Abu Dhabi is home to numerous world-class international schools offering British, American, IB, Canadian, SABIS, and French curricula. These institutions boast high ADEK inspection ratings, modern facilities, and diverse student communities—ideal for families seeking top-tier international education.
Featured International Schools in Abu Dhabi
1. Raha International School
Raha International School in Al Raha Gardens offers the full IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) for students aged 4–18. Renowned for its academic rigour, multicultural community, and “Outstanding” ADEK rating, it provides a holistic learning experience with strong extracurricular engagement.
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Address: Al Raha Gardens, Abu Dhabi
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Website: ris.ae
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Curriculum: IB PYP, MYP, DP
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Salient Features: First fully-authorised IB school in Abu Dhabi, large eco-friendly campus, multicultural student body
2. American Community School (ACS)
ACS on Saadiyat Island is a non‑profit school offering American curriculum and the IB Diploma. Accredited by MSA and IB organizations, it has excellent facilities including a performance theatre, Olympic‑size pool, and technology-rich classrooms.
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Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
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Website: acs.sch.ae
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Curriculum: American + IB Diploma
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Salient Features: College‑prep focus, high accreditation, strong service learning culture, modern campus
3. British International School, Abu Dhabi (Nord Anglia)
Located behind Abu Dhabi University in Khalifa City, this school delivers the English National Curriculum plus an IB Diploma option. It is recognized for its world-class faculty, partnerships with MIT and Juilliard, and a global Nord Anglia network.
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Address: Khalifa City (behind Abu Dhabi University)
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Website: nordangliaeducation.com/abu-dhabi
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Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A‑Level) + IB Diploma
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Salient Features: Global collaborations (MIT, UNICEF), high-calibre teachers, strong arts and STEAM programmes
4. Brighton College Abu Dhabi
Brighton College Abu Dhabi on Bloom Gardens offers British curriculum from early years through A‑Levels. Part of the elite UK Brighton family, it features academic excellence, high global rankings, and university placements at top international institutions.
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Address: Bloom Gardens, Abu Dhabi
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Website: brightoncollege.ae
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Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A‑Level)
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Salient Features: Elite Spear’s‑ranked school, top university placements (Oxford, Imperial, St Andrews), emphasis on character development
5. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi School
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island delivers British curriculum with GCSEs, A‑Levels, and BTEC options. It emphasises sustainability, wellbeing, performing arts, and strong co‑curricular programs within a beautiful island setting.
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Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
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Website: cranleigh.ae
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Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A‑Level, BTEC)
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Salient Features: Sustainability ethos, extensive arts and sports facilities, Outstanding ADEK rating
6. The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK)
One of the oldest institutions in the city, BSAK follows the National Curriculum of England up to A‑Levels. Located in Al Mushrif and rated Outstanding by ADEK, it is non‑profit and well regarded for its academic consistency and holistic learning community.
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Address: Al Mushrif (Off Airport Road), Abu Dhabi
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Website: britishschool.sch.ae
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Curriculum: British (IGCSE, A‑Level)
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Salient Features: Non‑profit status, long tradition, top university destinations, Outstanding ADEK rating
7. GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi (GAA)
GAA in Khalifa City A delivers an American curriculum with IB Diploma option. The school features a planetarium, Olympic‑sized pool, and a focus on leadership, innovation, and well-rounded student development.
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Address: Khalifa City A, Theyab Bin Essa Street, Abu Dhabi
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Website: gemsaa‑abudhabi.com
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Curriculum: American + IB Diploma
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Salient Features: Cutting‑edge facilities, holistic education, large extracurricular offering
8. Muna British Academy
Located on Zayed the First Street near Al Danah, Muna British Academy provides UK-based curriculum through primary years, fostering independent, curious learning with modern facilities and strong pastoral care.
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Address: Zayed the First Street, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi
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Website: munabritishacademy.ae
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Curriculum: British (EYFS–Year 6)
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Salient Features: Outstanding SPEA rating, small early-years focus, project-based learning environment
9. Canadian International School (CIS)
CIS in Khalifa City A offers the Alberta (Canada) curriculum from Pre‑K to Grade 12, with excellent sports and arts facilities, including 400m track and performing arts center. Known for leadership development and inclusive culture.
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Address: Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi
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Website: cisabudhabi.com
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Curriculum: Canadian (Alberta Curriculum)
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Salient Features: Canadian diploma, leadership development, inclusive community, top-tier facilities
10. Lycée Français International Théodore Monod
On Saadiyat Island, LFITM follows the French national curriculum from preschool to Terminale, with a bilingual French‑English section and 100% success rates on Brevet and Baccalauréat exams. Acclaimed for academic excellence and language proficiency.
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Address: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
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Website: lfitm.org
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Curriculum: French National Baccalaureate (French/English bilingual)
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Salient Features: AEFE accreditation, bilingual excellence, top exam results, multicultural student base
