from Acceptable to Good. Enrolment went from 1,402 to 858 students (-39%).

Community

Value for Money
33
Campus Facilities
32
Quality of Teachers
32
Curriculum
33
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At a Glance

From the 2024-2025 inspection profile

Grades
KG1 to Grade 12
Age
4-18
Students
4,018
Genders
Boys and Girls
Curriculum
American, IGCSE, IB
Language
English

School Profile

As reported for 2024-2025

Principal
Ms. Pameela Issa (Principal)
Opening year
1992
Teachers
275
Accreditation
ADEK
Curriculum examinations
SAT, AP, IGCSE, IB Diploma

Other schools in Mushrif & Karama

British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)The British International SchoolSaint Joseph's SchoolICS Mushrif – International Community SchoolsEmirates Private SchoolAl Eman Private SchoolThe Sheikh Zayed Private Academy of GirlsAl Nahda National School, Girls

Compare Abu Dhabi International School with

Abu Dhabi International School vs British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)Abu Dhabi International School vs The British International SchoolAbu Dhabi International School vs The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy of GirlsAbu Dhabi International School vs Saint Joseph's School

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