Moving to Abu Dhabi offers families an exciting lifestyle filled with modern amenities, quality education, and diverse dining and shopping options. However, careful financial planning is essential to balance school fees, housing, and the overall cost of living in Abu Dhabi. This guide provides a clear overview to help families make informed decisions.
Understanding School Fees
Choosing the right school for your child is a key decision for families in Abu Dhabi. Aldar Education operates some of the city’s most respected schools, offering British, IB, and American curricula. With 31 schools serving over 33,000 students, families have a wide range of options to suit their educational and financial needs.
Aldar Education School Fees Overview
- Al Ain British Academy (FS1–Year 13): AED 40,940–61,330 | Sibling discounts available
- Bateen World Academy (IB & English National, FS1–Year 13): AED 58,090–73,380
- Al Shohub Private School (British, FS1–Year 6): AED 26,070–31,290
- Cranleigh Abu Dhabi (British, FS1–Year 13): AED 71,500–105,980 | Rated Outstanding
- Kent College Dubai (British A Levels & BTEC, FS1–Year 13): AED 49,428–94,980 | Sibling & corporate offers
- Mamoura British Academy (British, FS1–Year 13): AED 52,029–77,224 | Girls-only (Year 9–13)
- Muna British Academy (British, FS1–Year 7): AED 50,936–56,538 | Microsoft Showcase School
- Noya British School (British, FS1–Year 6): AED 32,000–47,000
- Pearl British Academy (British, FS1–Year 6): AED 43,340–44,850
- Yasmina British Academy (British, Pre-FS–Year 13): AED 48,465–65,550
Key Observations:
- Fees vary from AED 26,070 to AED 105,980 depending on curriculum, grade, and facilities.
- High-end British and IB programs generally have higher fees.
- Schools offer state-of-the-art amenities: science labs, sports fields, libraries, arts studios, and co-curricular programs.
- Discounts for siblings and corporate programs are common.
Daily Living Costs
Families should also plan for everyday expenses, including food, transport, and utilities. Carrefour, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading supermarkets, provides a wide range of products at competitive prices:
Fresh Produce & Dairy:
- Bananas (500g): AED 3
- Conference Pears (500g): AED 7.50
- Long Okra (500g): AED 4
- Green Boston Lettuce (160g): AED 3.99
- Labneh 1.2kg: AED 10.99
- Al Ain Milk 2L: AED 9.39–9.49
Meat, Poultry & Seafood:
- Fresh Chicken Breast (500g): AED 24
- Australian Lamb Shank (500g): AED 25
- Fresh Seabream (500g): AED 17.50
- Norwegian Salmon Fillet (500g): AED 49.95
Bakery, Snacks & Pantry Staples:
- Jumbo Croissant: AED 1.99
- Cinnamon Bun: AED 2.99
- Pizza Margherita: AED 5.99
- Canola Oil 1.5L: AED 9.99
- Jasmine Rice 5kg: AED 15.99
- Saffron 1g: AED 9.99
Beverages & Extras:
- Nescafe 3-in-1 Coffee: AED 1.49
- Soft drinks, juices, and packaged foods are similarly affordable.
Other Daily Expenses:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: AED 40
- Monthly transport pass: AED 82.50
- Utilities (915 sq ft apartment): AED 610/month
- Internet: AED 387/month
Housing Costs in Abu Dhabi
Location significantly impacts your overall budget. Here’s a breakdown of typical rental prices:
Cheapest Areas:
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City: Studios AED 25,000–30,000/year
- Al Ghadeer: Studios AED 25,000/year
- Al Reef: 1-bedroom AED 48,000–60,000/year
Mid-Range / Good Value:
- Khalifa City A: 1-bedroom AED 40,000–50,000/year
- Al Reem Island: 1-bedroom units AED 68,000/year
- Al Mushrif: Studios AED 30,000–35,000/year; 1-bedroom AED 40,000–50,000/year
Expensive / Premium:
- Al Raha Beach: Waterfront apartments
- Yas Island: Luxury apartments from AED 97,000/year
- Corniche Area / Premium Towers: High-end city apartments with luxury amenities
Conclusion
Living in Abu Dhabi offers world-class education and modern amenities, but careful planning is essential. Families need to balance school fees, housing, and daily living expenses to create a comfortable lifestyle. With insights on Aldar Education fees, daily grocery costs, and housing options, parents can make informed decisions that ensure both quality education and a manageable budget.