GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi
International School in Abu Dhabi
Quick answer
GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi is a premium IB-only international school in Abu Dhabi, currently serving FS1-Year 11 students from 76 nationalities. The school is accredited by IBO, CIS, and Abu Dhabi's ADEK regulator. Annual tuition runs $14,000-$26,000 USD (true cost ~$21,650, +8% — Abu Dhabi's 92nd cost percentile). Admissions are open; best suited to internationally mobile families committed to a hyper-personalised IB pathway in Abu Dhabi's premium tier.
Key facts
- Curriculum: IB taught at GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi.
- Tuition: $14,000–$26,000/yr published annual range.
- Avg class size: 20 (max 22) Abu Dhabi international school · 860 students total.
- 76 nationalities expat-heavy mix.
- Ages: 3-18 school day starts at 7:50 am.
- Accreditations: IBO, CIS, ADEK verified.
860
76
20 avg / 22 max
Rolling
IBO, CIS, ADEK
About GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi
School fees range in AED valid for the academic year 2025/2026
Learning & language support (SEN / EAL)
This school states meaningful learning-support provision — still confirm it fits your child's specific need.
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: moderate
- In-house specialist staff listed
- EAL/ESL support listed
Not published
- —Educational-psychologist availability not stated
Questions to ask the school
- 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- Is learning support guaranteed for the full enrolment, or can it be withdrawn later?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) | $14,000 – $26,000 |
| Annual tuition (local) | Dirham 55420-Dirham 73890 |
| Fee year | 2025-2026 |
| Est. all-in cost (modeled)how we calculate | $21,650(+8%) |
| Est. first-year total (modeled) | $23,150 |
| Cost position in Abu Dhabi | 92th percentile(premium tier) |
Hidden costs & fee notes
Registration AED 2,000. Tuition ranges AED 51,000-95,000 by grade. Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). Exam fees AED 2,500-5,000. Uniforms AED 1,000-1,500. Transport AED 5,500-8,500/year. GEMS sibling discount applies.
IB
Arabic, French, Mandarin
English learning
Very limited
Yes
7:50 am – 3:15 pm and 11:30 am on Friday
Cafeteria is available but at each student expense
Yes
Recommended neighborhoods
Al Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, Al Zahiyah, Saadiyat Island
Is GEMS World Academy 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
Student Diversity
Very diverse
Estimated Real Cost
Tuition + registration, transport, uniform, exams
Registration AED 2,000. Tuition ranges AED 51,000-95,000 by grade. Full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). Exam fees AED 2,500-5,000. Uniforms AED 1,000-1,500. Transport AED 5,500-8,500/year. GEMS sibling discount applies.
Decide on this school — and four others
The $49 School Fit Brief covers GEMS World Academy 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.