Learn and grow at the special needs schools in Abu Dhabi
The UAE’s role in caring for people of determination has emerged significantly over the past two decades. The government has proactively established policies to ensure all citizens and residents enjoy an equal standard of life, regardless of physical or mental impairments. With that vision in mind, we look at the top special needs schools in Abu Dhabi and how they work to make a difference.
List of Special Needs Schools in Abu Dhabi
The Ministry of Community Development in the UAE wants to support people of determination and provide special education services and facilities for all ages. Here is a list of prominent special needs schools in Abu Dhabi.
Emirates Autism Centre
Emirates Autism Centre opened its doors in 2008 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, head of the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Culture, Youth and Social Development.
It is classified as one of the best autism treatment centres in the country. The centre receives people with autism throughout the year and provides them with classes specially designed on an international level to meet all their needs and desires.
The services provided by the centre vary, including assessment and diagnosis, early intervention, speech therapy, sensory integration services, physical education, music education, outdoor activities, vocational rehabilitation and housekeeping. Their programs include TEACCH, LOVASS and P.E.C.S.
- Location: Villa 27, Emirates Autism Center, Al Falah Street
- Contact: +971-2-642-7557
Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination
Next on our list of special needs schools in Abu Dhabi list is the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, which was established by order of His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
The foundation includes centres aimed at establishing people of determination within the community. That aim is achieved by providing integrated services such as general education, vocational training workshops, psychological care, family counselling, and support for educational and sports activities.
They also provide therapeutic rehabilitation, including assessment, early intervention, physiotherapy, and speech therapy.
- Location: Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashed Road, Shakhbout City, Al Mafraq
- Contact: +971-2-305-6666
Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Special Education
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Special Education is one of the most prominent and well-known special needs schools in Abu Dhabi and works under the New England Centre for Children (NECC) management.
The facility was established in 2007 to ensure that autistic children in Abu Dhabi have the facilities and resources they need to obtain a high-quality education.
The centre provides intensive educational services using scientifically proven principles of applied behaviour analysis for children in the United Arab Emirates with autism and related disorders from 3 to 9 years old.
- Location: Building No. 31, Zone 23, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-691-8888
Stars for Special Abilities and Early Intervention Centre
The Stars for Special Abilities and Early Intervention Centre was established in 2006 and has since kept pace with the stages of educational development in the UAE to ensure its prominence amongst the special needs schools in Abu Dhabi.
The centre works under the management of a team of highly qualified experts in communication, psychology, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, special education and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The centre aims mainly to provide quality educational and therapeutic services to support all individuals with special needs and their families, as well as ensure they can integrate effectively into academic, practical and social life.
- Location: Al Saada Street W, 3rd Street
- Contact: +971-2-446-2048
Al Karamah School
Al Karamah School was opened in January 2019 by the Department of Education and Knowledge and is dedicated to treating children and young people with autism and associated learning difficulties, specifically those between the ages of 3 and 25.
The school provides special education services to meet the needs of students at the primary and secondary levels. It aims to help them develop their learning, communication and self-reliance skills.
This special needs school in Abu Dhabi is distinguished by its high-level facilities, qualified staff and educational facilities that combine to ensure all students receive the required level of support.
- Location: Al Karamah Street, Al Manhal
- Contact: +971-2-412-1999
Abilities Development Centre for People of Determination LLC
Abilities Development Centre for People of Determination LLC was established in 2007 to treat children with autism and other special educational needs and help them thrive.
The centre seeks to prepare these children and provide them with the best educational, training, psychological and social programs. The aim is to raise their level of achievement based on their abilities and capabilities.
The centre includes several departments, including educational classes, speech and language therapy rooms, computer labs, art and education rooms. The institute also has sensory integration service rooms and music therapy service rooms.
- Location: Villa No. 180, Zone-27, Mohamed Bin Zayed City
- Contact: +971-2-491-3230
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any schools for children on the autistic spectrum?
Most special needs schools in Abu Dhabi provide programs for children on the autistic spectrum. There are also facilities completing dedicated autism.
What is the People of Determination card?
The People of Determination card (also called the Disability Card) ensures that individuals in Dubai and the rest of the country have unrestricted access to various services, including special parking, housing programs and legal services.
That concludes our guide to the best special needs school in Abu Dhabi. There are several special needs schools in Dubai as well.
The Ministry of Community Development’s Employment Platform for People of Determination aims to employ people of determination from different regions of the UAE and introduce them to the labour market according to their skills and abilities. Similarly, there are other speech and language therapy clinics in Abu Dhabi.
