Abu Dhabi International School vs Al Nahda National Schools

	A Abu Dhabi International School Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	A Al Nahda National Schools Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 26,275 - 50,350	Fees / year AED 17,730 - 33,020
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Boys School, Girls School
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 3,500	Pupils 5,800
Typical class size	Typical class size 22	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened 1983
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location AIS operates across two campuses in Abu Dhabi: the AD Campus is located on Al Karama Street in the Abu Dhabi City area, and the MBZ Campus is in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The AD Campus address places it in a central Abu Dhabi neighbourhood, while the MBZ Campus serves families in the northern part of the emirate. The school arranges a two-way bus service with routes that reach multiple areas, including Abu Dhabi City limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.	Location Al Nahda National Schools are located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The schools operate two campuses: the Girls' School and the Boys' School. The mailing address is P.O. Box 815, Abu Dhabi. The schools are licensed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education (ADEK) and the UAE Ministry of Education.
Stages	Stages AIS offers Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) available for Grades 11–12. The school operates across two campuses with programs aligned to K-12 education and IB pathways.	Stages Two campuses serve different year groups. Girls in Kindergarten to Grade 3 attend the Girls' School; girls in Grades 4-12 also attend the Girls' School. Boys in Grades 4-12 attend the Boys' School.
School type	School type AIS is a private, international, day school that is co-educational. The two campuses are located in Abu Dhabi City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.	School type ANNS is a private, fee-paying day school with two single-sex campuses (the Girls' School and the Boys' School). There are no boarding facilities listed.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix AIS represents around 60 nationalities across approximately 3,500 students across its two campuses. The school notes a diverse international community, with a proportion of students and staff from many national backgrounds; local-to-international ratios are not published.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support AIS provides a comprehensive Student Support Services program, including Counseling, Special Education services, Enrichment for gifted and talented students, Academic support, English Language Learner services, and Social and Emotional Learning programs.	Additional learning support The school provides support for students with learning difficulties. It also offers programs for gifted and talented students.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation is stated; AIS is licensed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education (ADEK framework) and operates as a UAE-based international school.	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation listed. The school operates in the UAE and offers American and British curricula.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated. AIS emphasizes diversity and inclusion across a multicultural student body.	Religious affiliation No formal religious affiliation is listed.
School day structure	School day structure Exact start and end times vary by campus and grade level. The Academic Calendar for 2025–2026 is published by AIS, and admissions hours are typically 8:00–15:00 on weekdays, with shorter hours on Fridays.	School day structure The administration offices operate Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 15:00 and Friday from 8:00 to 12:00. The site does not publish fixed start and end times for the school day.
Bus service details	Bus service details AIS offers a two-way bus service with separate PS, KG and Prep afternoon routes, and separate morning/afternoon routes for Grades 1–12 as needed. Pick-up locations include Abu Dhabi City Limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Shabiya, Khalifa City, Yas Island, and other areas. The annual bus fee is AED 4,950, including a non-refundable AED 500 registration, and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.	Bus service details ANNS offers a school transportation service. Sign up for transport is completed through the re-registration process. If pickup details change, guardians must update them; only listed guardians may collect a child. A bus supervisor oversees pickups and drop-offs.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fees - The tuition schedule lists a non-refundable registration fee of AED 1,500 per student. - The school's Tuition Fee Policy states that the registration fee (and the re‑registration fee) is normally calculated as 5% of the yearly tuition and is deductible from the student's final tuition fees for the academic year; specific refund conditions for registration and re‑registration are set out in the policy. Tuition fees by year group (MBZ Campus — full year, books, total and three term instalments) - S‑NY: Tuition AED 25,000; Books AED 1,275; Total fees AED 26,275; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 11,275, 2nd AED 7,500, 3rd AED 6,000. - KG: Tuition AED 31,800; Books AED 1,835; Total fees AED 33,635; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 14,555, 2nd AED 9,540, 3rd AED 8,040. - Prep: Tuition AED 31,800; Books AED 1,965; Total fees AED 33,765; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 14,685, 2nd AED 9,540, 3rd AED 8,040. - Grade 1: Tuition AED 37,200; Books AED 2,300; Total fees AED 39,500; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,180, 2nd AED 11,160, 3rd AED 9,660. - Grade 2: Tuition AED 37,200; Books AED 1,900; Total fees AED 39,100; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 16,780, 2nd AED 11,160, 3rd AED 9,660. - Grade 3: Tuition AED 38,850; Books AED 2,000; Total fees AED 40,850; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,540, 2nd AED 11,655, 3rd AED 10,155. - Grade 4: Tuition AED 38,850; Books AED 1,800; Total fees AED 40,650; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,340, 2nd AED 11,655, 3rd AED 10,155. - Grade 5: Tuition AED 40,500; Books AED 1,800; Total fees AED 42,300; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 18,000, 2nd AED 12,150, 3rd AED 10,650. - Grade 6: Tuition AED 40,500; Books AED 1,700; Total fees AED 42,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 17,900, 2nd AED 12,150, 3rd AED 10,650. - Grade 7: Tuition AED 43,000; Books AED 2,200; Total fees AED 45,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 19,400, 2nd AED 12,900, 3rd AED 11,400. - Grade 8: Tuition AED 43,000; Books AED 2,200; Total fees AED 45,200; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 19,400, 2nd AED 12,900, 3rd AED 11,400. - Grade 9: Tuition AED 45,450; Books AED 2,700; Total fees AED 48,150; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 20,880, 2nd AED 13,635, 3rd AED 12,135. - Grade 10: Tuition AED 45,450; Books AED 2,500; Total fees AED 47,950; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 20,680, 2nd AED 13,635, 3rd AED 12,135. - Grade 11: Tuition AED 47,950; Books AED 2,400; Total fees AED 50,350; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 21,580, 2nd AED 14,385, 3rd AED 12,885. - Grade 12: Tuition AED 47,950; Books AED 2,000; Total fees AED 49,950; Registration fee AED 1,500; Instalments — 1st AED 21,180, 2nd AED 14,385, 3rd AED 12,885. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school divides the total annual tuition into three termly instalments. Term 1 covers September–December (4 months), Term 2 covers January–March (3 months) and Term 3 covers April–June (3 months). The standard due dates for the three term invoices are 1 August (Term 1), 1 December (Term 2) and 1 March (Term 3). A full‑year invoice can be issued on request with a due date of 1 August. - Tuition may be paid in three instalments; uniforms and books may only be collected after presentation/clearance of all three instalments. Students will not be enrolled if payments are not made. The school may suspend students, withhold reports or block re‑enrolment for unpaid fees following the stated late‑payment procedures. Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. Abu Dhabi International School is a K–12 day school. Other costs and fees - Bus transport and uniform costs are not included in the tuition figures shown and are charged separately. Extra fees apply for special education services where required. - A separate IB Diploma Programme (DP) official examination fee of AED 3,500 is charged in Grade 12 for IBDP students; this fee is subject to adjustment. Refunds and withdrawal terms - Registration fee refund: the policy permits the registration fee to be refundable for new students if written notification is provided at least two weeks prior to the start of the new academic year (deadline stated as 15 August). Re‑registration refunds must be requested on or before 30 June. - Tuition retention on withdrawal: if a student attends up to part of the first week of term and then discontinues without sufficient written notification, the school may retain up to 5% of the annual tuition. If a student attends one to three weeks in a term, the school will retain one full month's tuition; attendance over three to six weeks leads to retention of two months' tuition; attendance beyond six weeks leads to retention of the full term fee. Refunds are otherwise handled according to ADEK rules and the school's published policy. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include online payment link, bank transfer, cheque, cash, credit card and the PayNest mobile application. Returned cheque bank charges will be charged to the parent. Notes - The annual figures above are shown for the MBZ Campus fee schedule for the 2025–26 academic year and include the listed book charge; bus, uniform and other ancillary charges are additional. Instalment amounts and totals are those published in the school's published fee schedule.	Fee details Application and registration fees - A non‑refundable registration/seat‑reservation fee is charged on offer acceptance; the school applies a registration/re‑registration charge equal to 5% of the annual tuition fee (adjustable and then deducted against the tuition invoice). Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts in AED) - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): AED 17,730 (this total comprises Tuition AED 15,650 plus Books AED 2,080). - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): AED 17,730. - Grade 1 (age 6): AED 21,910. - Grade 2 (age 7): AED 21,910. - Grade 3 (age 8): AED 22,000. - Grade 4 (age 9): AED 23,030. - Grade 5 (age 10): AED 23,030. - Grade 6 (age 11): AED 23,030. - Grade 7 (age 12): AED 25,180. - Grade 8 (age 13): AED 25,180. - Grade 9 (age 14): AED 30,060. - Grade 10 (age 15): AED 33,020. - Grade 11 (age 16): AED 33,020. - Grade 12 (age 17): AED 33,020. Per‑term breakdown (three instalments) - The school issues tuition invoices in three termly instalments. The per‑term amounts below are shown as equal, termly instalments (annual fee divided by three) for reference. See the annual amounts above for full‑year totals. - Kindergarten 2 / Kindergarten 3: AED 5,910 per term. - Grade 1 / Grade 2: AED 7,303 per term. - Grade 3: AED 7,333 per term. - Grade 4 / Grade 5 / Grade 6: AED 7,677 per term. - Grade 7 / Grade 8: AED 8,393 per term. - Grade 9: AED 10,020 per term. - Grade 10 / Grade 11 / Grade 12: AED 11,007 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed on a term basis and payments are expected according to the school's term calendar (three instalments across the academic year). Term invoices are issued at the start of each term and parents must settle the invoices or provide the required post‑dated cheques / payment arrangements by the stated due dates. - The registration/re‑registration charge (5% of annual tuition) is payable on offer acceptance and is adjusted against the tuition invoice for the year. - Outstanding fees from a previous year must be settled before re‑registration will be accepted. Boarding fees - Al Nahda National Schools operate as day schools. There is no boarding or hostel provision; all students are day pupils. Other costs and typical additional charges - School transport: typical annual charge AED 4,500 (transport availability and final route fees are confirmed at registration). - Books and learning resources: typical range AED 910 to AED 2,080 per year depending on grade; for early years the prospectus itemises a separate books charge (see K2 breakdown above). Digital learning resources are included within tuition and are processed as part of re‑registration. - Uniform: a typical uniform charge is shown around AED 250 (varies by campus/grade and by required items). - Examination / external assessment fees and optional activity charges: these are charged separately where applicable (year‑group and subject dependent). Refund information - The registration/re‑registration charge is treated as non‑refundable and is adjusted against tuition when the place is accepted. Security deposits (where required by other institutions) are normally refundable on leaving after due adjustments; standard ADEK‑aligned refund practices apply to deposits and fee refunds. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include bank transfer, cheque and cash; the school also provides online payment capability for registration and invoices via the parent portal. Payment by card or instalment facilities may be available through the school's payment channels or approved third‑party providers — confirm with the school finance office when arranging payment. Notes - Fees differ by campus and by curriculum offered (American vs British routes); annual fee levels above are those published for the current academic year and are shown by year group.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details AIS offers a tri-path curriculum: the American Program with AP, the British Program with IGCSE and AS/A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with the DP available at the MBZ campus for Grades 11–12 and the British/American tracks running through Grades 9–12 (IGCSE in Grade 10; AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12; AP in Grades 11–12). Kindergarten (ages 3–5) uses a play-based, inquiry-driven approach with the sMiles phonics program to support early English and Arabic literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) emphasizes CCSS and NGSS-aligned learning, with core English, Math, Science plus Arabic/French language development, ICT, and STEM. Middle School (Grades 6–8) expands to English, Science, Math, Social Studies, Moral Education, Performing and Visual Arts, PE, Arabic/French, ICT, and Islamic Studies, with counseling services. High School (Grades 9–12) provides American, British, or IB pathways: AP courses in the American track, IGCSE in Grade 10 followed by AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12 for the British track, and the IB Diploma Programme for eligible students.	Curriculum details Al Nahda National Schools (ANNS) offer two international curricula on its Abu Dhabi campuses: the British Program aligned with the Cambridge International Curriculum and the American Program aligned with US standards. The curriculum encompasses Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Information Technology, Islamic Studies, Physical Education, Music, Drama and Art, with English as the language of instruction. The Girls School site states kindergarten through grade 12, with the Primary division KG–Grade 6 and the Secondary division Grades 7–12, and notes that boys transfer to the Boys' campus after Grade 3. In the British Program, Cambridge IGCSE examinations are taken in Grades 9–10 with Arabic and Islamic Studies mandatory; students may choose from English (First/Second Language), English Literature, IT, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Accounting, Business Studies, French, Urdu and Art & Design. Under the American Program, the curriculum aligns with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics, uses New Generation Standards for Science, and follows MOE standards for Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies, with Advanced Placement (AP) examinations available and Pearson Edexcel IAL offered for senior levels. ANNS uses English as the primary medium of instruction.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Step 1: Admission for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open for MBZ Campus only. The MBZ Campus offers the American curriculum from pre-school to Grade 12, with Grades 11 and 12 offering the High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). 2. Step 2: Applications are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, with priority admissions given to children of AIS faculty members, siblings of current AIS students, former AIS students, and other eligible applicants. If there are no vacancies in the grade level, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list, and the school will contact the parents or guardians if a seat becomes available. 3. Step 3: New applicants to AIS: admission is open for pre-school to Grade 11; Grade 12 admissions are not accepted. Applicants must meet the age requirements for the grade to be applied to (e.g., Pre-school 3 years, Kindergarten 4 years, Prep 5 years, Grade 1 6 years) by September 1 of the admission year. Exceptions are not made for age when stated and admissions criteria will be considered. 4. Step 4: Attend a meeting with the School Registrar. For UAE-based applicants, meetings are held Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, and Fridays, 8:00 AM–11:30 AM. Applicants outside the UAE should email admissions to schedule an online meeting. 5. Step 5: After the meeting, applicants attend a placement test or interview, scheduled by the Admissions Office. UAE-based applicants will receive an email with the date and time and should arrive on time; applicants outside the UAE will receive a link for the online test/interview. Enrollment follows acceptance: a Letter of Acceptance is issued, and enrollment must be completed within one week. A non-refundable AED 1,500 registration fee is payable at enrollment; bus service enrollment can be arranged at enrollment, and additional enrollment documents (e.g., Emirates IDs, transfer documents) may be required.	Admissions 1. Online registration and submission of the application and all required supporting documents. You will be given a reference number for your application. 2. Attend the oral interview after the application is accepted. 3. From the first to the twelfth grades, there is a computer-based entrance exam. 4. Register in the ADEK system. 5. Attend the interview and exam. 6. Pay the registration fees. The registration page notes that new registrations for the 2025-2026 academic year begin in January and continue throughout the year. 360-degree school tours are available for the Girls' Primary Campus, Girls' Secondary Campus, and Boys' Campus (A & B) as well as Campus Block C. For inquiries, contact the Registration Department via the provided channels.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If a grade has no vacancies, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office contacts guardians if a seat becomes available.	Waitlist If there are no available seats in the required class, the registration request is placed on a waiting list with a maximum capacity. Priority is given to students with siblings already in the school or whose parents are employees. Guardians receive text and email updates, and status can be viewed through the parent portal.
	View full profile →	View full profile →