About the UAE & Abu Dhabi
The UAE is a union of seven emirates formed in 1971. Each emirate is ruled by a sheikh and is independent in its governance. Abu Dhabi is the richest emirate, with wealth from oil; Dubai is the second richest and the main trading port. The country has one of the highest incomes per capita in the world.
Abu Dhabi is vibrant, safe, and rapidly growing — emerging as a cultural hub of the Gulf. The Saadiyat Island Cultural District hosts the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Guggenheim, concert halls, and theaters. Outdoor enthusiasts have easy access to the Rub Al Khali (the world's largest sand desert), the Omani mountains, and miles of beaches. Many AISA teachers enjoy desert camping and coastal boating.
The cost of living for expatriates is reasonable compared to Europe, North America, or much of Asia — though prices have risen alongside the economic boom.
Leisure & Activities
We work hard at AISA, but we also play hard. Make time for yourself — your students will benefit.
Sports
Numerous golf courses with reasonable green fees. Many teachers play on basketball, football, and hockey teams.
Beaches & Resorts
The Corniche is the most famous; some have segregated sections. Bikinis are worn, topless bathing is prohibited. Resorts offer spas and water sports.
Theme Parks
Yas Water World and Ferrari World (with one of the fastest roller coasters anywhere). New parks open across the UAE often.
Spas & Salons
Salons are gender-segregated. Tip to Toes and Bedashing are popular for manicures and pedicures.
Shopping
Malls
Galleria, Reem, and Yas Mall. From Forever 21 and Gap to Chanel and Gucci. Many include ski slopes, flight simulators, and cafes for sightseeing.
Souks & Fabrics
Souks in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for bargaining practice. Fabric is sold widely; many staff customize wardrobes via local tailors.
Dragon Mart
In Dubai — a mile of everything from bicycles to furniture, clothing, and food. Top spot for furnishing your apartment.
Local Shops
Exotic products: fabrics from India, bejewelled shoes from Pakistan, gold from everywhere. Don't skip them.
Foodie Heaven
Whatever your food style, you'll find it — the statistic that 80% of new arrivals put on weight is no joke. Sugar is everywhere; pace yourself.
Hotel Restaurants
The Beach Rotana alone has Italian, German, Indian, Japanese, Asian, steak, and seafood. Hotels are the only places that legally serve alcohol with meals; bars are also hotel-attached. Joining a hotel is cheap and unlocks discounts.
Restaurants
Cheaper than hotels, equally international, and most home-deliver. Dine at home with wine or beer purchased from a liquor chain (requires a liquor licence, applied online once you have visa + Emirates ID).
Fast Food
Subway, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Texas Roadhouse, etc. — all home-deliver via Talabat and Deliveroo.
Cupcakes & Sweets
Cupcake, donut, chocolate, and date shops are everywhere. The school has a sugar-treat ban (except for birthday celebrations) for a reason.
Major Events to Watch
Abu Dhabi and nearby Dubai (an hour's drive) host top-tier arts and sporting events year-round.
📚 Emirates Airline LitFest
Brings the world's most popular authors to Dubai for talks, readings, workshops, and a children's fringe.
🏑 Formula 1
The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Abu Dhabi GP with concerts featuring world-class artists (Maroon 5, Foo Fighters, Eminem, Rihanna, Muse, etc.).
🎼 Abu Dhabi Festival
A concert series running October–May at venues including Al Jahili Fort, Emirates Palace, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and a floating stage at the Corniche.
⛳ Golf
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Yas Links, November), Team Cup (Abu Dhabi Golf Club, January), Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open (Saadiyat Beach), and the Abu Dhabi Challenge (Al Ain, April).
Stay in the loop
- Time Out Abu Dhabi — events and culture
- Abu Dhabi Week — free local-events magazine
- The National and Gulf News — the two main newspapers
- visitabudhabi.ae — official events site
Useful Apps & Facebook Groups
Apps & Websites
Families: kidzapp
Food delivery: Talabat, Zomato, Careem
Taxis: Yango, Careem, Abu Dhabi Taxi
Discount apps: Entertainer, Groupon
Buy & sell: Dubizzle
Events: visitabudhabi.ae
Facebook Groups
- Abu Dhabi Q & A — general info
- Abu Dhabi Female Network
- Abu Dhabi Women's Group
- With the Kids Abu Dhabi
- UAE Family and Friends Staycations
- Abu Dhabi Travelers
- Best Bites Abu Dhabi (foodies)
- Abu Dhabi Marketplace / Online Market
Learn Basic Arabic
A handful of phrases will go a long way. Try these to start.
Hello
Marhaba
مرحبًا
Peace be upon you
As-salaam alaikum
السلام عليكم
Thank you
Shukran
شكرًا
You're welcome
Afwan
عفوًا
Yes / No
Na'am / La
نعم / لا
Please
Min fadlak
من فضلك
How are you?
Kayf halak?
كيف حالك؟
Good / Fine
Bekhair
بخير
Goodbye
Ma' as-salaama
مع السلامة
Tip: search YouTube for "Arabic in Three Minutes" for short, friendly video lessons.
UAE National Anthem
The school day starts with the UAE National Anthem. Elementary students love singing along — it'll quickly become a part of your morning routine.
Search YouTube for "UAE National Anthem with lyrics" or "Eshy Bilady" to learn the words ahead of time.
AISA Campus & Contact
Locating Our Campus
Corner of Airport Road and 29th Street
Opposite the Al Bustan Novotel
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 4444 333
Web: www.aisa.sch.ae
AISA opened in 1995 with around 500 K–12 students. Today the campus has a central rotunda with wings on either side — the ground floor for elementary, second and third floors for MS and HS — plus two gymnasiums, a grass soccer pitch, swimming and paddling pools, a 5th-grade building, a KG building, and two separate art rooms.
✉️ New Teachers Group Email
Newly hired staff can begin communicating using:
newteachers25-26@aisa.sch.ae