A practical guide from The British International School Abu Dhabi
Relocating to a new country is an exciting step for any family. When school age children are involved, the decision carries even more importance. Parents often ask the same questions. Will my child be happy. Will they settle in. Will their education stay on track.
Abu Dhabi continues to attract families looking for outstanding education and a vibrant, family‑friendly lifestyle. If you’re new to Abu Dhabi or preparing to relocate, here’s what will help you navigate the transition with confidence.
Abu Dhabi has a well-established international education sector, offering a wide range of schools that serve families from across the world. Parents can choose from different international curricula, including British, American, IB and other globally recognised education systems. This variety allows families to find a school that aligns with their child’s previous learning experience while supporting future academic pathways.
Families should be aware that popular international schools in Abu Dhabi can fill quickly, particularly in certain year groups. Enquiring early allows parents to understand availability, plan timelines and complete the admissions process smoothly.
At The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi), students 3-18 years follow the English National Curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), and BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma, within a supportive community where every learner thrives academically and personally. As part of Nord Anglia Education, BIS students benefit from global collaborations with Juilliard and MIT, enriching learning and opening doors to top universities.
We are proud to be rated Outstanding by the Department for Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the government authority responsible for regulating and overseeing all private schools in Abu Dhabi. Click here to view the 2025/26 Inspection report.
If you are interested in your child joining BIS Abu Dhabi, view our Admissions page to explore our entry requirements, understand the admissions process and connect with our Admissions team for guidance.
.jpg?rev=38471d2cb3414e8c9538a7cca1146c88&hash=7BFBFC04B10C7A1B1BCC691F6E60EC6A)
Raising children in Abu Dhabi requires thoughtful financial planning, particularly for families relocating from overseas.
Housing and international school fees are usually the largest expenses. Families should also budget for rent, utilities, health insurance and transport. When raising children, it is important to factor in additional school related costs such as uniforms, school transport and extracurricular activities.
Before accepting an offer, it’s also helpful to check whether your employment package includes separate housing or schooling allowances, as these can vary by employer and may be open to negotiation.
Cost of living guides can be helpful in creating a realistic monthly budget.
Abu Dhabi offers high quality healthcare with access to experienced paediatricians and specialist services. Health insurance is mandatory and usually provided as part of an employment package, ensuring children have access to medical care from arrival. It’s also worth speaking to a healthcare professional before you move to see if your children need any vaccinations.
Schools also play an important role in supporting children’s health and emotional wellbeing during periods of transition. At BIS Abu Dhabi, students have access to an on-site school clinic staffed by qualified medical professionals who manage day-to-day health needs and provide appropriate first response care, offering reassurance to both students and parents while guiding families to seek external medical treatment when needed.
Choosing the right area to live is an important decision for families moving to Abu Dhabi.
Parents typically look for neighbourhoods that feel welcoming and convenient, with easy access to work/schools and everyday amenities. Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of family friendly residential areas, including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Reem Island, Al Raha and Khalifa City. These areas provide access to parks, beaches, playgrounds and community facilities that support family life.
Families at BIS Abu Dhabi currently live across several popular communities, including the Raha Beach area such as Al Zeina, Al Muneera and Al Bandar, as well as Water’s Edge, Raha Gardens, Al Forsan Village, Al Rayanna Compound, Al Reef, Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Sas Al Nakeel, Khalifa City A, Mangrove Village, Seashores Village and Rihan Heights.
Transportation can make or break your first few weeks. Before you sign a lease, test the school run at peak times and decide whether you will do drop off and pick up or use school transport.
If you cannot consistently manage drop off and pick up, ask the school about bus routes, pick-up points and seat availability for your child’s year group.
Plan a “trial week” in advance so you know who can step in for pickup, and what your backup plan is if work commitments overrun.
Settling into a new community is often easier when you find your people.
For children, joining school clubs, sports teams and arranging playdates after school can be a quick and natural way to build friendships. For parents, school events often provide a helpful starting point for meeting others.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, families are encouraged to connect through regular social opportunities. The school hosts a monthly parent coffee morning, and the Parent Community Committee organises a range of informal activities, including a parent walking and running group, Parent Out and About gatherings and crochet and knitting meetups. The school also offers CCAs specifically for parents, including English, Arabic and Yoga, providing opportunities to learn something new and meet other families. These events help new families feel welcome and supported as they settle into life in Abu Dhabi.
.jpg?rev=559ba025197e411a8692d226a76868de&hash=8F68363A0538436DD9EFBC666B65E606)
•Enquire early and keep a simple checklist of documents, dates and next steps.
•Save key paperwork as PDFs (reports, passports/visas, immunisations) so you can upload quickly.
•Settle faster with a steady routine in week one (sleep, mornings, homework time).
•Sort uniforms and label essentials early to avoid last-minute stress.
•If you use the school bus, confirm routes and timings, and practise the pick-up point once.
Moving with children is a big step, but with careful planning it can be an incredibly positive and life enriching experience. For more practical advice on settling in, you can download our free comprehensive guide for parents moving to Abu Dhabi.
If you’re ready to explore a place for your child at BIS Abu Dhabi, our Admissions team would be delighted to guide you through availability, entry requirements and how to apply. Full details can be found on our Admissions page.
.png?rev=1619813b30a347d9bc71977e2cfe09d2&hash=66B98CDC659BBF07EB36660B4381E1E7)
