In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems has never been more important.
Kate Bradley
Vice Principal and Head of Secondary
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi we have reimagined learning to equip students with everything they need to lead successful lives filled with purpose and enterprise.
Currently welcoming children from FS1 to Year 11, we pride ourselves on fostering a warm learning environment where all students feel safe, happy and fulfilled.
Our advanced curricular approach enables our learners to graduate as future-focused thinkers and empowered global citizens, ready to make their mark on the world stage.
Our education philosophy champions the diversity of our student body, while our approach is guided by a respect for each child’s uniqueness. We provide opportunity and choice at every stage, offering a truly personalised learning experience.
We offer a bespoke, truly unique and aspirational curriculum for all learners – one that combines the powerful, broad and abstract IB concepts with the content of the Early Years Foundation Stage, National Curriculum for England.
*GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi is a Candidate School for the IB Diploma Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy, a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that GEMS World Academy - Abu Dhabi believes is important for our students.
With a focus on the EYFS characteristics of learning and the central features of the Early Years in the PYP, we value play, positive relationships and engaging learning environments in contributing to all areas of learning.
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is an inquiry-driven framework designed to nurture learners, foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Through a focus on holistic development and global mindedness, the PYP equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive academically and personally.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a challenging framework that encourages learners aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for significant success in further study and in life.
The IB Diploma Programme empowers students to become confident, compassionate, and globally minded learners. Through academic rigour, critical thinking, and meaningful real-world connections, our students are prepared not only for university success, but for life beyond the classroom.
The IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) offers students a unique pathway that combines academic study with real-world, career-focused learning.
Designed for students aged 16–19, the IBCP allows learners to pursue their interests while developing the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed for university, employment and lifelong success.
Through a combination of IB Diploma Programme courses and a career-related study, students gain both academic depth and practical experience, preparing them for a rapidly-evolving world.
At GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi, IGCSE is thoughtfully integrated within the IB Middle Years Programme to strengthen academic rigour and prepare students for the demands of post-16 pathways. This approach provides greater subject depth while remaining firmly rooted in IB principles of inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world application.
By embedding IGCSE within the MYP years and the delivery of both qualifications, students develop strong academic foundations alongside critical thinking, global awareness, and learner agency, ensuring a confident and seamless transition into the IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes.
Welcome to World Academy Abu Dhabi – a proud member of the strong GEMS family and a beacon of excellence in an international education.
At WAA, we are more than just a school – we are a vibrant, values-driven community committed to nurturing the genius in every child. Our mission is clear: to deliver a world-class education that puts a quality first education in front of every child where every student feels safe, happy, and inspired to thrive and innovate.
Shahina Ahmad OBE
Executive Principal/ CEO Gems World Academy Abu Dhabi
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we empower students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 90 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
LEARNING
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
ASA’s
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
FROM
TO
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
NATIONALITIES
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
STUDENT & STAFF
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we empower students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 90 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
LEARNING
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
ASA’s
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
FROM
TO
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
NATIONALITIES
At GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi, we embrace a High-Performance Learning culture, empowering students to think critically and achieve excellence. Our cutting-edge facilities foster innovation, sports, and creativity, while our diverse student body representing over 80 nationalities and speaking 33 languages, creates a truly global environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to succeed.
STUDENT & STAFF
Our experienced and visionary leadership team drives academic excellence, innovation, and wellbeing across our school, ensuring every student benefits from a clear strategic direction and a strong, supportive school culture.
Vice Principal and Head of Secondary
Head of Primary
Executive Principal/CEO
Assistant Principal
Deputy Head of Secondary, MYP Coordinator
Head of Lower Primary School and IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
In our commitment to providing the highest quality learning environment for our GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi community, we are excited to announce upcoming expansion plans, positively shaping the future of our school. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by August 2025.
Authentic experiences from our international community. Our families share their personal journeys and what makes GEMS World Academy – Abu Dhabi a place of growth, opportunity and community.
The nurturing environment, dedicated and caring teachers, and emphasis on both academic and personal growth have made a significant difference in our children’s lives and development, helping them thrive.
Parent of Year 6 and 7
I really appreciate the school’s management - everything is clear, well-organised, and truly focused on the students. I also love that the campus is new and modern, with a comfortable environment that helps children feel confident and concentrate on learning.
Parent of Year 4 and 9
In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems has never been more important.
Building good study habits early is essential for academic success.
In today’s tech-driven world, gadgets and devices have become an integral part of daily life for students.
The early years of a child’s education are critical for setting the stage for lifelong learning and development.
Building good study habits early is essential for academic success. At GEMS World
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions parents make.
The early years of a child’s education are critical for setting the stage for lifelong learning and development.
As parents, you play an essential role in shaping your child’s learning journey. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity.
When it comes to Early Years education, creating a foundation for lifelong learning is crucial. At GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi, our Early Years curriculum embraces play-based learning.