GEMS United Indian School
Part of GEMS Education
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
GEMS United Indian School is a private institution in Abu Dhabi offering an internationally comparable Indian education. It combines a long-standing educational heritage with a modern campus to prepare students for the future.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Guided by the motto "Lead Kindly Light," the school focuses on a conceptual approach to learning that encourages students to develop their identities on a broad spectrum. It integrates the High Performance Learning (HPL) philosophy, which operates on the belief that every child has the potential to be a high performer. The instructional plan emphasizes 21st-century skills, specifically creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
Programmes
The school follows the CBSE curriculum, which is developed by the NCERT and designed to foster holistic development. The academic structure is divided into Early Years (KG 1 & KG 2), Primary School (Grades I - V), Middle School (Grades VI - VIII), and Secondary School (Grades IX - XII). The curriculum integrates technology and focuses on competency building across all stages.
Student support
Learning support
The school prioritizes a culture of health, safety, and safeguarding, with a designated safeguarding lead overseeing student and staff wellbeing. It employs an inclusive, student-centred approach that utilizes inquiry-based and problem-based modules to meet individual student needs. The school also emphasizes the development of character qualities such as adaptability, leadership, and social awareness.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does GEMS United Indian School offer?
- GEMS United Indian School offers CBSE (India).
- How much is tuition at GEMS United Indian School?
- Annual tuition at GEMS United Indian School is AED 10.4K–AED 20.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Where is GEMS United Indian School located?
- GEMS United Indian School is an international school in Musaffah, United Arab Emirates.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-KG | — | AED 10.4K |
| KG1 - KG2 | — | AED 10.4K |
| Grades 1 - 2 | — | AED 12.4K |
| Grades 3 - 5 | — | AED 12.5K |
| Grades 6 - 8 | — | AED 14.5K |
| Grade 9 | — | AED 17.7K |
| Grade 10 | — | AED 17.6K |
| Grades 11 - 12 | — | AED 20.7K |
Other fees(2)
| Deposit· 5% of the Annual tuition fees, due upon acceptance of the Offer Letter and confirmation of enrolment. Non-refundable/non-transferable but adjustable against the first term tuition fee. | — |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Grade 10 and 12 Board examination fees will be charged as per the CBSE norms. | — |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: up to 3%
Admissions
The school operates a dedicated admissions centre and provides an online application process. Prospective families receive an enquiry number to track their application, and the school offers one-on-one campus tours to support the enrolment process. A non-refundable fee equivalent to 5% of the annual tuition is required upon acceptance of an offer, which is subsequently adjusted against the first term's fees.
Calendar
The school follows an academic calendar approved by ADEK. The academic year is structured into 10 months of instruction, with no payments or classes scheduled during July and August. Parents can access the full calendar and a parent handbook through the school's website.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Baniyas West, Abu Dhabi, the campus features modern infrastructure designed to support a comprehensive learning environment. Facilities include a multipurpose hall, football and sports fields, a library, and a music room. Specialized learning spaces consist of a computer lab, a chemistry lab, and advanced IT facilities.



- K. George MathewPrincipal / CEO
K. George Mathew, M.A, B.Ed., is the Principal/CEO of GEMS United Indian School in Abu Dhabi with 26 years of experience with GEMS Education. He previously served as the first Headmaster of the Westminster School, Dubai, and is trained in educational leadership at the Principal training college, Switzerland and IIM Ahmedabad. His focus areas include leadership capacity building, performance management, curriculum development, and pedagogical leadership.
- Shaikh Murad SarfrazVice-Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mr. Murad Sarfraz has over 25 years of teaching experience and 18 years of school leadership across India and the UAE. He is a postgraduate in English and an author for Cambridge University, UK. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), he is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students.
- Juanita GonsalvesKG Supervisor
Ms. Juanita Gonsalves holds a Master of Arts in English Literature and a Bachelor of Education in English and Geography. She began her teaching career in India in 2016 and previously contributed to GEMS Our Own English High School, Sharjah-Boys, where she earned the GEMS Teacher Award for 2023-24. She is known for her skills in event organization and mentorship.
- Sharmila MandalKG Supervisor
Ms. Sharmila Mandal is an experienced education professional with over 22 years of teaching expertise across CBSE, ICSE, and IGCSE curricula. She holds double MA and B.Ed. degrees and previously served for 8 years as the Head of Department, Second Language at GEMS UIS. She is recognized for her ability to understand the unique requirements of parents, teachers, and students.
- Priya SonnakulaPrimary Supervisor
Priya Sonnakula holds a Masters in Physical Chemistry and a Post Graduate Diploma in Bio-Informatics. She began her teaching career with the GEMS group in 2012 and was the topper for CENTA TPO in 2017 and a finalist for the Mariamma Varkey Award for inspirational and outstanding teaching in 2018. She is focused on employing effective teaching methods to nourish young minds.
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