As a parent, finding the right school that doesn’t stretch your budget can feel overwhelming in a city like Abu Dhabi. Many families in the city are on the lookout for schools that offer strong academics at affordable tuition fees.
With ADEK’s Irtiqa’a rating system, you can easily identify schools that provide excellent value. From British and American to Indian curricula, several schools in Abu Dhabi deliver quality education that fits within a reasonable budget.
- Abu Dhabi Indian School
- Abu Dhabi International School (AIS)
- Al Andalus Private Academy
- Al Bashair Private School
- Al Dhafra Private Academy
- ABC Private School
- Abu Dhabi Island International Private School
- Ain Al Khaleej Private School
- Al Adhwa Private School
- Al Ain Juniors School
- FAQs
Top Budget-Friendly Schools in Abu Dhabi
Living in Abu Dhabi can be expensive, but education doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, the city offers several schools that provide quality learning experiences at lower tuition fees. The affordable fee makes them great options for families seeking value without compromising on standards.
1. Abu Dhabi Indian School
Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) provides quality education based on the CBSE curriculum. It is a great option for Indian expats and families seeking a strong educational foundation at a reasonable cost. Founded in 2014, the school is renowned for its caring and supportive environment, with two campuses located in Abu Dhabi.
It features advanced science and computer labs, interactive classrooms, libraries, and creative spaces. The school also offers extensive sports facilities, including a football field, swimming pool, and studios for music, dance and drama, supporting a well-rounded student experience.
Location
- Muroor Road
- Al Wathbah South
Contact Information
- Muroor Road: +971-2-448-8025
- Al Wathbah South: +971-2-583-1991
Curriculum
CBSE
Rating
Very Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 9360 to AED 20,000
2. Abu Dhabi International School (AIS)
Abu Dhabi International School provides quality education at affordable prices. It has campuses in MBZ City and Abu Dhabi City. It is known for its American and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, offering an enriching academic experience at a more affordable price than typically found in high-end international schools.
AIS’s diverse student body and comprehensive extracurricular activities, including football, basketball, art, photography, debate, and public speaking, ensure that students receive a holistic education.
Location
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City
- Al Karamah Street
Contact Information
Location 1: +971-2-205-7999
Location 2: +971-2-443-4433
Curriculum
American and IB
Rating
Very Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 17080 to AED 36600
3. Al Andalus Private Academy
Al Andalus Private Academy is among the top schools in Abu Dhabi, offering a well-balanced educational experience. It fosters a supportive environment where learners are empowered to develop intellectually and as individuals through unique teaching practices.
The academy also features modern science laboratories and dedicated libraries that enrich the student experience beyond the classroom. With its commitment to accessible education, Al Andalus offers a strong academic foundation without adding pressure to household finances, making it an ideal choice for families seeking value and quality.
Location
Falaj Hazza’, Magr Al Dhabi
Contact Information
+971-3-782-9980
Curriculum
MoE (UAE)
Rating
Very Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 5,890 to AED 14,470
4. Al Bashair Private School
Al Bashair Private School offers a well-rounded education based on the Ministry of Education’s integrated curriculum. It prepares students for both university and the workplace by combining strong academics with practical skills.
The school features modern classrooms, fully equipped science and computer labs, a library, and dedicated spaces for arts and music. Students benefit from a variety of activities, including sports and academic clubs, fostering leadership, teamwork, and creative expression.
With a reputation for academic discipline and a welcoming school environment, Al Bashair is a smart choice for families seeking quality education.
Location
Contact Information
+971-2-553-1666
Curriculum
MoE (UAE)
Rating
Very Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 13,760 to AED 29,000
5. Al Dhafra Private Academy
Al Dhafra Private Academy offers an affordable American curriculum that caters to local and international families in Abu Dhabi. The school provides a balanced education that supports academic excellence, character building, and global awareness.
It offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including football, basketball, and swimming, as well as arts and music programs. Students can also participate in academic clubs, cultural events, and school trips to enhance their learning experience beyond the classroom.
With its accessible tuition fees and commitment to high academic standards, Al Dhafra stands out as a strong option for quality education at a reasonable cost.
Location
Al Dhafra Private Academy, Abu Dhabi
Contact Information
+971-3-704-6666
Curriculum
American
Rating
Very Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 7,960 to AED 22,910
6. ABC Private School
ABC Private School, located in the growing community of Al Shamkha, delivers the British curriculum in a way that feels accessible and personal. Instead of oversized class groups and rigid systems, the school prioritises meaningful learning experiences, blending academic structure with hands-on exploration.
The school provides a range of amenities, including dedicated spaces for robotics and computer studies. Additionally, the campus features three canteens and two medical clinics to support the well-being of its students.
Students participate in celebrations such as International Day and UAE National Day, fostering a sense of community and global awareness. It is considered one of the best British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi for families seeking a quality education at an affordable rate.
Location
Al Shamkha City
Contact Information
+971-2-444-5800
Rating
Good
Curriculum
British
Grades
Pre-School to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 18,800 to AED 27,500
7. Abu Dhabi Island International Private School
Abu Dhabi Island International Private School is an American curriculum school that trains students to face international challenges with confidence and competence. It blends innovative methods of teaching with firm academic discipline for intellectual and personal development.
ADIIPS offers state-of-the-art facilities, including interactive classrooms, science labs, art and music rooms, and shaded play areas. Enrolling your kids in this school guarantees quality education without breaking the bank.
Location
Al Tiwayya, Eidan Al Ridda
Contact Information
+971-3-722-7666
Rating
Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 15730 to AED 26650
Curriculum
American
8. Ain Al Khaleej Private School
Ain Al Khaleej Private School offers a dual-curriculum education, blending the American system with the UAE Ministry of Education standards. It is committed to academic excellence and provides a supportive environment that caters to the diverse needs of its students.
The school also organises various extracurricular activities to enrich students’ learning experiences. These activities include celebrating Women’s Day, Sports Week and Innovation Week, among others. Such events foster a sense of community, encourage student engagement and promote development beyond the classroom.
Location
Falaj Hazza’, Magr Al Dhabi
Contact Information
+971-3-781-1232
Curriculum
American and MoE (UAE)
Rating
Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 5660 to AED 17840
9. Al Adhwa Private School
Al Adhwa Private School, founded in 1994, offers education that blends the American curriculum with the UAE Ministry of Education’s standards. This dual approach helps students stay rooted in local values while gaining global academic exposure.
Al Adhwa emphasises holistic growth through various extracurricular activities. Students engage in events such as reading promotions, STEM project exhibitions and innovation weeks, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
The school delivers a high-quality education in a structured and welcoming setting, without putting financial pressure on families.
Location
Falaj Hazza’, Magr Al Dhabi
Contact Information
+971-3-782-8870
Curriculum
American and MoE (UAE)
Rating
Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 8,190 to AED 22,690
10. Al Ain Juniors School
Al Ain Juniors School, established in 1989, offers both British and Indian (CBSE) curricula, providing flexibility for families seeking diverse educational pathways. The school is known for its structured yet inclusive environment, fostering academic discipline and character development.
Its comprehensive approach includes a variety of extracurricular activities, like the AJ Club, which offers after-school sports like swimming, football, ice skating and karate. In addition to that, there are student-led clubs that focus on writing, public speaking, the arts, robotics, eco-initiatives and quizzes.
This holistic experience is offered at a lower fee structure, making this school one of the best for those living in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
Location
Falaj Hazza’, Magr Al Dhabi
Contact Information
+971-3-781-0077
Curriculum
British and Indian
Rating
Good
Grades
KG-1 to Grade 12
Annual Fees
AED 7180 – 17590
FAQs
Abu Dhabi is generally considered an expensive city, especially when it comes to housing, dining out, and international school fees. However, the city also offers a range of affordable options for residents, particularly in education.
Yes! Several schools in Abu Dhabi offer budget-friendly fee structures and provide a good education without a high price tag.
If you’re looking for cheap schools in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to look beyond just the tuition fees. Consider key factors like the school’s curriculum, teacher qualifications, ADEK ratings, location, and feedback from other parents.
Discovering the right school in Abu Dhabi doesn’t mean emptying your wallet. With a growing number of affordable options offering solid academic programs, international curricula, and positive learning environments, families have more choices than ever.
Furthermore, if you’re planning to move to the emirate, you can also explore the overall cost of living in Abu Dhabi.
