What is the ADEK rating for Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas?

Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas is rated Good by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

How much are the fees at Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas?

Annual tuition fees at Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas range from AED 5,200 to AED 10,380. Additional costs include registration, transport, and uniforms.

What curriculum does Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas follow?

Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas follows the Indian curriculum.

Where is Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas located?

Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas is located in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas, Abu Dhabi

Indian School in Abu Dhabi

Last updated 18 Apr 2026

Curriculum

Indian

ADEK

Good

Location

Abu Dhabi

Fees

AED 5K - 10K

The Executive Summary

Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas is a co-educational MoE (UAE) curriculum school located in the Jarn Yafour area of Abu Dhabi, operated by the Bin Ham Group and serving approximately 865 students from KG1 through Grade 12. Established in 1999, it is one of the more affordable private school options in the capital, with school fees Abu Dhabi parents will find among the lowest in the private sector, ranging from AED 5,200 to AED 10,380 annually. However, affordability comes at a cost that parents must weigh carefully: ADEK's 2024 Irtiqa inspection awarded the school its lowest possible rating - ADEK rating Weak - a decline from its previous Good rating, driven by serious health and safety concerns, high staff turnover exceeding 60%, and underperformance across core English-medium subjects. For families searching among Jarn Yafour schools, this school's fee point is compelling, but the inspection findings demand scrutiny before enrolment.

ADEK Rated Weak 2024Fees from AED 5,200Bin Ham Group SchoolKG1 to Grade 12UAE MoE Curriculum

“The teachers in the Arabic and Islamic subjects are genuinely dedicated, and my children feel part of a community that shares our values. But I do worry about the state of the building and the number of new faces in the staffroom each year.”

— Grade 7 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas follows the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum, covering all subjects mandated by the national framework from KG1 through Grade 12. The school describes its approach as providing students with a structured and comprehensive education aligned with international standards, and it supplements the core curriculum with additional support in English language and Computer Science. In practice, however, the ADEK 2024 Irtiqa inspection found that the curriculum remains heavily textbook-driven, with teachers rarely moving beyond curriculum standards or integrating real-world application and skill development. Academic results, as assessed by ADEK inspectors and standardised testing, present a mixed picture that skews toward concern. In Arabic-medium subjects, the school performs more credibly: attainment and progress in UAE Social Studies are rated Good across all cycles, and Arabic as a first language achieves Good in KG and Cycle 3. Islamic Education similarly achieves Good in KG and Cycle 3. These results reflect a genuine strength in Arabic-language instruction and cultural education. In contrast, English-medium subjects - English language, Mathematics, and Science - are rated no higher than Acceptable across any cycle, with IBT standardised assessment results in Mathematics and Science rated Weak or Very Weak in Cycles 1, 2, and 3 for AY2023/24. International benchmarking data is sobering. In PISA 2022, 15-year-old students scored 391 in reading literacy (international average: 476), 404 in mathematical literacy (international average: 472), and 397 in scientific literacy (international average: 485) - all below both the international average and the school's own targets. In TIMSS 2023, Grade 4 Mathematics scored 482 (international average: 503) and Grade 8 Mathematics scored 422 (international average: 478). Grade 4 Science scored 477 (international average: 494) and Grade 8 Science scored 417 (international average: 478). These scores indicate a persistent gap between the school's output and international expectations. In terms of learning style, teaching is described by inspectors as generally more effective in the girls' sections, where more engaging strategies are evident. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning opportunities are rare across most lessons. Assessment practices are rated Acceptable, with internal systems aligned to MoE and ADEK requirements. The school has a career and university counsellor on staff (Ms. Neelam Al-Rawashda), though specific university destination data is not publicly available. The school does not publish external exam pass rates or university acceptance statistics. Inclusion provision for students of determination is minimal - only two students are formally identified - and there are currently no structured plans for gifted and talented students, despite recent identification efforts.

391

PISA 2022 Reading Score

International average: 476

422

TIMSS 2023 Grade 8 Maths Score

International average: 478

Good

UAE Social Studies Rating (All Cycles)

ADEK Irtiqa 2024

Acceptable

English Attainment & Progress (All Cycles)

ADEK Irtiqa 2024

Curriculum Details

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

The extracurricular offering at Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas is modest but reflects the school's community-oriented ethos. The school's website and news archive document a range of activities including Visual Arts, Musical Arts, Physical Education competitions, and Innovation programmes. Dedicated staff coordinators oversee these areas: an Activities Coordinator and Visual Arts Teacher, a Musical Arts Teacher, a Head of the Innovation Department, and a Head of the Physical and Health Department. The school has participated in international sports competitions, as evidenced by news posts on the school's website referencing international sports participations. A Chemistry Week event was held in November, and a Future Generations Competition was documented in October, suggesting some engagement with STEM enrichment activities beyond the classroom. The school also actively celebrates national identity through events such as National Day celebrations and National Union Day activities, which inspectors noted as a genuine strength - students across all cycles demonstrate clear understanding and appreciation of UAE culture through active participation in religious and national events. The school library hosts an Arabic Reading Challenge and Spelling Bee competitions, organised by the full-time librarian. Poetry events have also been documented. However, the overall breadth of the ECA programme is not formally published, and the ADEK inspection noted limited opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, research skills, and technology use across lessons - a gap that a more structured ECA programme could partially address. There is no evidence of programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh, Model UN, or formal community service frameworks, which limits the school's appeal for families seeking a broader enrichment portfolio.

Full-time Librarian

Organises reading and spelling activities

National Day CelebrationsInnovation DepartmentArabic Reading ChallengeChemistry Week STEMInternational Sports Participation

Pastoral Care & Well-being

The pastoral care framework at Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas draws on a team of social workers and welfare staff, including a specialist with a Master's degree in Educational Psychology (Mr. Issa Al-Damour), a student behaviour monitor (Ms. Aya Saudi), and a security and safety officer. The school has a formally published Child Protection Policy aligned with ADEK and UAE federal law, including Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child Rights, with clear reporting obligations to the Ministry of Interior's Child Protection Centre via the 116111 hotline. In terms of student well-being outcomes, the ADEK 2024 inspection rated Personal Development as Good across all cycles - KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3. Students demonstrate positive personal development and social responsibility, actively participating in community initiatives and national campaigns. Understanding of Islamic values and awareness of Emirati culture is also rated Good across all cycles, reflecting the school's strong cultural identity programme. Attendance has improved since the previous inspection, though punctuality in the mornings remains a noted concern. A SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) has been appointed, though the ADEK report notes that only two students of determination have been formally identified - a figure that inspectors flagged as likely underrepresenting actual need. Gifted and talented students have recently been identified, but no specific support plans are yet in place. Anti-bullying frameworks are embedded within the Child Protection Policy, and behaviour monitoring is a designated staff responsibility. The school's partnerships with parents are rated Good by ADEK inspectors, with frequent communication, active parental involvement in school life, and well-structured academic reporting systems cited as genuine strengths.

“The school keeps us well informed and the staff genuinely care about the children's wellbeing. We feel heard as parents, which matters a great deal.”

— Cycle 2 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

The campus of Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas is located at 8587 Avenue, Baniyas West 3-A, Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi - a residential community in the Bani Yas area, accessible from major arterial roads connecting to central Abu Dhabi. The school has been operating from this site since 1999 and serves both boys and girls in separate sections within the same building. This is where the review must be candid: the physical condition of the campus is a serious concern. The ADEK 2024 Irtiqa inspection explicitly states that concerns about the building identified in the previous 2022 inspection have worsened due to continued lack of investment and maintenance. Several health and safety issues are now evident and require urgent attention. Civil Defence reports classify the building as high risk. Classrooms, particularly in the boys' section, present risks due to poor ventilation, noise, and deteriorating infrastructure. Air conditioning units require upgrading, and there are documented structural damage, electrical risks, and playground dangers. The school currently has no contingency plan if a planned expansion to a new building is delayed. In terms of documented facilities, the school has a science laboratory (referenced in school news), a library containing approximately 1,700 books in Arabic and 280 books in English - a quantity inspectors described as insufficient for a school of this size. The library is located within the girls' section, which limits access for boys. There is a Musical Arts programme and Visual Arts provision, suggesting dedicated spaces for these subjects, and an Innovation Department with dedicated teaching staff. The school follows a system where students use the library once per week, though no structured reading scheme of work is in place. Technology infrastructure details are not formally published, and inspectors noted that staff rarely use technology effectively in lessons.

1,700

Arabic Books in Library

Plus 280 English books - inspectors flagged as insufficient

High Risk

Civil Defence Building Classification

ADEK Irtiqa 2024 - urgent remediation required

Science LaboratorySchool LibraryVisual Arts StudioInnovation DepartmentBoys & Girls Sections

Campus Details

Teaching & Learning Quality

Teaching quality at Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas is one of the most pressing concerns identified in the ADEK 2024 Irtiqa report, and parents deserve a clear-eyed assessment. The school employs 45 teachers and 3 teaching assistants for 865 students - a teacher-to-student ratio of approximately 1:19. The nationalities of teaching staff are predominantly Egyptian, Jordanian, and Syrian, reflecting the largely Arab student demographic. The single most significant factor affecting teaching quality is staff turnover. Since the previous inspection in 2022, more than 60% of staff have left, including key leadership changes - a new principal, vice principal, and SENCO have all been appointed within the past 18 months. Of core subject teachers, 26% are new since the previous inspection review. This level of churn is educationally destabilising and directly correlates with the regression in students' learning skills in Cycles 1 and 2 from Good to Acceptable. The ADEK inspection rates teaching as Good in KG and Cycle 3, and Acceptable in Cycles 1 and 2. Critically, even the Good rating in Cycle 3 is qualified - it is driven primarily by stronger practice in Arabic-medium subjects, while teaching in English-medium subjects in Cycle 3 is rated only Acceptable. Across the school, inspectors found that teachers rarely promote critical thinking, problem-solving, or independent learning, and opportunities for reflective dialogue are limited. Teaching is more effective in the girls' sections. Differentiated learning for different student groups remains inconsistent. The school's leadership team includes a Head of English Department, a Head of Mathematics and Science, a Head of Science Department, and a Head of Innovation Department - a reasonable middle leadership structure. However, inspectors noted that middle leadership lacks accountability, and professional development, while occurring, is not rigorously monitored for impact on teaching quality. The school holds teacher training on international assessment requirements and best practices, but implementation in classrooms remains inconsistent.

1:19

Teacher-to-Student Ratio

45 teachers for 865 students

60%+

Staff Turnover Since 2022

Including principal, vice principal, and SENCO

26%

Core Subject Teachers New Since PIR

ADEK Irtiqa 2024 finding

Leadership & Management

The school is led by Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jawarna, School Principal, who holds a PhD in English Language. Dr. Al-Jawarna is supported by Mr. Mahdi Abdel Hamid as Vice Principal. Both are described on the school's website as having extensive experience in educational administration, with strong leadership and organisational skills. The school is affiliated with the Bin Ham Group, a UAE-based education operator that also runs other schools in the emirate. The ADEK 2024 Irtiqa inspection presents a nuanced picture of leadership. The effectiveness of leadership (PS6.1) and self-evaluation and improvement planning (PS6.2) have both regressed from Good to Acceptable. More critically, Governance (PS6.4) has declined from Good to Weak, and Management, Staffing, and Facilities (PS6.5) is also rated Weak. Governance has failed to address critical compliance issues, including site safety and maintenance, and the premises remain in disrepair - a finding that points to a failure at board level to exercise adequate oversight. On the positive side, Partnerships with Parents and the Community (PS6.3) remains rated Good - a genuine and consistent strength. The school maintains frequent communication with parents through formal channels, shares academic reporting clearly, and actively involves parents in school life. A university and career counsellor is in post (Ms. Neelam Al-Rawashda), and the school has a National Identity Programme Coordinator, reflecting its commitment to UAE national values. The new principal and vice principal have implemented some operational improvements since taking over - strengthening inclusive provision and improving attendance - but inspectors note that self-evaluation remains underdeveloped and the school development plan lacks clear strategic focus, milestones, and progress tracking. For a school rated Weak, the urgency of a credible improvement plan with accountability structures is paramount.

Leadership Details

ADEK Inspection Results (Irtiqa - Decoded)

The most recent ADEK Irtiqa inspection of Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas took place from 5 to 8 May 2025 (for the AY2024/25 report), resulting in an overall rating of Weak - the lowest category in ADEK's five-point scale. This represents a significant regression from the school's previous rating of Good in 2022, making it one of the more concerning downward trajectories among Abu Dhabi private schools in recent cycles. The Weak rating is driven by three converging failures: a Weak health and safety rating across all cycles (KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, Cycle 3), a Weak governance rating, and the cumulative impact of 60%+ staff turnover on teaching quality and student outcomes. Civil Defence has classified the building as high risk, and inspectors found that the governing body has failed to address this despite it being flagged in the 2022 inspection. Not everything is negative. The inspection identifies clear pockets of strength: UAE Social Studies is rated Good across all cycles in both attainment and progress. Personal and Social Development is rated Good across all cycles. Partnerships with Parents is rated Good. And teaching in KG and Cycle 3, particularly in Arabic-medium subjects, is rated Good. These are real strengths that deserve acknowledgement. For parents, the key question is whether the school's leadership - newly installed within the past 18 months - can demonstrate credible improvement against the five detailed ADEK recommendations before the next inspection cycle. The inspection framework is clear: without measurable progress on health and safety, teaching quality, and governance accountability, the Weak rating is likely to be sustained.

Strong Personal & Social Development

Personal Development is rated Good across all cycles (KG, Cycle 1, Cycle 2, Cycle 3). Students demonstrate positive social responsibility, active participation in community initiatives, and a strong understanding of Islamic values and UAE culture.

UAE Social Studies Excellence

Attainment and progress in UAE Social Studies are rated Good across all cycles, with MoE external exam results showing Outstanding attainment in Cycles 1 and 3. Students demonstrate above-curriculum-standard engagement with national identity topics.

Strong Parent Partnerships

Partnerships with Parents and the Community (PS6.3) is rated Good - a consistent strength. Frequent communication, active parental involvement, and well-structured academic reporting are cited by inspectors as genuine differentiators.

Health & Safety: Urgent Remediation Required

Health and safety is rated Weak across all cycles. Civil Defence has classified the building as high risk. Issues include structural damage, electrical risks, poor ventilation (especially in boys' classrooms), and playground dangers. No contingency plan exists if the new building expansion is delayed. This was flagged in 2022 and has worsened.

Teaching Quality & Staff Stability

Over 60% of staff have left since 2022, including the principal, vice principal, and SENCO. Teaching in Cycles 1 and 2 has regressed to Acceptable. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning are rarely promoted. Differentiation for different student groups is inconsistent. Middle leadership lacks accountability.

Full Inspection Report

Inspection History

2022

Good

2024

Weak

Fees & Value for Money

Dar Al Uloom Private School – Baniyas offers a MoE (UAE) curriculum at highly competitive tuition rates, positioning itself as one of the more affordable private school options in Abu Dhabi. Annual tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year range from AED 5,200 for KG1 and KG2, rising progressively to AED 10,380 for Grade 12, reflecting the school's commitment to accessible, quality education without significant financial burden on families.

AED 5,200

Annual Fees From

AED 10,380

Annual Fees To

Year / GradeAnnual Fee

KG 1

AED 5,200

KG 2

AED 5,200

Grade 1

AED 6,180

Grade 2

AED 6,410

Grade 3

AED 6,710

Grade 4

AED 6,830

Grade 5

AED 6,930

Grade 6

AED 7,160

Grade 7

AED 7,480

Grade 8

AED 7,710

Grade 9

AED 7,930

Grade 10

AED 8,610

Grade 11

AED 8,950

Grade 12

AED 10,380

The school emphasises strong value for money, delivering international standards of education at economical prices. Tuition fees are officially regulated and published through ADEK, ensuring transparency. In addition to tuition, families should budget for bus transport (AED 2,535 per year), books (ranging from AED 300 to AED 855 depending on grade), and a uniform cost of AED 120 per year. Notably, book fees are not listed for Grades 9 through 12, so families are advised to confirm these costs directly with the school.

Overall, Dar Al Uloom Baniyas represents a cost-effective choice for families seeking a structured UAE Ministry of Education curriculum in a private school setting. The gradual fee progression across grade levels ensures predictability in long-term education planning, and the relatively low additional costs further enhance the school's value proposition compared to many other private institutions in Abu Dhabi.

Additional Costs

Bus Transport2535(annual)

Books & Materials – KG 1300(annual)

Books & Materials – KG 2330(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 1735(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 2755(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 3775(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 4790(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 5795(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 6790(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 7855(annual)

Books & Materials – Grade 8850(annual)

Uniform120(annual)

Full Fee Structure

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Dar Al Uloom Private School - Baniyas is a school at a crossroads. Its ADEK Weak rating, deteriorating campus infrastructure classified as high risk by Civil Defence, and persistent underperformance in English-medium subjects and international assessments make it impossible to recommend without significant caveats. The school's strengths - a genuine community spirit, strong parent partnerships, creditable performance in Arabic-medium subjects and UAE Social Studies, and the most accessible fee structure among Abu Dhabi private schools - are real, but they exist within a context of systemic challenges that new leadership must address urgently. For families genuinely considering this school, the questions to ask before enrolment are direct: What is the timeline for the new building, and what is the contingency if it is delayed? How is the school addressing the Civil Defence high-risk classification? What specific steps are being taken to stabilise the teaching staff? The school's leadership team, led by Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jawarna, has been in post for less than 18 months and may yet demonstrate the turnaround capacity required - but as of the 2024 Irtiqa cycle, the evidence base for that confidence does not yet exist.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Families from Arab-speaking backgrounds, particularly Egyptian, Jordanian, or Yemeni communities, seeking an affordable MoE-curriculum school with strong Arabic language instruction, a culturally familiar environment, and active parent-school communication in the Bani Yas and Jarn Yafour areas.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families prioritising English-medium academic outcomes, international university pathways, modern facilities, or ADEK-rated Good or above schools; the current Weak rating, high staff turnover, and health and safety concerns make this school a poor fit for parents with high academic expectations or children with additional learning needs requiring specialist support.

“

The fees are manageable for our family and the Arabic teaching is strong. But I hope the school sorts out the building issues soon - it is not the environment I want my children in long-term.

— Grade 4 Parent

Strengths

Most affordable private school fees in Abu Dhabi: AED 5,200 to AED 10,380
Strong Arabic-medium teaching, especially in KG and Cycle 3
UAE Social Studies rated Good across all cycles by ADEK
Personal and social development rated Good across all cycles
Active and well-rated parent-school partnership programme
Full KG1 to Grade 12 pathway under one roof
Career and university counsellor on staff
Strong national identity and cultural values programme

Areas for Improvement

ADEK overall rating: Weak (2024) - declined from Good in 2022
Campus classified as high risk by Civil Defence; health and safety rated Weak across all cycles
Staff turnover exceeds 60% since 2022, destabilising teaching continuity
PISA and TIMSS scores significantly below international averages
Inclusion provision critically underdeveloped - only 2 students of determination formally identified