Relocation guide

Moving to Abu Dhabi with kids

Computed from 17 tracked schools — verified fees, live availability, no brochure numbers. All relocation guides →

For Abu Dhabi, a realistic annual budget per child sits around $17,800 in fees, with most families landing between roughly $15,200 and $18,600; for senior years, that rises to a median of about AED 76,950, with a typical spread from AED 66,385 to AED 80,735. Fee growth is not runaway, but at a city median 2.2% CAGR, a five-year posting still means a noticeable cumulative lift rather than a flat budget line. In practice, choice is broad but not endless: 10 British schools, seven IB, five American, and just one each offering Canadian and Alberta curricula. Admissions are the sharper constraint: current pressure is rated Severe, with 88% of assessed schools constrained and seven schools already operating waitlists.