GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi
International School in Abu Dhabi
Quick answer
GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi delivers a British-curriculum (Cambridge) pathway operated by GEMS Education, accredited by Cambridge Assessment International and ADEK. Annual tuition runs in the GEMS chain's mid-tier with characteristic +15-25% hidden-fee load typical of GEMS schools. Admissions are moderate; best suited to British-Cambridge families wanting GEMS network mobility in Abu Dhabi at the chain's mid-tier pricing point.
Key facts
- Curriculum: British leaving qualifications include IGCSE and A-Levels.
- Tuition: $6,000–$14,000/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 30 (max 1) Abu Dhabi international school · 3,500 students total.
- Ages: 3-18 school day starts at 7:45 am.
- Accreditations: BSO, ADEK verified.
3,500
30 avg / 1 max
Rolling
BSO, ADEK
IGCSE and A-Levels
About GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi
GEMS Cambridge International School (GCIS) – Abu Dhabi, is a thoroughly modern school which takes an equally modern approach to education. Located just off the Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road in Al Mafraq, Adu Dhabi, this British curriculum school delivers an exceptional standard of education to children at foundation stage all the way through to Year 13, from age 3-18.
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states some support, but key details aren't published — confirm the gaps below before applying.
Why this matters
Special-needs provision at international schools varies widely and is rarely guaranteed by the school itself — and local legal duties differ by country. Confirm what this school provides, in writing, before you commit.
- Learning support: limited
- In-house specialist staff listed
- EAL/ESL support listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
Questions to ask the school
- What in-house learning-support specialists do you employ (SENCo, learning-support teachers, speech & language therapist, occupational therapist), and what is each one's caseload?
- Is an educational psychologist on staff or available by referral?
- Can you support a child with my child's specific need (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism), and have you done so this year? Ask for concrete examples.
- Is there an additional fee for learning support or EAL — and how much per year?
- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition (USD) | $6,000 – $14,000 |
| Annual tuition (local) | Dirham 23060-Dirham 40340 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $11,500(+15%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $13,000 |
| Cost position in Abu Dhabi | 76th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
Registration AED 500. Tuition ranges AED 22,000-51,000 by grade. Exam fees AED 2,000-4,000 for IGCSE/A-Level. Uniforms AED 800-1,200. Transport AED 4,000-6,500/year. GEMS sibling discount applies.
British
IGCSE and A-Levels
IGCSE, AS, AL Level.
Arabic, French as core subject Sixth Form are to choose more languages depending on there preferred subjects.
CIA aims to provide an atmosphere in which all students can reach their full potential. The school places great emphasis on the early identification of students with Special Educational Needs. Parents are kept fully informed about their child’s progress through review meetings when new targets are discussed and they receive a copy of IEPs (Individual Education Plans) designed to help their students. If a student requires additional support, due to a Special Educational Need, the support is discussed with parents and teachers, and appropriate measures are taken to enable that support in class. Provision for students with SEN fall within 3 categories: Wave 1: Students who are referred to the Inclusion Team by teachers, who may in the future, require additional support. Formal assessments may be discussed as an option with parents. Wave 2: Students who have had a formal assessment, resulting in a diagnosis such as a Specific Learning Difficulty, but who do not require individual 1:1 support, fall within this category. These students will benefit from small group work and targeted interventions by teachers and support staff as appropriate. Wave 3: Students who have a formal diagnosis with a written report from an outside professional, such as an Educational Psychologist etc., will be eligible for individual 1:1 support, provided by an LSA (Learning Support Assistant). This is a service which parents pay for in addition to school fees. Parents will receive weekly reports and will be involved in IEP target setting and reviews.
Special Educational Needs
CIA has support for these students, as well as courses they can attend, in order for them to improve their English language skills. The Cambridge Young Learners Course for students with EAL difficulties, runs for 12 weeks in the year, with an exam at the end, administered by Cambridge University. Specific support and interventions allow EAL students to improve their English as quickly as possible.
7:45 am – KG2: 11:45 am KG3 - G12: 2:00 pm
Students bring lunch boxes from home. A clean and well-stocked canteen sells healthy snacks and drinks during break times. Hygiene and strict quality control of food are regarded as top priorities.
Recommended neighborhoods
Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Khalifa City, Al Shamkha, Baniyas
Is GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi right for your family?
A School Fit Brief scores this school against your children's ages, learning needs, and budget — with hidden fee analysis, admissions timing, and a ranked shortlist of alternatives in Abu Dhabi.
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At a Glance
Fee Position in Abu Dhabi
Budget-friendlySchool Profile
Class Size
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Registration AED 500. Tuition ranges AED 22,000-51,000 by grade. Exam fees AED 2,000-4,000 for IGCSE/A-Level. Uniforms AED 800-1,200. Transport AED 4,000-6,500/year. GEMS sibling discount applies.
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The $49 School Fit Brief covers GEMS Cambridge International School Abu Dhabi and 4 other top schools in Abu Dhabi — tuition + true cost, curriculum fit, admission timeline, and red flags. Builds your shortlist in 8 minutes vs the $1,500–3,500 (and 2–4 weeks) an education consultant charges for the same answer.
Nearby Schools (within 5km)
Disclaimer: School profiles are source-backed decision aids, not endorsements or official rankings. Tuition figures are approximate and may not include registration fees, uniforms, transport, or exam costs. Always verify directly with the school before applying. WhereNext is not affiliated with any school listed. This is not admissions consulting, legal advice, or official school placement guidance.