Private Schools in Abu Dhabi are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best Private Schools in Abu Dhabi, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Why choose a private school in Abu Dhabi?
Parents generally choose private schools because they offer a strong academic program, create the perfect studying environment with smaller classes, outstanding campuses and offer a wide choice of extra curricular activities such as sports and arts.Private schools also put more emphasis on specialties like art, music and athletics and many focus on integrating important 21st century skills in their programs.Private schools statistically perform very well on college or university entrance exams and many schools have a very high rate of students being accepted at the university of their choice.
Study in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Many Hollywood and other national film production teams have used the UAE as filming locations. Whilst neighbouring Dubai gets a lot of attention, in recent years Abu Dhabi has become a popular destination. The Etihad Towers and Emirates Palace Hotel were some of the city's landmarks used as filming locations for the movie Furious 7. In this movie, cars rush through the building and smash through the windows of the Etihad Towers.
Top rated Private Schools in Abu Dhabi 2025
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2025The British International School Abu Dhabi
5 reviewsAbu Dhabi - Emirate of Abu DhabiInternational Schoolfrom 50300 to 71040 aedThe British International School Abu Dhabi offers a welcoming family community with the highest quality learning opportunities as part of our Global Campus.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate
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2025Swiss International School Dubai
0 reviewsDubai - Emirate of DubaiInternational School - Boarding Schoolfrom 53000 to 99000 aedThe Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD) is a leading international day and boarding school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of a global world.Why parents choose this schoolArabic Bilingual English French GermanInternational Baccalaureate Swiss Curriculum -
2025Sharjah English School
0 reviewsSharjah - Emirate of SharjahInternational Schoolfrom 27390 to 70135 aedEstablished in 1974, Sharjah English School is a pioneering not-for-profit educational institution in the UAE, proud of its rich heritage and commitment to providing a world-class education. We reflect on our journey of growth and innovation, guided by the principle of “Rich in History, Future Focused.”Why parents choose this schoolBritish CurriculumADHD Autism Dyslexia - 2025
The British International School Abu Dhabi
5 reviewsAbu Dhabi - Emirate of Abu DhabiInternational Schoolfrom 50300 to 71040 aedThe British International School Abu Dhabi offers a welcoming family community with the highest quality learning opportunities as part of our Global Campus.Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum International Baccalaureate - Unverified
Dubai British School Emirate Hills
0 reviewsDubai - Emirate of DubaiInternational Schoolfrom 50496 to 75746 aedDubai British School Emirates Hills is a safe and happy community where achievement and effort are celebrated. Embracing local and British values, we strive to inspire and challenge young minds in a supportive and tolerant international environment. We believe in supporting all members of the community to develop the necessary life and learning skills to […]
Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum - Unverified
Dubai English Speaking College
0 reviewsDubai - Emirate of DubaiInternational Schoolfrom to currencyDubai English Speaking School and College (DESSC) is the oldest English school in Dubai. Established in 1963, DESS and later DESC have offered a British education in Dubai for over half a century. Over this time, the schools have grown from single classrooms to some of the most advanced educational facilities in Dubai.
Why parents choose this schoolBritish Curriculum
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Parent and Student Reviews of Private Schools in Abu Dhabi
- What I’ve seen at BIS Abu Dhabi over the last two years as a parent – Senior Management with a vision, enthusiastic teachers with personalised attention, motivated & ambitious students and lastly, the community feeling that makes it warm and welcoming! I would recommend this school eyes closed.Written February 25, 2023
- The caring approach they have to make students of all abilities feel worthy and welcome is what attracted us 4 years ago and that has continued to follow through. My 3 children feel safe, secure and stimulated and we feel informed and confident that our children are being allowed to grow academically and personally, with their characters being encouraged to grow and not ‘moulded’.Written February 25, 2023
- Great school, amazing experiences and opportunities with teachers that go above and beyond to bring the best out in our children.
Highly recommended!Written February 25, 2023 - My kids just love it here. Such a friendly and welcoming environment. I’ve seen both of my children come on in leaps and bounds since joining the school both socially and academically. Would highly recommend.Written February 25, 2023
- Good infrastructure, teaching and the Head of the school takes an active interest in the day to day functioning of the school. The school constantly strives to better itself and the students seem happy. Good facilities and with the new sports centre, one hopes sport based CCA’s will get a boost.Written February 25, 2023
- What I’ve seen at BIS Abu Dhabi over the last two years as a parent – Senior Management with a vision, enthusiastic teachers with personalised attention, motivated & ambitious students and lastly, the community feeling that makes it warm and welcoming! I would recommend this school eyes closed.Written February 25, 2023
- The caring approach they have to make students of all abilities feel worthy and welcome is what attracted us 4 years ago and that has continued to follow through. My 3 children feel safe, secure and stimulated and we feel informed and confident that our children are being allowed to grow academically and personally, with their characters being encouraged to grow and not ‘moulded’.Written February 25, 2023
- Great school, amazing experiences and opportunities with teachers that go above and beyond to bring the best out in our children.
Highly recommended!Written February 25, 2023 - My kids just love it here. Such a friendly and welcoming environment. I’ve seen both of my children come on in leaps and bounds since joining the school both socially and academically. Would highly recommend.Written February 25, 2023
- Good infrastructure, teaching and the Head of the school takes an active interest in the day to day functioning of the school. The school constantly strives to better itself and the students seem happy. Good facilities and with the new sports centre, one hopes sport based CCA’s will get a boost.Written February 25, 2023