GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi vs Raha International School - Gardens Campus

	G GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates	R Raha International School - Gardens Campus Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year AED 55,420 - 73,890	Fees / year AED 41,960 - 66,030
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type —
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 875	Pupils 2,200
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size 26
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi is on Al Reem Island in the Najmat area of Abu Dhabi. The campus is a purpose-built site that opened in 2022 and remains a central part of the Al Reem Island community. It is accessible to families from nearby neighbourhoods via established road links and local transport routes.	Location Gardens Campus is located in Raha Gardens, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is Abu Dhabi's first IB Continuum school. The two Raha campuses are about a seven-minute drive apart, connected by local roads in Khalifa City.
Stages	Stages The school currently serves Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) through Year 11. It follows a curriculum structure that integrates the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary Years Programme (PYP), and Middle Years Programme (MYP), with a long-term plan to extend to Year 13.	Stages Minis EY1 EY2 Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
School type	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school (no boarding facilities are offered).	School type The school is co-educational and operates as a day school (no boarding facilities).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix The student body represents over 80 nationalities and 33 languages. UAE nationals are part of the local presence, but the exact local-to-international ratio is not published.	Pupil nationality mix The Gardens Campus hosts students from more than 90 nationalities; public data does not specify a single most common nationality or the local-to-international ratio.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The curriculum is described as fully inclusive with hyper-personalised learning pathways to support diverse learners. This approach is designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities within the IB framework and the English National Curriculum blend.	Additional learning support Raha provides Additional Learning Needs (SEN) support and wellbeing services through a dedicated inclusion program. The school has a SEN team with specialist staff and wellbeing provisions.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation There is no formal country affiliation stated; the school blends the International Baccalaureate framework with the National Curriculum for England.	Country affiliation No formal country affiliation; the school operates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation There is no religious affiliation stated for the school.	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated.
School day structure	School day structure The school day typically runs from around 7:00–7:30 am to about 3:30 pm, with after-school activities that may extend later. Exact timings can vary by phase and term.	School day structure School day typically starts around 7:45–7:50 am for Grades 1–12 and ends around 2:50 pm; EY1 finishes around 1:00 pm and EY2 around 2:00 pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details STS Group provides the school bus service, delivering a dedicated transport option with safety features such as CCTV, GPS tracking, and RFID systems. To register a child, contact the school's transport team via the provided SDE email and phone number; fees are payable online.	Bus service details Transportation is outsourced to School Transport Services (STS) Group. Costs are AED 5,000 per student per year (2025–26). A bus assistant accompanies each bus; all vehicles have CCTV and tracking. Registration/seat allocation is managed by Emirates Transport, based on route availability and home address.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / New-admissions fee - A fee equivalent to 5% of the Annual tuition fee is payable upon acceptance of the Offer Letter to confirm enrolment. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable but is adjustable against the first term tuition fee once the student joins the school. Tuition fees (annual and per-term) — 2025/26 academic year - FS1: Annual AED 55,420; Term 1 AED 22,168; Term 2 AED 16,626; Term 3 AED 16,626. - FS2 – Year 1: Annual AED 59,530; Term 1 AED 23,812; Term 2 AED 17,859; Term 3 AED 17,859. - Year 2 – Year 6: Annual AED 65,680; Term 1 AED 26,272; Term 2 AED 19,704; Term 3 AED 19,704. - Year 7 – Year 10: Annual AED 67,740; Term 1 AED 27,096; Term 2 AED 20,322; Term 3 AED 20,322. - Year 11 – Year 13: Annual AED 73,890; Term 1 AED 29,556; Term 2 AED 22,167; Term 3 AED 22,167. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are invoiced from the time of admission and are due prior to the start of the academic year, payable in advance of attendance at the start of each term. Payment of the first term's fees is due on or before the first day of the academic year. - The school follows the ADEK-approved fee framework for its fee structure. Re-enrolment fee - To secure a seat for the next academic year, a re-enrolment fee is required. This fee is non-refundable but adjustable against the first term fees. Students with outstanding documentation or unpaid balances will not be able to re-enrol. Boarding fees - The school operates as a day school; there are no boarding provisions and therefore no boarding fees. Other costs and what is / is not included - Tuition fees are inclusive of textbooks, supplementary books and materials. - Tuition fees do not include school uniforms, lunches or school transport. A bus service is offered on a fee-for-service basis with separate charges. Parents should budget separately for uniforms, daily lunches and any optional transport. - Any optional extras (for example extended-day care, specific extracurriculars with additional charges, external exam entry fees where applicable) are charged separately as required. Refund policy and how fees are retained on early withdrawal - The school may retain part or all of fees depending on the date of attendance/withdrawal within a term: - If a student attends any part of week one of a term or fails to show without sufficient prior written notice, the school may retain the registration or re-registration fee. - If a student attends from one week up to three weeks in a term, the school may retain the value of one full month of tuition fees. - If a student attends over three weeks up to six weeks in a term, the school may retain the value of two full months of tuition fees. - If a student attends over six weeks in a term, the school may retain the full term fee. - All notices of withdrawal must be submitted in writing to the Registrar. The school requires a minimum of two weeks' notice of withdrawal. Outstanding books, fees or fines must be cleared before records or a Transfer Certificate will be released. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods: cash; current-dated cheque (made out to GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi); credit card; and wire transfer (wire transfer details are handled by the accounts department). The school also promotes payment via the FAB GEMS World Credit Card with incentives for paying annual tuition in advance. Contact for fee and accounts queries - Accounts and fee enquiries are handled by the school's administration and finance teams (contact telephone and email provided by the school for fee queries and wire transfer instructions).	Fee details Application / Registration fees - New-student registration fee (shown as a separate item on Term 1 invoices): EY1 AED 2,000; EY2 AED 2,100; Grades 1–6 AED 2,700; Grades 7–12 AED 3,100. - Policy note: the registration fee amount is up to 5% of annual tuition; payment of the registration fee is due within five calendar days of the invoice to secure the place. Tuition fees by year group (full detail per term and annual total) — Academic year 2025/2026 (AED) - EY1 - Term 1 (total, including registration fee): AED 16,780. - Term 1 amount excluding registration fee: AED 14,780. - Term 2: AED 12,590. - Term 3: AED 12,590. - Annual total: AED 41,960. - EY2 - Term 1 (total, including registration fee): AED 17,620. - Term 1 amount excluding registration fee: AED 15,520. - Term 2: AED 13,220. - Term 3: AED 13,220. - Annual total: AED 44,060. - Grades 1–6 - Term 1 (total, including registration fee): AED 23,080. - Term 1 amount excluding registration fee: AED 20,380. - Term 2: AED 17,315. - Term 3: AED 17,315. - Annual total: AED 57,710. - Grades 7–12 - Term 1 (total, including registration fee): AED 26,410. - Term 1 amount excluding registration fee: AED 23,310. - Term 2: AED 19,810. - Term 3: AED 19,810. - Annual total: AED 66,030. - Diploma (Grade 12) examination charge: AED 3,250 (separately listed). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed for the academic year and payable in three instalments. Instalments are due one month prior to the start of each term; the exact due dates are shown on each invoice. - The registration fee for new students must be paid promptly (payment deadline listed as within five calendar days of the invoice) in order to secure the offered place. - Students will continue to be invoiced until the official written withdrawal form is received by the Admissions Office. No encashment or transfer of registration fees is permitted between academic years. Boarding fees - The Gardens Campus operates as a day school; no boarding provision or boarding fees apply. Other costs and optional services - Transport: School bus service is charged at AED 5,000 per student per annum for 2025–26. Bus use is permitted only if term fees have been cleared before the start of term. - Uniforms: Uniform items (main school uniform, PE uniform, sports kits, minis uniform, Raha hoodie) are purchased from the designated supplier Magrudy's (in-store and online). Budget for uniform purchases should be allowed as an additional out-of-pocket cost. - Textbooks and materials: Textbooks and materials are included in tuition for EY1 through Grade 10. Diploma (Grades 11 and 12) textbooks must be purchased separately for each course from external providers. - Exam and external fees: the Grade 12 Diploma exam fee is listed separately (AED 3,250); other assessment or external exam charges where applicable will be billed as required. Refund information - Registration fee (new students): fully refundable only if written withdrawal notice is received at least 14 calendar days before the start of the academic year (the refund summary provides the specific date for that academic year). After that deadline the registration fee is non‑refundable. - Re-registration fee (current students): an amount up to 5% of annual tuition; refund eligibility and deadlines vary by transfer type and are specified (deadlines include 30 April or 30 June depending on destination). - Tuition refunds (all students) follow ADEK rules and are calculated by attendance in a term: - Attendance of 1–3 weeks of a term: school retains one month of fees. - Attendance of 3–6 weeks: school retains two months of fees. - Attendance of more than 6 weeks: the full term fee is retained. - The same timeline applies to bus fees. Refunds are processed only after the official written withdrawal is submitted to the Admissions Office and all withdrawal procedures are completed. Fee payment instructions and accepted methods - Invoices specify the exact due date and payment instructions for each instalment; instalments are required one month before term start. The registration fee payment deadline and other payment timelines are specified on admissions invoices. - Payment methods and bank/payment details are provided on the school invoice and in the invoice payment instructions. (Accepted methods and payment routing are communicated to families on their invoice and accompanying payment instructions.) Notes and inclusions - The published annual fees above are those approved for the 2025/2026 academic year and are shown as AED amounts. Fees are subject to change if and when further approvals are issued. Textbooks and materials are included for EY1–Grade 10; parents should allow for uniform, transport and Diploma textbook / exam costs where relevant.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is not provided. The school operates as a day school on Al Reem Island. The IB listing indicates 'Boarding facilities: DAY' for this campus.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is required as per UAE Ministry of Education regulations. The uniform is supplied by Threads. Uniforms can be purchased at the school or at Threads' Dalma Mall outlet in Abu Dhabi.	Uniform requirement The uniform is mandatory for all students. The main school uniform, PE uniform, and sports kits are available for purchase at Magrudy's (Forsan Central Mall) or online; the Minis uniform is identical to the PE uniform and should also be bought at Magrudy's; the Raha hoodie is available exclusively at Magrudy's. A uniform guide and policy are provided on the Gardens Campus pages.
Food options	Food options There is a canteen and dining area on campus that provides nutritious meals. The site does not specify menus or dietary accommodations beyond general nutrition guidance.	Food options Food Nation is the designated school food provider for Raha Gardens Campus. Meals are offered for students in Grades 2–12, with menus published for term periods. Food Nation also runs a café for parents and visitors at Raptors Nest; registration for the program is available online.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is part of the GEMS Education network, a private education group. It is described as a proud member of the GEMS family and operates within the GEMS governance framework.	Governance and ownership Gardens Campus and Khalifa City Campus are owned and operated by Taaleem. Raha International School is part of Taaleem.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi offers an IB-based curriculum that blends the IB framework with the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for England, underpinned by High-Performance Learning. The school currently welcomes FS1 to Year 11, with EYFS for ages 3–5, PYP for ages 5–11, and MYP for ages 11–16. Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) are planned for introduction, with DP as a Candidate School and CP as a Candidate Programme as part of moves toward IB authorisation, targeting August 2026. The DP comprises six subject groups and includes the IB Core—Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. The CP offers a flexible, career-focused pathway that blends DP-style courses with career-related studies, internships and industry projects. In the Middle Years Programme, eight subject groups support interdisciplinary inquiry and global citizenship, with additional features such as the Mother Tongue Programme and related co-curricular opportunities.	Curriculum details Gardens Campus offers the IB Continuum: Primary Years Programme for ages 3–12, Middle Years Programme for ages 11–16, and Diploma Programme for ages 16–19. The PYP is inquiry-based and transdisciplinary, with six transdisciplinary themes, agency and voice, and a holistic focus on academic, personal, and social development; Arabic language begins in the Early Years, with Islamic and Social Studies starting from Grade 1. The MYP provides eight subject groups for ages 11–16, includes subject choices in the final two years, and requires learning in at least two languages, with a focus on Approaches to Learning and Service as Action. The DP is a two-year programme for ages 16–19, spanning six subject groups and including Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay to prepare students for university. The Gardens Campus accommodates Minis through Grade 12, aligning PYP, MYP and DP within a single Abu Dhabi campus.
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 GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi emphasises a warm, supportive learning environment where all students feel safe, happy and fulfilled. Student voice is recognised day to day in the classroom, with pupils having agency and choice over their learning and leadership opportunities. The school frames wellbeing as a shared responsibility, with leadership actively focusing on student wellbeing across the campus. Wellbeing is described as a core, collective obligation, underpinning the school's approach to learning and community life. Through community events, leadership programmes and global learning experiences, students develop empathy, connection and social responsibility as part of their social and emotional development.	Social & emotional learning The school integrates pastoral care into the structure of each grade level, supported by grade level leaders, heads of grade, heads of pastoral care for each division, and school counsellors. These roles help embed the IB Learner Profile throughout the curriculum to foster a positive school culture. The community is described as close-knit and inclusive, with a goal of helping every student take charge of their well-being and thrive beyond the classroom. Wellbeing and inclusion are positioned under the Beyond Classroom section as core to daily life at the Gardens Campus. This approach sets the foundation for social and emotional development within the IB framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Student support services are publicly disclosed and include learning support teachers and a school counselor. The safeguarding lead shares responsibility for child protection within the school's leadership structure, with pastoral roles such as year leads and Assistant Head Teachers contributing to student welfare. School policies and leadership materials indicate an inclusivity emphasis and a structured pastoral framework. The school does not publicly disclose the specific kinds of SEN it can support or whether it operates as a specialist SEN institution. Public information confirms access to learning support and counselling as part of the broader wellbeing and inclusion framework.	Special educational needs (SEN) The Inclusion Policy identifies Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)/Person of Determination (PoD), Multi-Lingual Learners (MLL), and Gifted and Talented (G&T), including Twice Exceptional (TE) and Multiple Learning Differences (MLD). The school uses a Graduated Response with a Student Support Team (SST) that forms to assess and plan appropriate support for a student. Provisions are delivered through Individual Education Plans (IEP), Individual Accommodation Plans (IAP), Advanced Learning Plans (ALP), Language Acquisition Plans (LAP), or Wellbeing Support Plans (WSP) as needed. The Inclusion process progresses from referral to assessment, plan development, implementation, and regular review, with collaboration between families, teachers, and external agencies when appropriate. The Inclusion Policy aligns with ADEK guidelines and documents the roles of the Inclusion Team in coordinating supports.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction at GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi. The campus serves a diverse community with students from many nationalities, spanning languages (over 80 nationalities speaking 33 languages). In Early Years, mother tongue lessons are provided to support multilingual learners and immersive language experiences are used to promote language development. Formal EAL program details are not publicly disclosed beyond these language-support provisions. The breadth of language provision is evidenced by the school's multilingual community and English-language instruction.	English as an additional language English is the language of instruction at Raha International School, and EAL support is provided for identified students from EY to Grade 9. EAL identification and assessment involve language aptitude screening and referrals to an EAL specialist, with decisions about placement based on assessment outcomes. The EAL support program uses a combination of in-class support and withdrawal from class to help students access the IB curriculum. LAS Links assessments are used for placement of new students, with ongoing progress monitoring throughout the year. EAL proficiency levels range from Intensive/Beginning to Above Proficient, guiding the level of support required.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is central to the school's ethos, with wellbeing described as the responsibility of the whole community. The leadership team explicitly prioritises student wellbeing as part of its mission to nurture confident, compassionate learners. On-site health and wellbeing are reinforced by the presence of a health clinic and trained staff, including a school counselor. Wellbeing is integrated into everyday school life, including the emphasis on happiness and belonging as part of the ‘A World of Happiness' concept. Activities and initiatives, such as community events and leadership programmes, support social and emotional development.	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing at the Gardens Campus is supported by integrated pastoral care across grade levels, with grade level leaders, Heads of Grade, Heads of Pastoral Care, and School Counsellors providing support. The aim is to help each student take charge of their well-being and to thrive in all aspects of life outside the school. The Inclusion team also focuses on the academic, social, and emotional growth of students, including those with ALN, SEND/PoD, MLL, and Gifted and Talented needs. The Wellbeing framework aligns with the IB Learner Profile to promote a positive school culture, and a Wellbeing Support Plan may be developed as part of a Graduated Response for ongoing social-emotional support.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding is embedded in the school's leadership and pastoral structures; the safeguarding lead and team share responsibility for child protection. The school operates with a visible health clinic on site and clear safeguarding, health and safety considerations within its facilities. Job postings for pastoral leadership and safeguarding roles (e.g., Assistant Headteacher of Pastoral – Primary) indicate formal accountability for safeguarding and wellbeing across the primary phase. The school's policies page confirms the existence of formal policies governing safeguarding and related practices. On-site safeguarding leadership is complemented by on-going staff development and coordinated partnerships to support student welfare.	Safeguarding Taaleem's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy for Raha Gardens Campus (policy EDUC-008) sets the safeguarding framework, with an effective date of 25 August 2025 and a scheduled review date of 25 August 2026. The policy applies to all employees, governors, contractors, volunteers, visitors, and partners, and designates the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputies with defined roles and responsibilities. It outlines governance, reporting procedures, and the training required for safeguarding across the group, including CPOMS usage and escalation steps. The policy emphasizes keeping children safe in a wide range of environments, including online and offline contexts, and details the process for referrals, investigations, and handling allegations against staff. It also situates safeguarding within broader Taaleem safeguarding practices, including whistleblowing and safeguarding oversight at the group level.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi is on Al Reem Island in a purpose-built campus that opened in 2022. The Phase 2 expansion completed by August 2025 added specialist science and technology labs, a secondary library, food technology spaces, robotics with CAD/CAM, a resistant materials workshop, a fitness suite, arts and gaming spaces, and enhanced sports and outdoor learning areas. General facilities include dedicated music rooms and practice studios, spacious art and activity rooms, an extensive library for research and independent learning, Arabic and Islamic Education spaces, a canteen and dining area, a bookshop and uniform shop, dedicated prayer rooms, a parent café and lounge, and an Innovation Studio that merges creativity with technology. Science and technology facilities include fully equipped chemistry, physics and biology labs, an Innovation Studio with robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality, and a secure wireless network. The campus also provides sports facilities such as a six-court multipurpose hall, a full-sized football pitch, a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool and a learner pool for younger students.	Facilities overview The Gardens Campus is located in Raha Gardens, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi. It is Abu Dhabi's first IB Continuum school with over 18 years of experience. The two Raha campuses, Gardens Campus and Khalifa City Campus, are about a seven-minute drive apart. Raha International Schools operate under Taaleem, a major UAE education provider founded in 2004. The network emphasises IB education and a broad extra-curricular programme.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The school has a six-court multipurpose sports hall with audiovisual equipment and a permanent stage, a full-sized football pitch, a 25-metre swimming pool with six lanes for lessons and competition, and a learner pool for younger students. Indoor and outdoor play areas support daily activity and recreation.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities An extensive library supports research and independent learning, with a library research zone and a library collaboration space. Fully equipped science labs support Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. An Innovation Studio houses robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality, backed by a secure wireless network and robust ICT resources. Arabic and Islamic Education spaces are provided. Phase 2 expansion adds a secondary library designed for advanced research, dedicated food technology spaces, robotics with CAD/CAM, a resistant materials workshop, a fitness suite, and arts and gaming spaces.	Academic facilities The Gardens Campus is Abu Dhabi's first IB Continuum school. The school provides IB education as part of an IB World School. It is part of Raha International Schools within Taaleem.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Secondary Science Club is available. The campus supports extracurricular activities through dedicated arts and gaming spaces that facilitate creative projects beyond class time.	Extra curricular facilities The extra-curricular programme offers an extensive range of activities spanning categories including Culture, Sports, Visual & Performing Arts, and General activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi opened in 2011 and has provided international education to a diverse student body since its founding. In September 2022, the school moved to a purpose-built campus on Al Reem Island. Phase 2 expansion opened in August 2025, adding facilities such as science and technology laboratories, a secondary library, robotics CAD/CAM spaces, and enhanced sports and outdoor learning areas. The long-term aim is to become an all-through school offering pathways up to Year 13. The curriculum blends the International Baccalaureate framework with the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for England.	History Raha International School opened its Gardens Campus in 2006 in Khalifa City A, Al Raha Gardens. The Gardens Campus sits on 14 acres of landscaped grounds in Raha Gardens. Raha International School and Khalifa City Campus are owned and operated by Taaleem. In 2019 Raha announced expansion to a second campus, Khalifa City Campus, which opened in 2020 to relieve demand and initially housed Early Years through Grade 2 with plans to extend to Grade 12. The Gardens Campus was the first Abu Dhabi IB Continuum school to receive full authorization for the IB programmes.
Community	Community The school's international community includes students from more than 80 nationalities who collectively speak over 33 languages. The community emphasises leadership programmes, global learning experiences, and a strong emphasis on student voice and wellbeing. Family engagement is supported through initiatives such as a dedicated Parent Café, parent lounges, and other engagement activities, alongside structured parent communications. The environment is described as welcoming and inclusive, with a focus on holistic development for students and families.	Community Raha's community is its strength, with a diverse student body of over 90 nationalities. The Gardens Campus is Abu Dhabi's first IB Continuum school, and its community emphasizes relationships and inclusion. Regular communications via the Parents Area keep families informed (Raha Reminders). The school hosts annual and cultural events such as a Holiday Bazaar and International Day's Global Village, and student life includes ongoing arts and sports activities coordinated through community channels.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Publicly available information for the Abu Dhabi campus does not show a campus level PTA page on the official site. Parent involvement is coordinated through a Parent Relations Executive who handles onboarding and family communications, and via a Parent Portal that provides information to families. The admissions process notes the Parent Relations Executive and the sharing of onboarding materials such as handbooks and school timings. Seesaw is used for parent–teacher communications, and a family events calendar is provided at the start of the academic year. The GEMS network also offers a broader GEMS Ambassador Programme that engages parents as ambassadors across schools and includes referral rewards. For comparison, the Dubai campus maintains a formal GWA Parents Association that runs events such as parent coffee mornings, World Teachers Day, and bake sales.	Parent teacher association The Parent Team is a committee of volunteer parents, regulated by a constitution; the committee meets monthly to plan events and support Raha's teaching staff. Major annual events include a Holiday Bazaar and Global Village on International Day, as well as Staff Appreciation Week. Ongoing activities include recruiting Class and Grade Parents, operating the Secondhand Uniform Shop (SHUS), and welcoming new families through a Welcome Ambassador program. On-demand activities include graduations, performing arts ticketing and support for sports days, with the Parent Team contact at parent.team@ris.ae and a 2025/2026 roster led by Chair Terri, Vice Chair Michelle, Secretary Natasha, and other volunteers.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The curriculum blends the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework with the National Curriculum for England, integrating the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) from FS1 to Year 11 with plans to extend to Year 13. The Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) are offered as IB pathways, with DP and CP currently in Candidate status and preparing to welcome students from August 2026 as authorisation progresses. The learning approach is founded on High-Performance Learning (HPL) to foster depth, mastery and international-mindedness.	Academic & intellectual The Gardens Campus is an International Baccalaureate continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The PYP serves ages 3 to 12 and uses an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach that emphasizes international-mindedness and action. The MYP serves ages 11 to 16 with eight subject groups and approaches to learning, and it includes service as action as part of its framework. The DP is designed for ages 16 to 19 with six subject groups and core elements including Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay; students study at least two languages during the DP.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Diploma Programme includes six subject groups, including the Arts.	Arts & creative The Extra-Curricular Programme includes Visual & Performing Arts opportunities such as DP Visual Art Studio Time, Raha Concert Band, Raha Contemporary Choir, Raha Primary & Secondary Choirs, Raha Primary & Secondary Dance Ensembles, and a Sketch Club. EY Dance, Play and Sing and in-house theatre/musical productions for EY through to secondary are also offered. These arts provisions are integrated within extracurricular activities alongside other creative projects and performances.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school reports a diverse student body representing over 90 nationalities and speaking 33 languages.	Cultural & language Arabic language offerings appear in the Early Years and across the school, with non-mandatory Arabic in Early Years 1 and 2, Islamic and Social Studies beginning in Grade 1, and weekly Arabic classes for different groups. The programme also includes language-focused activities such as Arabic Calligraphy, Arabic Language Club, and Arabic language support, plus French DELF and Spanish DELE preparation. The Primary Years Programme page notes Arabic in the Early Years, and the culture/ language clubs are part of the extracurricular offerings.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies A broad range of clubs and competitions are available, including Debate Club, Model United Nations, and World Scholar's Cup, as well as coding and technology clubs. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered, along with Yearbook, photography and music-related activities, and a variety of general interest clubs such as Chess and Book Club. These activities span arts, academics, and social engagement clubs for students across the campus.
Community & service	Community & service The Diploma Programme core includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).	Community & service Service as action is embedded in the IB framework, particularly within the MYP, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provides structured service opportunities. Students are encouraged to engage in community-oriented projects and actions beyond the classroom as part of their IB learning journey.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Shahina Ahmad OBE is Executive Principal/ CEO Gems World Academy Abu Dhabi.	Leadership & professional Student leadership opportunities include the Student Representative Council. The school highlights IB philosophy and leadership development as part of its academic program, with a focus on global citizenship and responsible action across the continuum.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school provides a warm learning environment where every student feels safe, happy and fulfilled.	Lifestyle & wellbeing A wide range of sports is offered, including badminton, basketball, cricket, football, golf, HIIT, netball, rugby, swimming, tennis, triathlon, and volleyball. Wellbeing and inclusion are explicit commitments, with pastoral care, school counsellors, and an inclusion team supporting ALN, SEND, multilingual learners, and gifted and talented students. The campus emphasizes a supportive community environment that integrates wellbeing into the IB learning experience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school has a diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and 33 languages spoken. The curriculum blends the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework with the National Curriculum for England, integrating the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary Years Programme (PYP), and Middle Years Programme (MYP) from FS1 to Year 11, with plans to grow to Year 13. The Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) are not yet authorised; the school is a Candidate School preparing for authorisation and expects to welcome DP and CP from August 2026.	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 FS1 to Year 11 are admitted. Applications are submitted online and the learner profile is completed with documentation uploaded, including a recent passport photo, the applicant's passport, the applicant's most recent school report in English, the applicant's birth certificate in English, immunization records in English, and any applicable special education documentation. A registration fee equal to 5% of the annual tuition is required to confirm enrolment; the fee is non-refundable and is deducted from the first term fees. Enrollment is confirmed after payment, and a welcome email with information for the first day is sent. Prior to joining, the Parent relations Executive provides a teacher letter, handbook, school timings, and uniform details, and the Government Relations Executive ensures the file is completed to register the child with ADEK. The school is fully inclusive and supports Students of Determination with mild to moderate learning needs, subject to availability, through an Inclusion Panel. English language proficiency is required to participate in instructional programmes; learners may still be admitted without proficiency if they satisfy enrolment regulations and qualify for the English Language Learner programme, subject to availability. Re-enrolment for the upcoming academic year requires completing the online re-enrolment form and paying a 5% deposit by the end of April; the deposit is non-refundable if a student does not take up the place in September but is fully adjustable against the first term fees. FS1–FS2/Year 1 must be toilet-independent. All documents must be in English and display an official school stamp. UAE ADEK age guidelines are provided in the Age Placement Guide, with ages and year correspondences published for UK/IB/American curricula. For more information, contact the Admissions team.	Admissions 1. Application: All applications are digital and there are no paper applications. In the online application you provide general information about your child and contact details, and you upload preliminary documents including a copy of your child's passport, a copy of their UAE visa or Emirates ID if applicable, a copy of their most recent report card in English or official translations, a copy of any diagnostic testing or educational assessments in English with translations, and the email address of a reference. You will receive a confirmation that your application has been received and reviewed within 1 to 4 business days, and we will proceed to Step 2 only when a possible opening is known. It is important to disclose information about any additional learning needs, as failure to do so may put your child's place at risk. 2. Assessment: If places are available you will be invited to submit further information and/or schedule an assessment. Children applying to Minis to Grade 1 will be invited for a Stay and Play session or classroom experience at the school between October and April, with arrangements for families outside Abu Dhabi. Children applying to Grades 2 to 11 will take a computerized cognitive ability assessment, and overseas applicants can complete this step remotely; Arabic level may also be assessed as needed for placement. 3. Review: The Raha academic teams review the application and you will receive feedback within a week. If a place is confirmed you will receive an official offer letter specifying a campus and you must pay a non refundable deposit of 5% to confirm; a seat cannot be held until the deposit payment is received and once a place is accepted, it is not possible to transfer campuses. If there are no concerns and a place is not available, your child will be placed in a priority wait pool in case of withdrawals.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist 1. Availability: When there are more eligible applicants than places, priority status is determined by the Taaleem Admissions policy, the date of application, and a holistic profile. If there is no availability, the applications will stay on the waiting list up until the start of the academic year for openings. Every year is a fresh start. 2. Priority wait pool: If there is no place, a child may be placed in a priority wait pool to cover withdrawals. 3. Seat allocation: If withdrawals occur, seats may be allocated from the priority wait pool to suitable applicants.
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