ADNOC Schools – Sas Al Nakhl vs Italian International School
ADNOC Schools – Sas Al Nakhl and Italian International School are both in Abu Dhabi, about 5 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) programmes. ADNOC Schools – Sas Al Nakhl also offers American, and Italian International School also offers Italian. Published annual fees are close, at AED 28,710 - 54,430 for ADNOC Schools – Sas Al Nakhl and AED 30,065 - 53,380 for Italian International School. ADNOC Schools – Sas Al Nakhl takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Italian International School from 3 to 18.
ADNOC Schools – Sas Al Nakhl Campus is located in Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The campus comprises an Elementary Campus offering KG1 and KG2, and a Female Campus that houses Grades 6–12 (Grades 6–8 and 9–12). There is no separate Male Campus at this branch; Grade 5 students transfer to Grade 6 on other ADNOC School campuses in Ruwais as needed. Bus transport is provided by Emirates Transport for ADNOC Schools, with Abu Dhabi Campus inquiries directed to EmiratesTransportSAN@adnoc.sch.ae.
Location
Italian International School is located in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The campus address is Khalifa City A, South East 44, Block 10. Khalifa City A is a residential district with convenient access to major roads linking central Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, and it is served by local transport options suitable for families.
Stages
Stages
Elementary (KG1–KG2) and Secondary (Grades 6–12) on the Sas Al Nakhl Campus; the Female Campus covers Grades 6–12, while a separate Male Campus is not applicable at this branch.
Stages
The school is an IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger students and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for older students. PYP serves students roughly aged 3–12, and MYP covers approximately ages 11–16. The school has been authorized to deliver both programmes as part of its IB framework.
School type
School type
—
School type
Co-educational, day school. Boarding facilities are not offered.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
29 nationalities represented.
Pupil nationality mix
Nationals represented: 48 nationalities. The most common nationality is not publicly disclosed, and the local-to-international student ratio is not publicly disclosed.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
ADNOC Schools are a fully inclusive academic provider offering special education services in the least restrictive environment; students with mild to moderate disabilities receive appropriate support and interventions in age-appropriate classes.
Additional learning support
The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. It emphasises small class sizes and a holistic 360º care and support approach.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Arab Emirates
Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation stated; the curriculum combines IB with Italian language and culture enrichment.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is indicated.
School day structure
School day structure
School days run Monday to Friday. Sas Al Nakhl Campus timings: KG1–KG2 7:45 AM–1:30 PM (Monday–Thursday) and 7:45 AM–11:15 AM (Fridays); Grades 1–12 7:45 AM–2:40 PM (Monday–Thursday) and 7:45 AM–11:30 AM (Fridays).
School day structure
School days run from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The campus includes a canteen offering chef‑prepared meals daily.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Emirates Transport operates the ADNOC Schools bus network. Abu Dhabi Campus bus inquiries: EmiratesTransportSAN@adnoc.sch.ae; Madinat Zayed: transportationmz@adnoc.sch.ae; Ghayathi: emiratestransportghy@adnoc.sch.ae; Ruwais: emiratestransportrw@adnoc.sch.ae.
Bus service details
A school bus service is available with an annual fee of 5,000 AED. Bus routes cover Khalifa City A and areas such as Al Raha, Al Reef, Yas Island, Shakhbout City, Al Riyadh City, Al Shamkah, Airport Road, Zayed Sports City, Rabdan, and MBZ.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration Fees
- Registration fee (initial, payable after offer): 5% of the annual tuition fee. The registration fee is deductible from the total tuition for the academic year and is non-refundable if not cancelled in writing at least two weeks before the start of the new academic year. Re‑registration for returning students: 5% of the annual tuition; this is deductible from the total tuition and is non-refundable.
2026/27 Tuition, Book and Transportation Fees (annual) — Sas Al Nakhl Campus
Tuition invoicing: per term amounts (calculated from the school's 10-month charging basis)
Tuition is charged evenly over ten months per academic year. Term invoices are issued as follows: Term 1 covers September–December (4 months); Term 2 covers January–March (3 months); Term 3 covers April–July (3 months). For each grade the term amounts below are calculated from the published annual tuition divided by 10 (monthly rate) multiplied by months in the relevant term.
- KG1 (AED 28,710 per year): Term 1 = AED 11,484; Term 2 = AED 8,613; Term 3 = AED 8,613. - KG2 (AED 30,210): Term 1 = AED 12,084; Term 2 = AED 9,063; Term 3 = AED 9,063. - Grade 1 (AED 31,700): Term 1 = AED 12,680; Term 2 = AED 9,510; Term 3 = AED 9,510. - Grade 2 (AED 33,210): Term 1 = AED 13,284; Term 2 = AED 9,963; Term 3 = AED 9,963. - Grade 3 (AED 35,580): Term 1 = AED 14,232; Term 2 = AED 10,674; Term 3 = AED 10,674. - Grade 4 (AED 37,840): Term 1 = AED 15,136; Term 2 = AED 11,352; Term 3 = AED 11,352. - Grade 5 (AED 40,080): Term 1 = AED 16,032; Term 2 = AED 12,024; Term 3 = AED 12,024. - Grade 6 (AED 43,080): Term 1 = AED 17,232; Term 2 = AED 12,924; Term 3 = AED 12,924. - Grade 7 (AED 43,820): Term 1 = AED 17,528; Term 2 = AED 13,146; Term 3 = AED 13,146. - Grade 8 (AED 44,690): Term 1 = AED 17,876; Term 2 = AED 13,407; Term 3 = AED 13,407. - Grade 9 (AED 45,320): Term 1 = AED 18,128; Term 2 = AED 13,596; Term 3 = AED 13,596. - Grade 10 (AED 48,320): Term 1 = AED 19,328; Term 2 = AED 14,496; Term 3 = AED 14,496. - Grade 11 (AED 51,320): Term 1 = AED 20,528; Term 2 = AED 15,396; Term 3 = AED 15,396. - Grade 12 (AED 54,430): Term 1 = AED 21,772; Term 2 = AED 16,329; Term 3 = AED 16,329.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual payment option: pay full annual tuition on or before the start of the academic year in August. - Instalment option: tuition may be paid in three equal instalments according to the school schedule. - Term invoice timing and due dates: Term 1 invoice (Sept–Dec) due 1 August; Term 2 invoice (Jan–Mar) due 1 December; Term 3 invoice (Apr–Jul) due 1 March. - Book fees are payable with the Term 1 invoice. - Tuition invoices are calculated on a 10‑month charging basis (see per‑term amounts above).
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed for Sas Al Nakhl.
Optional transport (bus) and other costs
- School bus (optional) annual fee: AED 5,000 for all grade levels. Bus service must be requested via the Bus Service Request Form and coordinated with the Transportation Officer; bus fees are subject to the school's bus registration procedures. - Book fees: listed per grade above; payable with Term 1 fees. - Uniforms: uniforms are available for purchase from Magrudy's (Forsan Central Mall) and online vendors referenced by the school; uniform costs are paid separately to the uniform supplier. - Returned-cheque and bank charge liabilities: parents are liable for bank charges and must settle returned cheque amounts.
Refund, withdrawal and new-starter / leaver rules
- Registration and re‑registration fees are non-refundable. - New starters / leavers: if a student attends 1–3 weeks in a term, the school retains the value of one full month of tuition; if attendance is over 3 and up to 6 weeks, the school retains two months of tuition; if attendance is over 6 weeks in a term, the school retains the full term's tuition. Book fees will be charged if already received by the student. Any part of a week is considered a full week; these rules apply to tuition and bus fees.
Fee payment methods and instructions
- Accepted methods: bank deposit / bank transfer to the school bank account; bank cheques; bank payment via the Payit app (First Abu Dhabi Bank). - Proof of bank deposits or transfers must be emailed to the school finance email address (FinanceAD@adnoc.sch.ae). - Cash and credit‑card payments are not accepted at the school. - The school provides bank account details (First Abu Dhabi Bank, IBAN AE09...) for transfers and requests the student name and ID as payment reference.
Non-payment consequences
- Non-payment may result in warning notices, suspension, withholding of report cards and transfer certificates, and blocking of eSIS and re-registration until outstanding balances are settled. The school will follow ADEK regulations and may commence suspension procedures after a sequence of notifications. Parents experiencing payment difficulty should contact school finance to discuss options.
Tuition — per-term breakdown (school term months: Term 1 = 4 months, Term 2 = 4 months, Term 3 = 2 months; annual tuition is split on that basis) - Preschool (AED 30,065): Term 1 AED 12,026; Term 2 AED 12,026; Term 3 AED 6,013. - KG1 / KG2 (AED 40,120): Term 1 AED 16,048; Term 2 AED 16,048; Term 3 AED 8,024. - Grade 1–5 (AED 44,115): Term 1 AED 17,646; Term 2 AED 17,646; Term 3 AED 8,823. - Grade 6–9 (AED 48,535): Term 1 AED 19,414; Term 2 AED 19,414; Term 3 AED 9,707. - Grade 10–12 (AED 53,380): Term 1 AED 21,352; Term 2 AED 21,352; Term 3 AED 10,676.
Application / registration fees - A non-refundable registration (or re-registration) fee is charged for new and returning students. If a student remains on the waiting list and a place cannot be offered, the registration / re-registration fee will be refunded; no refund is given when a parent voluntarily withdraws a child. Specific registration fee amounts are charged at the time of application and are processed through the school's enrolment/registration procedures.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Term payment due dates: Term 1 due 01/09/2025 (covers 4 months); Term 2 due 01/12/2025 (covers 4 months); Term 3 due 01/03/2026 (covers 2 months). Tuition is collected according to these term dates. - Fee deduction policy based on attendance: no-show or present less than 1 week — registration/re-registration fee only; attendance over 1 week up to 3 weeks in a term — one full month's tuition; over 3 weeks up to 6 weeks — two full months' tuition; over 6 weeks of the term — full term tuition.
Banking and payment methods - Payment methods accepted: bank transfer, credit card payment at the school accounts counter, cash at the accounts counter, or cheque at the accounts counter. - Bank account details for bank transfers: - Account name/title: Italian International School. - Account number: 4031005609765001. - IBAN: AE410354031005609765001. - Bank: First Abu Dhabi Bank (SWIFT NBADAEAAXXX).
Boarding - The school operates as a day school; boarding facilities do not apply.
Other compulsory or commonly charged items - Transportation: AED 5,000 per year for school bus service (specific routes covered are defined by the school). - Canteen: Mandatory three-month canteen meal subscription; special rate AED 1,900 for 3 months (discounted from AED 2,050). Parents can choose any three months within the academic year for this subscription. - Uniform: Purchased separately (online from the school's official supplier). Uniform costs are charged separately at point of purchase. - Books and external-provider ECAs: Charged separately when applicable; costs vary by provider. - Device requirement: Students from Grade 3 are required to supply their own device; associated costs are borne by parents. - MYP / Grade 10 examination fees: MYP board/examination fees apply for Grade 10 students; IB exam and registration fees are charged in line with the IB billing schedule and applicable examination fees.
Refunds and credits - Registration / re-registration fee: refundable only when a student is on the waiting list and a place cannot be offered; otherwise non-refundable for voluntary withdrawal. - Tuition refunds/credits on withdrawal are governed by the school's attendance-based fee deduction policy (see Billing schedule and payment terms). Specific pro rata refunds or charges are applied according to the period of attendance within the term as stated in the fee deduction policy.
Notes on discounts and special cases - A flat 15% new-registration discount is applied to the listed tuition amounts for new registrations for Academic Year 2025–2026; other discounts (cardholder, employee, community partner and grade-specific) may apply as defined in the school's discount policy. Grade 10 students have a specific 25% founders discount for Academic Year 2025–2026 where applicable.
Contact for fee queries and payments - Finance contact: Mr. Jithu Mohanan, Finance Manager (email provided by the school for fee and payment queries). Bank remittance instructions require sending a scanned copy of the remittance advice with the student ID to the school's finance contact to allow reconciliation.
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
The ADNOC Sas Al Nakhl curriculum uses high-level American standards for each subject. The American Curriculum is based on the Massachusetts Framework, with MOE Arabic and Islamic Studies integrated. Common Core Standards guide Math and English, Next Generation Science Standards guide Science, and SHAPE standards guide Physical Education. Social Studies follows Maryland State Standards and incorporates cross-curricular English. The High School program offers AP-level courses in the senior year and a broad range of electives. Starting in grade 10, PSAT and SAT testing is administered, with Sas Al Nakhl serving as a testing center for nearby schools, and the program aims to prepare every learner for admission to colleges and universities of the highest standing locally and worldwide.
Curriculum details
The Italian International School (IIS) Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi is an IB World School with English as the language of instruction and Italian language and culture integrated throughout its programme. It is authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) within the IB continuum, with IB authorizations recorded in early 2025. The Italian language department combines the Italian Ministry of Education curriculum with IB guidelines, offering Language A for Italian mother-tongue learners and Language B for non-native learners across KG1 through Grade 12, with Italian available as a Diploma Programme study option within the Language A track. Language learning is embedded across the curriculum, with English, Arabic, and Italian vocabulary integrated across subjects and close collaboration between language departments to foster multilingualism. The school reports a 1:7 staff-to-student ratio and offers over 20 extracurricular options to support holistic development. As of January 2025, IB authorizations cover PYP and MYP for IIS Khalifa City; there is no Diploma Programme authorization listed for this school in the IB information system. } }? The extra characters may be extra. Wait there is extraneous closing braces. I need to fix. The final should be a valid JSON object with a single key
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates are prepared for admission to colleges and universities of the highest standing both locally and worldwide. The school emphasizes college-preparatory instruction and AP-level coursework to support higher education progression. The goal is to equip students with the academic and critical thinking skills needed for success at institutions of higher education globally.
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. Online Application. ADNOC Schools open admissions in November each year for the next academic year. All applications are digital and submitted online through the online application system; there are no paper applications. Applicants provide general information about the child, parents, contact details, background and attachments, and a confirmation of receipt/ review is sent within 5 business days. If a seat is available, the application moves to Step 2; if no seat is available, the application is placed on the waiting list until the start of the academic year, and applicants are advised to reapply for each year if no openings occur.
Admissions
null
Scholarships
Scholarships
SAS Al Nakhl Campus currently offers no discounts. Western Region Campuses (Ruwais, Madinat Zayed, and Ghayathi) offer scholarship discounts based on eligibility, subject to terms and conditions.
Scholarships
null
Waitlist
Waitlist
My child is on the waiting list. The Admissions Team provides updates on enrollment, but you will only be contacted when a seat becomes available. The waiting list remains active until ADEK closes the school transfer screen in the region. In some cases, parents may be asked to sign an undertaking in advance to begin enrollment early; once a seat becomes available, payment may be requested to expedite processing. We do not assign specific numbers on the waiting list; priority is given to siblings of current students and to children of ADNOC employees, with all other applications considered afterward.