Abu Dhabi International School

AIS operates across two campuses in Abu Dhabi: the AD Campus is located on Al Karama Street in the Abu Dhabi City area, and the MBZ Campus is in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The AD Campus address places it in a central Abu Dhabi neighbourhood, while the MBZ Campus serves families in the northern part of the emirate. The school arranges a two-way bus service with routes that reach multiple areas, including Abu Dhabi City limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Yas Island, Khalifa City, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

AIS offers Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School, with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) available for Grades 11–12. The school operates across two campuses with programs aligned to K-12 education and IB pathways.

AIS is a private, international, day school that is co-educational. The two campuses are located in Abu Dhabi City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

AIS represents around 60 nationalities across approximately 3,500 students across its two campuses. The school notes a diverse international community, with a proportion of students and staff from many national backgrounds; local-to-international ratios are not published.

AIS provides a comprehensive Student Support Services program, including Counseling, Special Education services, Enrichment for gifted and talented students, Academic support, English Language Learner services, and Social and Emotional Learning programs.

No formal country affiliation is stated; AIS is licensed by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education (ADEK framework) and operates as a UAE-based international school.

No religious affiliation is stated. AIS emphasizes diversity and inclusion across a multicultural student body.

Exact start and end times vary by campus and grade level. The Academic Calendar for 2025–2026 is published by AIS, and admissions hours are typically 8:00–15:00 on weekdays, with shorter hours on Fridays.

AIS offers a two-way bus service with separate PS, KG and Prep afternoon routes, and separate morning/afternoon routes for Grades 1–12 as needed. Pick-up locations include Abu Dhabi City Limits, Shamkha, Reem Island, Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Shabiya, Khalifa City, Yas Island, and other areas. The annual bus fee is AED 4,950, including a non-refundable AED 500 registration, and registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

AIS offers a tri-path curriculum: the American Program with AP, the British Program with IGCSE and AS/A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with the DP available at the MBZ campus for Grades 11–12 and the British/American tracks running through Grades 9–12 (IGCSE in Grade 10; AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12; AP in Grades 11–12). Kindergarten (ages 3–5) uses a play-based, inquiry-driven approach with the sMiles phonics program to support early English and Arabic literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Elementary School (Grades 1–5) emphasizes CCSS and NGSS-aligned learning, with core English, Math, Science plus Arabic/French language development, ICT, and STEM. Middle School (Grades 6–8) expands to English, Science, Math, Social Studies, Moral Education, Performing and Visual Arts, PE, Arabic/French, ICT, and Islamic Studies, with counseling services. High School (Grades 9–12) provides American, British, or IB pathways: AP courses in the American track, IGCSE in Grade 10 followed by AS/A Levels in Grades 11–12 for the British track, and the IB Diploma Programme for eligible students.

AIS supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through dedicated programs designed to develop self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The AIS Inclusion Services page explicitly lists Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs as a core component of student support. The AIS Student Support Services Department provides services designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, including counseling services. Counseling services are provided by counselors or psychologists to support students who may be struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or other personal issues. SEL initiatives are integrated within the school's inclusive framework to promote well-being and positive relationships among students.

AIS offers Special Education services to students with disabilities to ensure appropriate accommodations and support. The program includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. The school uses inclusive approaches such as full mainstreaming, adaptive classes, partial mainstreaming, and progressive mainstreaming to place students in learning environments that meet their needs. The AIS Inclusion Program has been recognized by ADEK as an outstanding program and best practice. The curriculum is described as increasingly individualized for SEN and Gifted & Talented (G&T) students.

AIS provides English Language Learner (ELL) services as part of its ESL Services to support students learning English as a second language. The ESL program is designed to provide individualized instruction and support to help students improve their English language skills. AIS notes that many students come from non-English speaking backgrounds and may need additional support to master English. ESL specialists work with students to ensure progress toward required curricular expectations. ESL/ELL services are integrated within the AIS Inclusion Services framework.

Counselling Services at AIS emphasizes that mental health involves more than the absence of illness and includes the development of self-esteem, confidence, empathy, positive peer relationships, coping skills, and adaptability. Mental health activities are designed to promote positive well-being because it is crucial to learning and achievement. The counselors are fully certified to provide confidential individual and group sessions, as well as counseling-related programs. The mission is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters holistic development and well-being. Counseling aims to support students in achieving both academic and personal success.

AIS has a Student Protection Policy that prioritizes safeguarding by protecting students from maltreatment and ensuring their safety. The policy defines roles such as the Child Protection Coordinator and mandates that all staff and volunteers are mandated reporters of suspected maltreatment. The policy enforces a zero-tolerance approach toward maltreatment and requires reporting to authorities as applicable. Concerns must be reported to the CPC and, where required, to the ADEK Child Protection Unit (CPU) within 24 hours. The policy aligns with UAE laws including Wadeema and related child protection regulations.

1. Step 1: Admission for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open for MBZ Campus only. The MBZ Campus offers the American curriculum from pre-school to Grade 12, with Grades 11 and 12 offering the High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). 2. Step 2: Applications are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis, with priority admissions given to children of AIS faculty members, siblings of current AIS students, former AIS students, and other eligible applicants. If there are no vacancies in the grade level, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list, and the school will contact the parents or guardians if a seat becomes available. 3. Step 3: New applicants to AIS: admission is open for pre-school to Grade 11; Grade 12 admissions are not accepted. Applicants must meet the age requirements for the grade to be applied to (e.g., Pre-school 3 years, Kindergarten 4 years, Prep 5 years, Grade 1 6 years) by September 1 of the admission year. Exceptions are not made for age when stated and admissions criteria will be considered. 4. Step 4: Attend a meeting with the School Registrar. For UAE-based applicants, meetings are held Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, and Fridays, 8:00 AM–11:30 AM. Applicants outside the UAE should email admissions to schedule an online meeting. 5. Step 5: After the meeting, applicants attend a placement test or interview, scheduled by the Admissions Office. UAE-based applicants will receive an email with the date and time and should arrive on time; applicants outside the UAE will receive a link for the online test/interview. Enrollment follows acceptance: a Letter of Acceptance is issued, and enrollment must be completed within one week. A non-refundable AED 1,500 registration fee is payable at enrollment; bus service enrollment can be arranged at enrollment, and additional enrollment documents (e.g., Emirates IDs, transfer documents) may be required.

If a grade has no vacancies, applicants are placed on a waiting list. The Admissions Office contacts guardians if a seat becomes available.