School
What is the technology like in the classrooms?
All classrooms have Apple TV and projectors. Teachers receive Apple MacBooks or iPads depending on subject and grade. Wireless access is school-wide. Students in Grades 1–12 bring their own Apple devices — iPad in Grades 2–5, Apple laptop in secondary. KG and Grades 1–5 have a weekly tech class in their own labs. KG shares five iPad carts that teachers check out.
Are middle school classrooms shared between teachers?
Secondary teachers have their own classrooms (with some exceptions), shared with specialist teachers (Arabic, Islamic, PE, etc.).
Where can I find information about the curriculum?
The AISA curriculum lives on the school's internal network. Reach out to Amira Al Turabi, our K12 Curriculum Coordinator, for information ahead of arrival.
Should I ship teaching materials (posters, resources, etc.)?
There's a teacher store in Abu Dhabi with a decent selection — only a little more expensive than in the US. Bring favourites you can't replace, but don't go crazy. The school is well-resourced (apart from commercially-produced posters). It may be cheaper to bring an extra suitcase than to ship.
Housing
Where is the teacher housing located?
Most new teachers are housed in Muroor, Reem, and Khalidiya. Each area has restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store within walking distance.
What size beds are in the school apartments?
Queen-sized beds in school-provided accommodation.
Will there be bedding when I arrive?
Yes — a small welcome pack with basic bedding to get by until you can shop. Nothing fancy, just the essentials.
What kind of plugs are in the apartments?
Three-prong UK outlets. Adapters work for most US devices and are easily available locally (including 5–6 outlet power strips). The UAE runs 240V — the US runs 120V — so for some items (electric razors, curling irons, hair straighteners) you may need a converter rather than just an adapter.
What's already in the furnished housing?
Apartments contain slightly different items because previous teachers may leave bonus pieces. Generally expect:
- Living / dining: sofa set, coffee table / end tables, lamp(s), dining table and chairs
- Bedroom: queen bed, wardrobe(s), chest of drawers, night table
- Kitchen: stove, oven, refrigerator, washing machine, basic cookware
Personal
Can I use my mobile phone from home?
Yes — if it's unlocked. Ask your home carrier to unlock it (often free). It can be unlocked locally for a fee. Some teachers use international phone packages (e.g. T-Mobile) since UAE phone bills can be pricey, while others buy a local phone after arrival.
How do I connect with people back home?
Video calling is restricted on residential UAE networks — WhatsApp video, FaceTime, and Messenger can be challenging (but not impossible). Options:
- Botim (paid app by Etisalat) is widely used
- Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams work without a VPN
What is the dress code for AISA employees?
See the full dress code on the Work Matters page.
Do I need to cover shoulders / knees outside of work?
You'll see a wide range of attire. It's culturally appropriate to cover knees and shoulders, but many people don't. Be culturally sensitive and dress for the context — e.g. more conservative at the mall, more relaxed at a hotel restaurant or bar.
Can I wear sandals to work?
Sandals are fine — most teachers wear them. Flip-flops are not allowed per the dress code.
Are there Walmart-style stores in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Yes — LuLu and Carrefour are the two largest, with locations all over the city. They sell clothes, furniture, appliances, houseware, and food.
Are there any medications I can't bring into the UAE?
The UAE restricts certain medicines. Check the US Embassy guidance and contact the UAE Embassy if you have questions about prescription drugs. Bring a copy of any prescriptions and a doctor's letter where possible.
Arrival
How do I receive mail / packages in Abu Dhabi?
You can have mail delivered to the school. Two address options:
Couriers (UPS / FedEx / etc.)
Your name c/o AISA Airport Rd and 29th Street Opposite Pepsi Cola Abu Dhabi, UAE
School P.O. Box
Your name c/o AISA PO Box 5992 Abu Dhabi, UAE
Personal items shipped before your visa is issued may incur unexpected fees — better to carry as extra baggage or wait for your visa.
What are estimated costs of goods and services?
Rough estimates (in AED):
- Utilities in AISA housing: ~250 AED / month
- Weekly groceries: 300–600 AED (depending on what you buy)
- Drink at a bar / restaurant: 30–50 AED
- Main course at a hotel restaurant: 50–100 AED
- Main course at a neighborhood restaurant: 10–30 AED
- Cab ride downtown: 20–35 AED
- Movie ticket: ~35 AED
Should I haul my stuff on the plane or ship in advance?
Most people carry extra baggage on the plane. Different airlines allow different bag amounts and charge different extra-bag fees, so compare. Surface mail usually takes 2–3 months but is often cheaper than air shipping — worth comparing for non-urgent items.
How do I get from the airport to my apartment / school?
Don't worry about transport on arrival — AISA picks you up from the airport and takes you to your apartment. During training (and the regular school year if you live in school accommodation), a bus runs morning and afternoon between your apartment and school.
How do banking and salary transfers work?
Once you have a residence visa, you must open a local bank account to receive pay. Transferring back to a US account is straightforward (a fee applies) and many banks support online transfers. US ATM cards, Visa, and Mastercard generally work; American Express is occasionally accepted; Discover almost never. Notify your home banks before travelling so they don't decline charges in Abu Dhabi.
Things experienced staff recommend bringing
It varies by person, but here's what's commonly mentioned by teachers:
- Deodorant for men — long-lasting gel sticks are harder to find here; small powder versions dominate.
- High-quality bed linens — expensive locally.
- Beauty / hair products if you're attached to a particular brand.
- Teacher resource books you rely on.
- Vitamins — often pricier than in the US or Canada.
- Anything in your "can't live without" category from home.
Don't bring lifetime supplies — almost everything is available locally if you're flexible on brand or willing to spend a bit more. Specific question? Ask your HoD or building admin.