Top International Schools in Abu Dhabi (2026)
Abu Dhabi’s international school landscape continues to expand, with over 70 schools offering British, IB, and American curricula across the emirate. For expatriate families, choosing the right school often comes down to factors such as curriculum, campus environment, fees and long term academic pathways.
The Top 10 International Schools in Abu Dhabi 2026 list below highlights a selection of well established and widely considered schools across the emirate, giving families a clearer starting point as they begin their search.
Compare Top 10 International Schools in Abu Dhabi (2026)
| School | Curriculum | Ages | Location | Annual Fees (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi | American, IB | 4-18 | Khalifa City | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| Repton School Abu Dhabi | British | 3-18 | Al Reem Island | 71,120 – 80,960 |
| Cranleigh Abu Dhabi | British | 3-18 | Saadiyat Island | 55,000 – 102,000 |
| Sama International School | American, IB | 3-18 | Khalifa City | 30,065 – 53,389 |
| Raha International School | IB | 4-18 | Khalifa City/Gardens | 45,000 – 92,000 |
| American Community School Abu Dhabi | American, IB | 4-18 | Saadiyat Island | 55,000 – 95,000 |
| Bateen World Academy | British, IB | 4-18 | Al Bateen | 40,000 – 85,000 |
| Amity International School Abu Dhabi | British | 3-18 | Yas Island | 45,000 – 80,000 |
| Abu Dhabi International School | American, British, IB | 3-18 | AD City, MBZ City | 30,000 – 70,000 |
| GEMS World Academy | IB | 3-18 | Al Reem Island | 50,000 – 95,000 |
GEMS AMERICAN ACADEMY ABU DHABI
Curriculum: American, IB
Ages: 4-18
Founded In: 2011
GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi is often one of the first schools families consider when looking at an American pathway in the emirate. It has built a strong reputation for delivering a structured academic programme, with the option of the IB Diploma in the senior years.
What stands out is the balance between academics and the overall school environment. The campus is well-equipped, and there is a clear focus on preparing students for university pathways, particularly in the US, while still maintaining an international outloo
SAMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Curriculum: IB, American
Ages: 3-18
Founded In: 2022
Sama International School combines American curriculum standards with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, creating a pathway that balances structured academic benchmarks with inquiry-led learning. The school places strong emphasis on its trilingual identity, with English, Arabic and Italian forming part of the learning environment and wider school culture.
HIGHLIGHTS:
American curriculum aligned with California/Common Core standards, IB framework, trilingual English-Arabic-Italian learning environment, Khalifa City campus, emphasis on global learning and cultural identity.
GEMS WORLD ACADEMY ABU DHABI
Curriculum: IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Ages: 2-18
Founded In: 2011
GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi offers a full IB pathway from early years through to diploma, with a consistent approach built around inquiry-based learning. The school has a diverse international student mix and a modern campus designed to support collaborative and project-based learning, making it a strong option for families committed to the IB system.