GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi vs International Indian School Abu Dhabi

	G GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	I International Indian School Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 10,420 - 20,700	Fees / year AED 12,200 - 17,200
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum	Curriculum Indian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 4,177	Pupils 1,700
Typical class size	Typical class size 28	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GEMS United Indian School is located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, on 42nd Street. The campus sits in a residential area with easy access to Abu Dhabi's main roads and regular school bus routes. The address is 42nd Street, Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi 10996.	Location Located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, on 42nd Street. It is near the Green Apple Supermarket and the Police Impound, with access from the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road. The area is a residential district with a mix of expatriate communities around the campus. Public transport links in the area connect to wider Abu Dhabi.
Stages	Stages The school offers the Indian curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The age range is approximately 4 to 18 years.	Stages The school serves Pre-KG through Grade 12. Kindergarten follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, while Primary and Middle years use an internationally designed curriculum; Grades 9 to 12 follow the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum.
School type	School type GEMS United Indian School is a co-educational day school.	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school (no boarding).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Publicly disclosed information does not include a nationality breakdown or local/international ratio.	Pupil nationality mix The student body includes multiple nationalities, with Indians the largest group, followed by Pakistanis and Egyptians. Public guides place total enrollment around 600 students. The exact ratio of UAE nationals to international students is not publicly published.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Public pages describe safeguarding and student wellbeing. The campus includes a school clinic, library facilities, and science laboratories. Explicit special educational needs (SEN) provisions are not detailed publicly.	Additional learning support The campus includes a dedicated Special Education room for students of determination. It also provides a Learning Resource Center and other facilities to support SEN and inclusive learning.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation CBSE affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, India.	Country affiliation Affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, India.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is specified.	Religious affiliation There is no formal religious affiliation; Arabic and Islamic Studies are offered as part of UAE curriculum options for Muslim students.
School day structure	School day structure Exact start and end times are not published publicly. The school uses Bright Bus Transport (BBT) for its bus service.	School day structure School hours vary by year group. Pre-KG to KG2 sessions run from 8:00 AM to 11:50 AM; Grades 1 to 12 run from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bright Bus Transport (BBT), part of STS Group, provides UIS Abu Dhabi with a fleet that includes CCTV surveillance, ADAS cameras, GPS tracking, RFID, and a 24/7 Operations Control Centre.	Bus service details A school bus service operates within Abu Dhabi city limits. Public sources indicate a transportation fee of AED 450 per month; routes and availability are confirmed with the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / New‑admission fee - A non‑refundable/non‑transferable fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition is due on acceptance of the Offer Letter to confirm enrolment. This amount is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. The admission fee is refundable only if the parent gives notice of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year, in accordance with ADEK policy. Tuition fees (2025/2026 academic year) — amounts in AED - Pre‑KG: Annual AED 10,420; Monthly AED 1,042; First term AED 3,126; Second term AED 4,168; Third term AED 3,126. - KG1 – KG2: Annual AED 10,420; Monthly AED 1,042; First term AED 3,126; Second term AED 4,168; Third term AED 3,126. - Grades 1–2: Annual AED 12,430; Monthly AED 1,243; First term AED 3,729; Second term AED 4,972; Third term AED 3,729. - Grades 3–5: Annual AED 12,510; Monthly AED 1,251; First term AED 3,753; Second term AED 5,004; Third term AED 3,753. - Grades 6–8: Annual AED 14,530; Monthly AED 1,453; First term AED 4,359; Second term AED 5,812; Third term AED 4,359. - Grade 9: Annual AED 17,660; Monthly AED 1,766; First term AED 5,298; Second term AED 7,064; Third term AED 5,298. - Grade 10: Annual AED 17,570; Monthly AED 1,757; First term AED 5,271; Second term AED 7,028; Third term AED 5,271. (Grade 10 board examination fees will be charged separately in line with CBSE norms.) - Grades 11–12: Annual AED 20,700; Monthly AED 2,070; First term AED 6,210; Second term AED 8,280; Third term AED 6,210. (Grade 12 board examination fees will be charged separately in line with CBSE norms.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is due prior to the start of the academic year and payable in advance of attendance; tuition is invoiced from the time of admission. Payments may be made up front (annual), per term, or on a monthly basis. - The school operates a 10‑month academic billing cycle; there are no tuition payments in July and August. Monthly payments are collected at the start of each month. - If tuition fees remain unpaid by the 20th day of the month, the student's name will be removed from the admissions roll and will not be re‑added until outstanding fees and the re‑admission fee are paid; students with outstanding fees will not be permitted to sit for board examinations. - School fees are charged in accordance with the GEMS fee framework and ADEK regulations; fees may be subject to change under applicable regulations. Payment methods and instructions - Accepted payment methods: Cash, current‑dated cheques, or credit card. Post‑dated cheques are not accepted. Cheques should be made payable to “GEMS United Indian School, Abu Dhabi.” - The school advertises a partnered FAB GEMS World Credit Card payment option with potential incentives for advance annual payments. Boarding fees - No boarding or residential provision is listed for this campus; no boarding fees are published. Other costs and fee items - Textbooks and declared learning materials: a textbook declaration and a textbook list are provided for parents; textbook arrangements (loaned or charged) are published in the school's Books/CBSE information resources. Expect textbook and learning‑materials costs or loans as indicated by the published textbook lists. - Transport: A contracted school bus service is available (Bright Bus Transport / STS Group). Bus transport operates as a fee‑for‑service; parents register with the school's transport contact for route availability and bus fee details and can pay bus fees through the school's online payment portal. - Uniforms: Official school uniform for GEMS United Indian School is supplied through the authorised uniform retailer (Threads), indicating uniform purchases are separate from tuition. Expect uniform purchase costs to apply. - Examination fees: Grade 10 and Grade 12 board examination fees are charged in line with CBSE norms (charged in addition to tuition). - Other potential costs: extracurricular activities, trips, lunches and other optional services are commonly charged separately at GEMS schools; specific optional service costs and schedule of extracurricular fees are provided by the school's parent communications and fee invoices. Refund information - The admission fee equal to 5% of annual tuition is generally non‑refundable/non‑transferable but is adjustable against the first term tuition once the student joins. That admission fee is refundable only if the parent gives notice of withdrawal before the beginning of the academic year, as per ADEK policy. Other refund conditions follow ADEK and school policy and may vary by fee type. Summary notes on enforcement and consequences - Late or non‑payment: removal from admissions roll after the 20th day of the month and restriction from board examinations until outstanding sums and re‑admission fees are cleared. Useful contacts for payments and fee queries - School accounts / admissions telephone: (+971) 02 2059777; general admissions email and transport contacts are published alongside fee information and the bus service contact for registration.	Fee details Application / Registration fees - No separate application or non‑refundable registration fee amount is published in the school's publicly available fee schedule. Parents are required to pay the first installment of fees at the time admission is confirmed. Tuition fees (full detail per grade; amounts in AED, academic year fees shown as annual amounts and equal term instalments) - Pre‑KG / KG1 / KG2 — Annual: AED 12,200.00; Per term (4 equal instalments): AED 3,050.00. - Grade 1 — Annual: AED 13,015.00; Per term: AED 3,253.75. - Grade 2 — Annual: AED 13,015.00; Per term: AED 3,253.75. - Grade 3 — Annual: AED 13,204.00; Per term: AED 3,301.00. - Grade 4 — Annual: AED 13,120.00; Per term: AED 3,280.00. - Grade 5 — Annual: AED 13,204.00; Per term: AED 3,301.00. - Grade 6 — Annual: AED 13,515.00; Per term: AED 3,378.75. - Grade 7 — Annual: AED 13,704.00; Per term: AED 3,426.00. - Grade 8 — Annual: AED 13,515.00; Per term: AED 3,378.75. - Grade 9 — Annual: AED 14,254.00; Per term: AED 3,563.50. - Grade 10 — Annual: AED 14,650.00; Per term: AED 3,662.50. - Grade 11 — Annual: AED 16,500.00; Per term: AED 4,125.00. - Grade 12 — Annual: AED 17,200.00; Per term: AED 4,300.00. What the annual tuition covers - Annual tuition amounts include Tuition plus Books, Uniform, and Educational Supplies. Standardized assessment charges are included. Board examination fees for Grades 10 and 12 are included in the annual fees. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is payable in four instalments (fees are split into four equal instalments). Parents are required to remit the first instalment at the time of admission/registration confirmation. Specific instalment due dates are not listed in the published fee schedule. - A discount is applied for full annual payment: a 10% discount on tuition is applied if the full annual fee is paid in one transaction by March 30 of the academic year (as stated in the published fee schedule). - Sibling discounts are applied to tuition: 5% for the second sibling and 15% for the third sibling and any additional siblings; sibling discounts are deducted from the final instalment. Boarding / Hostel fees - No boarding or hostel fee lines are published. The school's published material describes day‑school operations and provides no boarding fee table; therefore boarding fees are not applicable. Other costs and optional charges - Books, uniform and educational supplies are included in the stated annual tuition amounts (see “What the annual tuition covers” above). - Fees for optional extra‑curricular activities that incur separate charges are not included in the tuition fees and will be billed separately where applicable (optional activities may carry additional charges). - Transport (school bus) or any other ancillary service fees are not listed within the published tuition table; separate transport fees may be charged where service is used (no transport fee schedule is provided in the published tuition page). Refund information - The published tuition schedule and the admission information do not set out a specific refunds policy or a published schedule of refunds/penalties for withdrawal. The school's admissions instructions state that first instalment is payable at admission; no public refund formula is published alongside the fee table. Fee payment options - The school's published fee schedule does not list specific payment channels (bank account details, online gateway or card acceptance) on the tuition page. The admission instructions indicate that fees are invoiced and the first instalment is to be paid at admission; detailed payment methods and account details are not published in the fee table. Summary of gaps in the published fee information - The published fee schedule gives clear annual tuition amounts by grade and states that fees are payable in four instalments, and it lists discounts and what the annual fee covers. However, no separate application/registration fee amount is published, specific instalment due dates are not shown on the fee page, no transport fee schedule is included, a detailed refunds policy is not provided alongside the fees, and explicit payment channels (bank transfer details, card gateway or cheque/PDC rules) are not published in the fee table. If you require these missing operational details (exact instalment due dates, application/registration charge if any, transport fees, refund calculations or accepted payment methods), the school's admissions/accounts office can provide the official, itemised instructions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is mandatory and formal. Boys wear a shirt and trousers with a belt and blue socks; a tie is worn where required. Girls wear a knee-length skirt with a blouse, black or white tights, and blue socks; abaya or burkha is not permitted and hair should be neatly tied.	Uniform requirement The school operates a compulsory uniform. The parent portal requires that student photos be in the school uniform. The annual fee paperwork states that uniform is included in the fees, but there are no published details on colours, components or where to purchase.
Food options	Food options Canteen services provide nutritionally balanced, ADEK-compliant food options on campus. External food deliveries are prohibited. All foods offered must include allergen labeling and accommodate students with allergies; the policy also restricts certain items such as carbonated drinks, pork and alcohol to align with health and safety standards.	Food options The facilities page describes a fully equipped canteen that adheres to ADFCA requirements for food preparation and allows the provision of a wider range of healthy, freshly produced daily meals. Details about specific menu items or dietary accommodations are not published on the site.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is governed by a School Managing Committee (SMC) that includes Sunny Varkey as Chairman and Dino Varkey as Group Chief Executive Officer; the Principal serves as Secretary and the committee includes other trustees and senior staff. The school is part of the GEMS Education group and is CBSE-affiliated.	Governance and ownership The school is run and managed by Global Educational Solutions, an educational management company.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GEMS United Indian School Abu Dhabi follows the CBSE curriculum designed by NCERT, with English as the medium of instruction. Arabic is taught and compulsory for Muslim students within Islamic Studies, and UAE culture and heritage are integrated into the program. The curriculum emphasizes 21st-century learning through enquiry-based and project-based approaches, supported by digital resources. Curriculum is organized by stage: Early Years (Pre-KG to KG2) with English, Mathematics and Environmental Studies plus Music/Art/PE; Primary (Grades I–V) adds Hindi/Malayalam, Arabic and Islamic/Moral Science with Foundational Literacies aligned to CBSE/NCERT. Middle School (Grades VI–VIII) includes English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Computer Science, Arabic, Islamic/Moral Science and language options (Malayalam/Hindi, plus French from Grade 8) and Arts/Physical Education; Secondary (IX–X) features core CBSE subjects with Arabic compulsory, and Senior Secondary (XI–XII) offers Science, Commerce and Humanities streams with core and elective subjects.	Curriculum details The International Indian School – Abu Dhabi follows a balanced international curriculum and is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Pre-KG uses the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, with age-appropriate assessment and carousel activities in Physical Education, Arts, Music, and Arabic. Primary (Grades 1–5) and Middle (Grades 6–8) employ a tailor-made international curriculum adapted to the UAE context, with technology-enabled learning, robotics and AI, and a strong emphasis on 21st‑century skills. Secondary (Grades 9–10) and Senior Secondary (Grades 11–12) follow the CBSE curriculum, with AISSE examinations in Grade 10 and AISSCE examinations in Grade 12. Assessments are varied (ongoing observations, class work, projects, presentations, and tests), and the school participates in international benchmarking tests such as CAT4, ASSET, IBT, TIMSS, and PISA.
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 The school supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through its High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, which embeds pastoral care and project-based learning across the curriculum. It also emphasizes inquiry-based, student-centered learning and student leadership to develop collaboration and communication skills. The school explicitly references protection, care and support of students as a core wellbeing and safeguarding focus. GEMS Education policies underpin safeguarding, with an independently chaired safeguarding committee and a confidential Speak Up platform for reporting concerns. The campus also provides a gender-specific health clinic staffed by a trained nurse to address student health needs, contributing to overall mental and physical wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning International Indian School Abu Dhabi provides wellbeing support through a Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy that sets out the school's approach to promoting student wellbeing, including social and emotional aspects. The policy outlines mechanisms for proactive and reactive support, referrals, and safeguarding considerations. The Inclusion Policy informs its inclusive approach to supporting students' social and emotional needs within a mainstream setting. A Gifted and Talented Policy indicates provisions for highly able learners, reflecting a broader commitment to holistic student development. The combined policies demonstrate a structured framework for SEL and student wellbeing.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school states in its materials that ADEK inspection includes provisions for POD students, indicating some level of support for students with Special Educational Needs. ADEK's own performance standards include 'the protection, care, guidance and support of students' as a key area of inspection. The school is described as following the CBSE MOE curriculum, and there is no explicit designation of UIS as a specialist SEN institution. Public information does not publish a detailed list of the specific kinds of SEN the school can support or the staff dedicated to SEN. The on-site health clinic and general wellbeing provisions are part of the broader support framework for students, including POD students.	Special educational needs (SEN) International Indian School Abu Dhabi adopts an inclusive education approach as described in its Inclusion Policy, which covers a range of student needs within the mainstream setting. A Gifted and Talented Policy outlines provisions for advanced learners within the school. The Careers page lists SEN/SPED teachers as current vacancies, confirming dedicated staff for special educational needs. The school is described as not a specialist SEN institution, indicating SEN support is provided within a general school environment rather than a standalone SEN facility. Overall, SEN support appears integrated with targeted staff and policies rather than a separate specialist center.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school operates an English-medium instruction program; the Language(s) of Instruction are English. Arabic is also taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies, but explicit EAL programming or staff for English as an Additional Language is not publicly disclosed. There is no published description of a formal EAL department or dedicated EAL support beyond general English-medium instruction. Consequently, specific EAL provisions are not publicly detailed by the school. The available materials do not indicate a separate, explicit EAL programme.	English as an additional language The school does not publicly disclose information about a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) program page on its site. The Inclusion Policy and related pages address inclusion in general rather than language-specific EAL programs, and there is no explicit EAL policy publicly visible.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is addressed through the school's wellbeing-focused safeguarding culture and pastoral care within the HPL framework. High Performance Learning emphasizes the integration of academic learning with social-emotional development and collaborative, project-based work. The Health Clinic on campus supports student health needs, reinforcing wellbeing alongside academics. The school highlights protection, care and support for students as part of its safety and wellbeing approach. Staff and students are encouraged to report wellbeing concerns through formal safeguarding channels.	Mental wellbeing The Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy confirms the school's commitment to student mental health and wellbeing. It outlines the school's approach to promoting emotional wellbeing and providing support for students. This policy exists alongside inclusion and safeguarding provisions to support holistic welfare.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is a stated priority, with GEMS Education policies mandating safeguarding responsibilities for all staff and an independently chaired safeguarding committee. The safeguarding framework includes a confidential whistleblowing portal (Speak Up) and clear reporting channels for health, safety and wellbeing concerns. The GEMS group maintains health and safety governance and requires pre-employment background checks for staff. ADEK's inspection standards explicitly include the protection, care, guidance and support of students as a performance area. The school's Health Clinic and safety-focused facilities reflect its safeguarding orientation.	Safeguarding Safeguarding and child protection are addressed through IIS Abu Dhabi's Inclusion Policy and its Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy, which together establish the school's commitments to student welfare and safeguarding. ADEK mandates safeguarding policies for private schools, and the school's publicly accessible policies align with these expectations.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Separate libraries serve the kindergarten/primary levels and the secondary level. The library collection is extensive and organized by age and ability for easy access by all students. Five ICT suites support digital learning, with a one laptop per child policy and wireless connectivity in every classroom. Well-equipped laboratories support Physics, Chemistry and Biology for hands-on experiments. A gender-specific Health Clinic on campus is staffed by a trained nurse and adheres to local health authority requirements. The campus includes a Multi-Purpose Hall, Art facilities, a fully air conditioned Sports Complex, an Astro-turf football pitch and four basketball courts.	Facilities overview The school features science laboratories and activity rooms, including Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs. The Learning Resource Center (LRC) will be the hub of the school, housing a diverse collection of books and study spaces. A Multi-Purpose Auditorium (MPA) supports sports, meetings, and a Creative and Performing Arts program. Indoor and outdoor playground facilities include a football field with artificial turf and a basketball surface, with shaded areas and green spaces. Dedicated prayer rooms for both boys and girls with ablution facilities and a fully equipped canteen meeting regulatory standards are provided.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a fully air-conditioned and soundproof Sports Complex with rubberized flooring for indoor games and the development of motor skills, including football, cricket, basketball, volleyball and athletics. The standard football pitch is Astro-turf. There are four basketball courts with appropriate markings and three-point arcs. Safety is paramount in sports areas.	Sports facilities Playground facilities include indoor and outdoor spaces with a dedicated football field and artificial turf and a basketball surface. The campus design includes increased shade areas and developed green spaces to support outdoor activities. The air-conditioned Multi-Purpose Auditorium enables physical education programs during the heat of spring and summer.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Separate libraries are available for kindergarten/primary and secondary levels, with an extensive range of books organized by age and ability. The school provides five ICT suites and a one laptop per child policy, with wireless connectivity in every classroom. Well-equipped Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories support practical, inquiry-based learning. A gender-specific Health Clinic on campus is staffed by a trained nurse and complies with local health requirements.	Academic facilities Science laboratories and activity rooms include Chemistry, Physics and Biology labs with exhaust/ventilation booths to meet safety requirements. The Learning Resource Center provides diverse books and resources and study spaces for senior students, with librarians coordinating with teachers to support library lessons. Technology integrated classrooms support digital learning and instruction.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Art Education is an important area of curricular activity, and students can select one or more forms of creative arts (Dance, Music, Art). The campus includes spaces for arts education such as a Music Room and an Art Studio.	Extra curricular facilities The Multi-Purpose Auditorium will host performing arts activities as part of a Creative and Performing Arts Program. The auditorium will also support sports and physical education programs.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS United Indian School began as the well-known Our Own English School, which opened in September 1990. After restructuring and the construction of a new, state-of-the-art campus, enrolments began in November 2015 and the school was renamed GEMS United Indian School. The school operates under the UAE Ministry of Education and offers the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. It is part of the GEMS Education network and is regarded today as one of Abu Dhabi's premier educational institutions.	History International Indian School – Abu Dhabi opened in April 2016 as a CBSE‑affiliated PreK–12 school in Abu Dhabi. The school is run and managed by Global Educational Solutions, an educational consultancy with a network of UAE‑based and international partner schools. It was established to serve the Indian community in Abu Dhabi and follows the CBSE curriculum for secondary grades, while Kindergarten uses the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Global Educational Solutions provides governance for IIS Abu Dhabi as part of its school network. IIS Abu Dhabi is affiliated to CBSE and incorporates international benchmarking and child‑centred approaches in its curriculum.
Community	Community The UIS community supports a wide range of extracurriculars with notable sports achievements, including the under-19 girls' volleyball team and badminton successes. The school hosts inter-school cultural and language events such as the Inter School Modern Hindi Mahotsav. Sustainability and community service are active through initiatives like a tree planting project and participation at COP28. Students' achievements in diverse areas, including swimming, are highlighted in school communications.	Community The IIS Abu Dhabi community features formal parent involvement channels. Parent Engagement 2023 includes activities across art, gardening, and student‑led projects. KG‑Parent Engagement Day 2023 shows family participation in school life. The school calendar includes national and cultural events such as UAE National Day (52nd celebration), UAE Flag Day, and World Tourism Day.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association GEMS UIS operates a formal 'Parent Partnership' program rather than a standalone PTA. This partnership emphasizes close communication through consultation evenings, written progress reports, and an open-door policy for parents to speak with staff. It is supported by research on parental engagement as a driver of student achievement. Parental involvement is facilitated through newsletters and digital communications, and there is a 'Parent Partnership' portal and a 'Newsletters' section to keep families informed. The program also includes access to the Parent Experience Centre and other parent-focused resources within the GEMS ecosystem.	Parent teacher association The school maintains a formal PTA with an official list of PTA members. The PTA serves as a channel for parent representation and collaboration with school leadership. PTA‑related activities are linked to broader parent engagement efforts, including KG‑Parent Engagement Day 2023. Parent involvement is supported through the Parent Portal, which provides communications and access to information. The IIS Abu Dhabi site documents PTA membership and related activities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The UIS offers a 21st-century education built on the CBSE framework and NCERT standards. English is the language of instruction. The curriculum emphasizes enquiry-based learning and project-based learning, with digital resources to support collaboration, thinking and communication. Project-based learning tasks provide problem-solving opportunities and aim to develop students' ability to think, collaborate and communicate.	Academic & intellectual Registration for Academic Year 2026-27 is open for KG1 to Grade 12. The school is located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi. Kindergarten follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Primary and Middle years follow an International Curriculum, and Grades 9–12 follow the CBSE curriculum, with a practical, application-based approach across subjects and languages that develops 21st-century skills: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school offers music, elocution, recitation, debating, essay writing, dramatics, and art and craft (including paper craft, clay modelling, mural painting and origami) as extra-curricular activities. The arts program includes exhibitions and performances in music, painting and performing arts.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English is the language of instruction. Arabic is taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies. UAE culture and heritage are taught and emphasised to foster cultural appreciation.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Extra-curricular activities include basketball, football and ping pong, along with expressive arts such as music, painting and performing arts, providing students with opportunities to develop social and creative interests.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student leadership includes a student council, student prefect body, senior and junior prefects, anti-bullying squad, and club coordinators (e.g., reading club, eco club, inclusion champ, STEAM champions, teacher internship club). These roles provide opportunities to develop leadership, organisation and initiative.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school maintains strong health and safety policies and safeguarding practices, with a focus on the wellbeing of students and staff.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasizes health and safety as a core priority within its high educational standards. It aims to provide a safe, orderly, caring and supportive environment. High-quality governance ensures students' needs are fulfilled and fairness and quality are maintained. Facilities include a Resource Centre, Science Labs, AI & Robotics, Sports Complex, Auditorium, and Cafeteria.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction. Arabic language is taught and is compulsory for Muslim students in Islamic studies. UAE culture, heritage and cultural appreciation are taught and emphasised to our students.	Language provision Arabic language is taught as part of the curriculum. Pre-KG follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Primary and Middle years follow a tailor-made international curriculum adapted to the UAE context.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school uses an online enquiry to start the application. The admission process is initiated remotely on submission of documents; scanned copies of the documents are sent to the Admission Secretary or the Registrar. The school will contact you to schedule an interview (required for all grades, including KG1 and KG2) and an assessment/entrance exam. Upon completion of the assessment and interview, the school will contact you if a place is available. Only students with a current and valid UAE residence visa are eligible for enrolment. At registration, the following documents are required: 1 copy of the child's Passport, Visa and Emirates ID card; 1 copy of the parent's Passport, Visa and Emirates ID card; 1 copy of the child's attested birth certificate (in English/Arabic); 3 recent passport-size photographs of the child (with a white background); Two years' of school reports, including any learning support documents pertaining to your child's educational needs; for Early Years, nursery reports if available; Copy of Health Form (download here) and a copy of Vaccination Record for KG1 and above. Things to remember: All students seeking admission for Grade 2 upwards must provide a Transfer Certificate; Validity of a Transfer Certificate is 3 months from the date of issue. Transferring during an academic year: If transferring from within Abu Dhabi, provide records of any tests undertaken in the current academic year and an eSIS transfer; If transferring from another Emirate, provide mark sheets from assessments taken at the current school in the current academic year, with attestation by the current school and the Ministry of Education of the Emirate; If transferring from overseas, provide the mark list of assessments done so far, a Transfer Certificate/School Leaving Certificate attested by the Education Officer of the issuing zone, embassy attestation in the UAE, MOFA attestation, and verification by the Indian Consulate in Abu Dhabi if applicable. Final transfer requires approval by the GEMS UIS principal and, finally, by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). For any further information regarding admissions, contact a member of the team.	Admissions The school is located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi. Admission starts with the Expression of Interest Form to gather basic information about the child and parents. The form initiates the admission process. 2. The School Registrar screens the EOI and contacts you to schedule an assessment or entrance exam and submission of documents. After completing the Online Registration Form, you receive a Registration Number. 3. Documents are required at registration. Student documents include 2 colored copies of Passport with valid Residence Visa stamp, 2 colored copies of Emirates ID, 1 colored copy of Birth Certificate (duly attested as required), 2 colored copies of Vaccination Record, 2 colored copies of Medical Insurance Card, and 4 passport photographs. Parent documents include 1 colored copy of Passport with Residence Visa, 1 colored copy of Emirates ID, 2 passport photographs, and Proof of residence. 4. Grade 2 onwards requires additional documents: Copy of school records and medical reports, Original Transfer Certificate and Report Card; If transferring from within Abu Dhabi, an eSIS transfer and Mark Sheet; If transferring from another Emirate, Transfer Certificate attested by MOE; If transferring from overseas, Transfer Certificate attested by the Education Officer and carried out at the UAE Embassy and MOFA. 5. Admission and fees: The number of registrations per level is based on available seats; Admission is subject to completion of all required documents; Successful candidates are admitted with the fully completed Admission form and documents as per ADEK/Ministry guidelines; Parents remit the first instalment fees at admission. For assistance contact 02-585-4499 or [email protected].
Scholarships	Scholarships The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence provides a full-year scholarship at a GEMS school. The award is offered to female students who have proven themselves as global citizens, demonstrated outstanding leadership, achieved exceptional academic results, and shown commitment to their communities. Winners become ambassadors for both their school and GEMS Education and receive a commemorative certificate. The award was established in 2005 to empower UAE women.	Scholarships —
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