German International School, Abu Dhabi

German International School Abu Dhabi — a German school by STRABAG, opened its door in 1976. It follows the State of Thüringen curriculum from kindergarten until Grade 12.

Previously known as The German School Abu Dhabi, it was only for the members of the parent company. In the early 1990s, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan granted land for an annual rent of AED 18,000. In 2006, the school was accredited as a German School Abroad by the Central Agency for Schools Abroad.

German International School Abu Dhabi is a private and co-educational institute in Al Zaab, Abu Dhabi. It has over 300 students, including students of determination. GISAD also has a sister school in Dubai known as the German International School.

The school was recently inspected by the ADEK and earned a ‘Very Good’ rating. Parents’ and students’ German International School Abu Dhabi reviews support the rating awarded. Those searching for other options can consider the best schools in Abu Dhabi.

Continue reading this guide to learn more about the school.

• Location: Al Zaab
• School fees: AED 34,350 - AED 51,730
• Curriculum: German Curriculum
• Co-ed or segregate: Co-ed
• ADEK rating: Very Good
• Years offered: KG 1 - Grade 12

Surrounded by various lifestyle amenities, International German School is in proximity to numerous residential districts, including:

• Al Khalidiya
• Al Manhal
• Al Danah
• Al Nahyan
• Al Mushrif

The nearest residential area is Al Manhal. It is a mixed-use community that is home to the Al Manhal Palace. It is favoured by residents preferring premium lifestyle amenities.

Families looking to move near the school can consider:

• Apartments for rent near German International School Abu Dhabi
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• Villas for sale near German International School Abu Dhabi

German International School Abu Dhabi campus offers a favourable learning environment. It provides a range of premium facilities to students. Children attend lessons in technologically-enabled classrooms, which makes daily learning interactive and exciting.

Besides classrooms, students have access to:

German International School Abu Dhabi’s location falls in Al Zaab, a popular district in the capital emirate.

Al Zaab is well-connected to other parts of Abu Dhabi, leading to a hassle-free commute. The school is accessible via Zayed Bin Al Arqam Street and Karamah Street.

 You will find quite a few landmarks near GISAD. These include Al Manhal Palace, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Bangladesh, Embassy of Italy and the Nations Hospital.

Despite many international schools, German schools are hard to find. Parents can opt for German International School. It follows the German curriculum from kindergarten to higher secondary stages.

The school has made an effort to teach non-German-speaking children as well. It ensures students are on the same page by offering English as an additional language in Grade 1. Similarly, the school teaches German as a foreign language for non-German students until Grade 4.

ADEK has rated the performance as very good. It is the second-best rating which speaks of the quality curriculum, leadership and campus facilities.

German International School is a K-12 school offering classes from Kindergarten until Grade 12. The school is divided into four sections, as seen below:

The school follows the German curriculum at all levels. Most subjects are taught in German, while English and French are offered as additional languages in the primary section.

German International School Zaab accepts German-speaking students aged 3 to 5 years. On the contrary, the school takes non-native German speakers aged three years.

Moreover, non-German-speaking children are offered intensive German as a foreign language (DaF) programme. Daf focuses on the development of German language skills until Grade 4.

The kindergarten school curriculum focuses on developing students in a playful environment.

German International School Abu Dhabi curriculum for the remaining section is similar. Students classified as Real or Hauptschule Einstufung can use differentiated teaching material. 

French is taught as an additional language from Grade 6 onwards, along with Arabic Studies and Islamic Studies.

GISAD offers recognised German International awards at all levels. It includes the Haupt- and Realschulabschluss, focusing on the German International Abitur.

The abitur is an entry-level university examination that is recognised worldwide. It helps students gain access to higher studies in Germany.

Students are taught the following subjects for abitur.

Written exams are conducted for all subjects except sports. Art, Geography and Biology are offered in English as well.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) was formed in 2005 to regulate and supervise private and public schools in Abu Dhabi. The agency invests in innovative learning strategies on behalf of schools to ensure that students can face and tackle 21st-century challenges.

Irtiqaa Programme is one of the initiatives of ADEK where private and public schools are inspected annually and are rated based on:

• Students’ achievement
• Personal and social development as well as innovation skills of the students
• Teaching and assessment
• Curriculum
• Student safety and wellbeing, as well as the guidance and support provided to them
• School leadership and management

The quality of the school is rated on a six-point scale as shown below:

As of now, the German International School Abu Dhabi ADEK rating is very good. The institute has worked on many aspects to generate a high rating. GISAD Abu Dhabi has scored an outstanding rating in two and a very good rating in four parameters.

The Irtiqaa report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the school. GIS Abu Dhabi has shown tremendous improvement in students’ development. Students perform exceptionally well in all subjects due to effective leadership and teaching.

Work ethics and positive attitude instilled in children can be seen in their behaviour and responsible attitude. Similarly, students clearly understand the UAE culture and German culture.

ADEK report has a few recommendations to help the school to improve its rating. Islamic Studies is falling behind despite strong academic performances in other subjects. To improve this, GIS Abu Dhabi needs to work on lesson plans and monitor teaching strategies.

The school must improve the systematic implementation of technology and media for improved performance. Finally, students’ ideas to improve teaching quality should also be incorporated.

German International School Abu Dhabi’s academic calendar starts in August and ends in July. 

Before starting with the German International School Abu Dhabi’s admission process, please ensure that your child:

• Is a native German-speaker
• Has a very high level of German language skills
• Does not speak German, but has a strong interest in the German language, German education, German culture and is three years old

Once the above prerequisites are met, you can start the process by submitting an application form at the school’s admissions office. You are requested to bring along the following documents as well.

• Development report (Kindergarten only)
• Questionnaire (Kindergarten only)
• Student medical record
• Passport and visa copy of the child
• Passport and visa copy of both parents
• Copy of final grade of the last two school years

 Once all the documents have been submitted, the school will carefully review each child’s portfolio before deciding. If your child secures an offer, you have to pay a registration fee of AED 750 within one week to reserve a seat.

Before seeking admission at German International School Al Zaab Abu Dhabi, ensure that your child meets the following age criteria.

This is based on the age of the students on 31st August (for schools beginning in September). Source: ADEK

The fee structure adopted by the German International School is approved by the ADEK.

At German International School Abu Dhabi, a 10% discount is given on annual tuition fees and school transport from the third child onwards.

Additional charges include:

• Registration fee: AED 1,000
• Re-registration fee: 5% of the tuition fee
• Book deposits: AED 5,000
• After-school care fees: AED 990 to AED 3,960
• German as foreign language for kindergarten section: AED 5,000
• German as a foreign language: AED 3,150
• Certified copy of the school report: AED 52.50 per copy
• Enrollment Certificate charges: AED 26.25
• Replacement of Student’s or parents' ID charges: AED 52.50
• Lost locker key charges: AED 210

German International School Abu Dhabi fees can be paid via cash, cheque or bank transfer.

GISAD School Al Zaab has outsourced catering services to Food Nation. Besides serving hot lunches made using healthy and nutritious ingredients, Food Nation also has an extensive breakfast menu.

The transportation facility is provided by the German International School in Abu Dhabi. To use the bus service, you need to visit the school transportation department, fill out the application form, and determine your ward’s pick-up and drop-off location.

Please remember that all routes are revised at the start of each academic year since new admissions will have to be accommodated. The buses take students in the morning and bring them home at 01:30 pm and 03:30 pm.

To further facilitate children, the school allows the booking of a single trip on a bus, provided that there is a seat available. To use this option, parents have to send the request in writing to the admissions office one day in advance before 03:00 pm.

Annual transportation charges and single trip charges according to each zone are provided below.

The school does not provide holiday camps. However, you can enrol your child in external holiday camps.

Physical education and exercise are essential parts of the academic program followed at German International School Abu Dhabi. The school provides sports facilities like:

• Outdoor activity area
• Shaded areas
• Multi-purpose indoor sports hall
• Gymnasium
• Football area

Students can engage in various sporting activities offered by the school and third-party service providers.

German International School Abu Dhabi gives students ample opportunities to participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities such as:

Besides these, your child can participate in The Diercke Wissen, Maths Kangaroo, Informatik-Biber and The Federal Foreign Language competitions.

GISAD Zaab has also brought external service providers on board to provide students with a plethora of opportunities to pursue their interests and passions. However, these activities are available at an additional cost.

Field trips are often treated as lessons in a non-conventional classroom setting. German International School Al Zaab arranges trips to tourist attractions, museums and heritage sites.

After-school care is offered to students enrolled in Grade 1 to Grade 7. Students can either complete their homework or engage in healthy activities under teacher supervision during this time.

A well-equipped medical centre operates on school grounds during school hours until 03:30 pm.  An experienced nurse manages the clinic. Parents can call at +971 5 483 8608 to talk to the nurse. A psychologist is also available to guide school and staff members at the clinic.

The school clinic is responsible for carrying out yearly examinations and providing first-aid during emergencies. All students and the staff members are insured against accidents during school time, excursions or other school activities.

German International School in Al Zaab has a parents council that bridges the gap between parents and the school administration. Parents can request to be a part of the council and participate in school events and fundraising activities as a volunteer.

German International School Abu Dhabi’s contact details are mentioned below.

• Telephone Number: +971-2-666-8668
• Email:
  • General Enquiries: info@gisad.ae
• GISAD Website
• GISAD Facebook
• GISAD YouTube
• GISAD LinkedIn

Note that the cover image belongs to German International School, Abu Dhabi