Top CBSE Schools in Abu Dhabi, UAE and their ADEK Ratings

Choosing the right school for your child is a big decision, and when navigating the educational landscape in Abu Dhabi, the options can feel overwhelming. If you’re seeking a CBSE curriculum for your child, you’ll find diverse schools in the emirate, each with strengths and unique offerings. This blog aims to simplify your search by highlighting some of the top CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi based on factors like academic performance, facilities, co-curricular activities, and overall environment. We’ll provide a brief overview of each school and key details like location, fees, and available grades to help you narrow your choices and find the perfect fit for your child.

So, let’s get started!

About ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education & Knowledge):

The ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge) is the guiding force behind the Emirate’s private school sector. From crafting and enforcing private school regulations to monitoring student progress and system efficiency, ADEK is the compass for quality education. Its unwavering objective is establishing a world-class system that exceeds international benchmarks, prioritising excellent performance, stimulating learning environments, and effective teaching methods. ADEK closely assesses teacher and school board competency, offering targeted recommendations for continuous improvement. Safety and security are paramount, with schools held to the highest standards. To gauge success, ADEK utilises a six-point rating system, which is mentioned below:

ADEK School Ratings:

The ADEK inspectors use a six-point scale to rate and provide feedback on the quality of education in the schools.

• Outstanding: Quality of performance substantially exceeds the expectations of the UAE.
• Very Good: Quality of performance exceeds the expectations of the UAE.
• Good: Quality of performance meets the expectations of the UAE.
• Acceptable: Quality of performance meets the minimum level of quality required in the UAE.
• Weak: Quality of performance is below the expectations of the UAE.
• Very Weak: Quality of performance is significantly below the expectations of the UAE.

List of Top CBSE Schools in Abu Dhabi with ADEK Rating:

1. Bright Riders School, Zayed City
2. Private International English
3. Abu Dhabi Indian School
4. Sunrise International School
5. International Indian School
6. Asian International Private School, Ruwais
7. Global Indian International School
8. Al Saad Indian School
9. Mayoor Private School LLC
10. Abu Dhabi Indian School, Branch 1
11. Dunes International School
12. GEMS United Indian School
13. St Joseph’s School
14. Bhavans Pearl Wisdom School
15. Grace Valley Indian
16. Oasis International School
17. Our Own English High School
18. Indian School, Al Ain

Also Read: Education System in UAE: Overview

1. Bright Riders School, Zayed City

Bright Riders, is a school in Abu Dhabi that follows the Indian CBSE curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (Science and Commerce). It’s located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City and is designed to meet international education and safety standards. The school caters to kids aged 4 to 18.

At Bright Riders, they value education, community, and social responsibility. The school believes in working with families to educate children into strong, caring future citizens who can use their abilities productively. The school provide a rich, multi-lingual education with well-trained teachers and a low student-to-teacher ratio to create a supportive learning environment. The school has modern facilities like smart classrooms, well-equipped labs, a high-tech library, indoor and outdoor game areas, an auditorium, and separate clinics for boys and girls.

2. Private International English School

Private International English School (PIES) in Abu Dhabi was founded in September 2010. It follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum from New Delhi and is fully accredited by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). PIES, operated by the Bhavans Group from India, is one of the largest and top-rated CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi, earning a “Very Good” rating from ADEK.

The school’s campus is built to high international standards and includes dedicated music, art, drama, and sports spaces. Students enjoy modern and spacious classrooms and various extracurricular and sports facilities. These include a football court, indoor play area, KG play area, library, dance and music room, cafeteria, auditorium, and well-equipped Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Computer labs. These facilities aim to help develop the overall personality of each child at the school.

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3. Abu Dhabi Indian School

Abu Dhabi Indian School is a school in Abu Dhabi that was established in 1975. The school follows the CBSE curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and is authorised by the Ministry of Education. The school focuses on providing modern and effective education, with facilities like separate libraries for boys and girls, special activity rooms for kindergarten students, and various other amenities. The school aims to ensure the overall development of students by creating a positive learning environment. They offer a diverse curriculum and well-equipped labs and classrooms, including facilities for mathematics, science, art, and computers.

4. Sunrise International School

Sunrise English Private School has built a legacy of over thirty-three years. It has become the most sought-after Indian Curriculum school in Abu Dhabi due to its reputation for academic excellence. The school is affiliated with CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), New Delhi, and provides quality education to its students, helping them establish themselves as pioneers in various fields. The school’s mission is to provide a safe environment where every child is valued and respected and prepare them to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens, ready to face the future with confidence.

The school aims to instil social awareness and civic responsibilities while providing relevant learning opportunities to help students prepare for the ever-evolving challenges in life. Sunrise International School offers students a high-tech interactive classroom, an air-conditioned swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a spacious cafeteria.

5. International Indian School

The International Indian School follows the CBSE curriculum and provides high-quality education to help students reach their full potential in a nurturing, secure and stimulating environment. The school aims to foster an interactive learning platform and focus on developing 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking. The school also strives for academic challenges and a supportive environment for academics and personal development through integrated studies and practical participation. The ultimate goal of IIS is to create lifelong learners who are socially aware and have a global perspective.

The school’s state-of-the-art facilities include well-equipped science labs, an AI-Robotics Lab, a multi-purpose auditorium, a cafeteria, separate playgrounds for KG students and many other amenities that contribute to the overall grooming of the students.

6. Asian International Private School, Ruwais

Asian International Private School in Ruwais was established in 1988 as a villa school to teach the children of ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) employees. The school extended to Grade 12 in 1999. The school follows the CBSE and the MoE (Ministry of Education) curriculum for Arabic, Islamic education, and UAE social studies. In addition to its main building, the school occupies three other sites around town: one for kindergarten classes, one for Grades 1 through 3, and another for Grades 4 to 12.  The goal is to make an awesome learning community for students to reach their full potential. The aim is to give quality education and values to make students independent, critical thinkers, adaptable, socially aware, good at problem-solving, and appreciative of different cultures. The school has various facilities, including sports and extracurricular activities, for students’ overall development.

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7. Global Indian International School

Global Indian International School was established in 2015 in Abu Dhabi and is affiliated with CBSE, New Delhi. The school focuses on the complete development of students through its well-kept campus and excellent education. It is a co-ed school affiliated with CBSE (Central Board of Education). The school is dedicated to offering top-notch education from experienced and caring teachers, focusing on instilling strong values, fostering creativity, and encouraging entrepreneurship for the well-rounded development of students.

The school’s campus features a cafeteria, multipurpose hall, high-tech library, well-equipped labs, medical clinic, and various sports facilities including volleyball, soccer, basketball, and swimming.

8. Al Saad Indian School

Al Saad Indian School, Al Ain, is a school in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, a big educational group in India. The school started in 2014 and teaches students from kindergarten to Grade 12. It follows the CBSE curriculum from New Delhi. Al Saad Indian School is the second school of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in the UAE, with the first one in Abu Dhabi. The school is dedicated to providing quality education and wants students to do well in academics. The school focuses on the overall development of each student. Al Saad School has a modern building with air conditioning. It has separate rooms for art, music, dance, and a library. There’s a separate indoor play area for kindergarten students, and all classrooms have lockers for students to use.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is a well-known organisation founded in 1938. It has 400 schools in India and also has centers in the US, Portugal, Australia, and the UK. They also manage schools in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

9. Mayoor Private School LLC

Mayoor Private School (MPS) is a school in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and follows the Indian curriculum. It was established by TAALEEM National Private Educational & Facilities Management Company in collaboration with Mayo College General Council, India. The school focuses on the overall development of students, including their thinking, emotions, and social skills. MPS started its journey in 2014 and offers education from Kindergarten to Grade 12, following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum.

The goal is to become one of the top Indian schools in Abu Dhabi by emphasising 21st-century skills like creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. The school aims to equip students with knowledge and skills that will make them effective learners throughout their lives. The school’s campus includes facilities such as a cafeteria, a multipurpose hall, a high-tech library, well-equipped labs, a medical clinic, and various sports facilities like a volleyball court, soccer field, basketball court, swimming pool, and more.

10. Abu Dhabi Indian School, Branch 1

Abu Dhabi Indian School has been a prominent educational institution in Abu Dhabi since it was established in 1975. The Al Wathba branch of the school was founded on September 4th, 2014, under the leadership of Padmashree Recipient Dr. B. R. Shetty, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Indian School Management Committee. The school is spread across 34,500 square meters and provides students with a flexible and transformative learning environment. The curriculum for Classes Pre-KG to XII follows the CBSE framework, and the school has earned a “Good” rating from ADEK. The school offers various facilities for sports, cultural activities, and extracurricular activities to provide an all-round development.

11. Dunes International School

Dunes International School in Abu Dhabi is a top CBSE school that focuses on giving high-quality education using technology to make learning more interesting and global. The school creates a friendly and child-centred environment. The school aims for excellence and personal growth, encouraging students to face challenges and become the best versions of themselves. Dunes International School provides the best resources, modern facilities, and activities for students. The school uses technology to help students see the world from a global perspective, nurture leadership skills, and support those who may face learning difficulties to fit in with the rest of the students.

12. GEMS United Indian School

GEMS United Indian School is a place where students receive high-quality Indian education with an international standard. The school believes that education is about passing on skills and knowledge, helping students grow physically and intellectually through meaningful programs. Our school in Abu Dhabi is affiliated with CBSE, New Delhi, and approved by the Ministry of Education, UAE. It is the first Indian curriculum school in the world to embrace High-Performance Learning.

The school prioritise the well-being of students by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. The school campus is equipped with sports facilities such as a football field, a basketball court, and indoor game areas to meet the diverse needs of our students.

13. St Joseph’s School

St. Joseph’s School started in 1967 and is run by the Roman Catholic Church of Arabia. The school follows the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum and is approved by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). The school aims for holistic student development and gives a lifelong learning experience. Through the St. Joseph’s School Educational System, students build a strong knowledge base and are encouraged to aim for both academic and personal success. The school aims to create a diverse environment and provide students with the skills and values needed to tackle 21st-century challenges. The school also focuses on developing students’ social and emotional personalities through interactive learning.

14. Bhavans Pearl Wisdom School

BHAVANS PEARL AL AIN school is one of the top schools in Al Ain. The school is approved by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India and also accredited by the Department of Education and Knowledge. The school uses English for teaching and covers grades from Kindergarten to 12th. It’s part of a larger group of schools called Bhavans Middle East Group, which is known for having great educational institutions in the Gulf region. The school was established on April 21, 2019.

The school is all about giving students a top-notch education so they can be leaders in the world. They not only focus on academics but also make sure students have a well-rounded experience with lots of different activities outside of regular classes. The school also values and respects all cultures and religions, promoting understanding and appreciation of different heritages, cultures, and values.

15. Grace Valley Indian

Grace Valley Indian School (GVIS) is a private co-educational school from kindergarten to grade 12 located in Falaj Hazza. The school is affiliated with CBSE and was founded in 2011. It is recognised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). In addition to a strong educational program based on an innovative curriculum, the school provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities. GVIS follows a digital approach to education, with smart classrooms equipped with updated computers, high-speed internet connection and audio-visual equipment. The school also uses various online platforms, such as Google Classroom, to aid in students’ learning.

The aim of GVIS is to make learning relevant and meaningful to students by providing a broad and balanced curriculum that engages and challenges students academically. A balanced approach is taken to strengthen problem-solving, critical thinking and mathematical computation skills. The school is committed to nurturing each student’s potential and delivering excellence in educational delivery.

16. Oasis International School

Oasis International School in Al Ain is a premier co-educational school that started in 1988. It follows the CBSE curriculum and is considered one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi. The school is housed in a magnificent state-of-the-art building in Al Jimi, Al Ain; the school has immense facilities for the all-round development of students. The school is open to kids from all countries. The school’s goal is to help children become great leaders and well-rounded people with qualities like honesty, courage, and unity. The school has a high-tech library, good labs, and internet access. The school wants to help kids not just with their studies but also with their feelings, morals, and spiritual well-being. They teach the CBSE curriculum along with Arabic and Islamic studies, using modern facilities and new ways of teaching. The school welcomes children of all nationalities and aims to promote and inspire the development of young leaders who possess virtues such as integrity, fortitude, idealism, tolerance, and unity.

17. Our Own English High School

Our Own English High School in Al Ain was established in 1992 and is part of the GEMS school network. GEMS, which stands for Global Education Management Systems, has provided a unique education approach for over 48 years. The school caters to Kindergarten, Primary, and Middle school students, offering an internationally accepted curriculum suitable for children from various nationalities. This helps students seamlessly transition back to their home country’s educational systems.

At the Secondary stage, the school is affiliated with the CBSE in New Delhi for Grade 10 exams and the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in the United Kingdom for Grade 11 exams. The primary language of instruction is English, with special attention given to teaching English to students who come from non-English speaking backgrounds. Additionally, the school offers instruction in other languages, such as Arabic, French, Hindi, Malayalam, and Bengali.

18. Indian School, Al Ain

Indian Private School Al Ain is one of the oldest schools in the UAE. The school was established in 1977 and was affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi, in 1985. It is a co-educational school that caters to students from kindergarten to grade 12. The school have an impressive academic record in the yearly CBSE examinations. Having imparted quality education for more than four decades, Indian School Al Ain has secured a unique position in the city. The school is the first preference of Indian families looking for quality CBSE education in the city. The school’s ultimate objective is to create a safe, secure and positive learning environment for students of all ages. The school has full-fledged laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science, a high-tech library, a clinic for students, a school canteen, and indoor and outdoor play areas.

Finding the best CBSE school in Abu Dhabi ultimately depends on your priorities and your child’s specific needs. We hope this blog has equipped you with valuable insights and resources to navigate the landscape of top CBSE schools in Abu Dhabi. Remember, the best school is the one that aligns with your child’s individual needs and learning style. We wish you all the best in finding the perfect educational place for your child in Abu Dhabi.