Abu Dhabi Living in Dubai International Schools

The 7 Best International Schools in Abu Dhabi (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 7 picks

The best international schools in Abu Dhabi in 2026 include Brighton College Abu Dhabi, Repton School Abu Dhabi, the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, the British School Al Khubairat, Raha International School, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and GEMS American Academy.

Abu Dhabi's private schools are regulated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), which publishes inspection ratings. British, American and IB curricula are all available, and fees vary widely, so check ADEK's school listings and each school's current fee schedule.

1. Brighton College Abu Dhabi — Khalifa Park

A British school on a campus in Khalifa Park.

Specialty British curriculumBest for Nursery to Sixth Form

Brighton College Abu Dhabi is a British-curriculum school on a campus in Bloom Gardens at Khalifa Park, behind Al Bateen Airport. It is part of the Brighton College group, which has its roots in the UK.

It suits families wanting a British independent-school model near the city center.

Good to know: Book a campus visit rather than relying on brochures.

Bloom Gardens, Khalifa Park, behind Al Bateen Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

2. Repton School Abu Dhabi — Al Reem Island

A British school with two campuses on Reem Island.

Specialty British curriculumBest for Foundation to Sixth Form

Repton School Abu Dhabi has two campuses on Reem Island: the Rose Campus for the Foundation School and a main campus. It follows the British curriculum and is part of the Repton family of schools.

It suits families who live on or near Reem Island.

Good to know: Check which campus your child's year group uses.

Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

3. American Community School of Abu Dhabi — Saadiyat Island

An independent American school in the Saadiyat Marina District.

Specialty American curriculumBest for Kindergarten to Grade 12

The American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) is an independent, non-profit, US-accredited K-12 school, according to its website. It is in the Saadiyat Marina District near NYU Abu Dhabi.

It suits families who want an American curriculum.

Good to know: Ask about admissions timelines for your child's grade.

Saadiyat Marina District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

4. The British School Al Khubairat — Al Khubairat

One of Abu Dhabi's long-established British not-for-profit schools.

Specialty British curriculumBest for Foundation to Sixth Form

The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) describes itself as Abu Dhabi's leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. It is just off Airport Road, about five minutes from the city center.

It suits families who want a long-established British school with a central location.

Good to know: Waiting lists are common, so register early.

Off Airport Road, Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

5. Raha International School — Khalifa City

An IB school on the Khalifa City campus.

Specialty International BaccalaureateBest for Primary to Diploma

Raha International School's Khalifa City Campus is an IB school, per its website. It is on Al Mutafani Street in Khalifa City, Sector 13.

It suits families in Khalifa City and nearby who want the International Baccalaureate.

Good to know: Raha has other campuses, so confirm which one you are applying to.

11 Al Mutafani Street, Khalifa City, Sector 13, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

6. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi — Saadiyat Island

A British boarding-heritage school on Saadiyat Island.

Specialty British curriculumBest for Nursery to Sixth Form

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is a British school on Saadiyat Island, linked to Cranleigh School in the UK. It follows the British curriculum.

It suits families on Saadiyat or in the city center.

Good to know: Ask about the school's sports and arts offer, which the group emphasizes.

Access Road, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps

7. GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi — Khalifa City A

A GEMS school offering US and IB programs.

Specialty American and IB programsBest for KG to Grade 12

GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi offers US and IB Diploma programs from KG to Grade 12, according to its website. It is on the corner of 16th and 3rd Street in Khalifa City A, next to SEHA.

It suits families in Khalifa City looking for a US-style education with an IB option.

Good to know: GEMS runs several Abu Dhabi schools, so check which one is the right fit.

Corner of 16th and 3rd Street, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Who regulates private schools in Abu Dhabi?

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) licenses and inspects private schools and publishes ratings.

Which curricula are offered?

British (IGCSE and A-levels), American, and the International Baccalaureate are all available, depending on the school.

Do I need to apply early?

Popular schools often have waiting lists, so apply as early as you can and check the school's admissions page.

Are there school buses?

Most schools run bus services for an extra fee. Ask each school about routes from your area.

1. Brighton College Abu Dhabi — Khalifa Park

2. Repton School Abu Dhabi — Al Reem Island

3. American Community School of Abu Dhabi — Saadiyat Island

4. The British School Al Khubairat — Al Khubairat

5. Raha International School — Khalifa City

6. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi — Saadiyat Island

7. GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi — Khalifa City A

Frequently asked questions

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