SABIS International School Aljada (SIS-Aljada)
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$7K – US$12K
Curriculum: British · American
Age Range: 4–18
Students: ~1,200
Location: Sharjah, Dubai
Updated February 2026
In Brief
SABIS International School Aljada operates in Sharjah's Aljada community as part of the global SABIS network, following the proprietary SABIS curriculum with its characteristic rigorous academic approach. While the school benefits from integration within a modern master-planned development, Reddit discussions of SABIS schools reveal consistent concerns about high academic pressure, limited arts programming, and social-emotional development that parents should carefully consider.
Founded as part of Arada's massive Aljada development in Sharjah, the school serves the growing community of 20,000 residents across this 24 million square foot mixed-use project. As a SABIS network member, the school follows the organization's proprietary curriculum emphasizing accelerated learning in core subjects like mathematics, science, and English, with frequent assessment cycles that prepare students for international examinations. The school's location in Sharjah distinguishes it from Dubai's international education market, potentially offering families an alternative to Dubai's premium pricing while maintaining access to established educational methodology.
Parent discussions across SABIS schools consistently highlight both strengths and significant concerns about the educational approach. Alumni and current families praise the network's academic rigor and preparation for university-level work, particularly in STEM subjects. However, Reddit discussions reveal recurring themes about excessive academic pressure, with students facing multiple weekly examinations and strict disciplinary policies that some describe as unnecessarily stressful. Former students particularly note limited arts programming, social-emotional development support, and cultural integration challenges for non-Arab students, suggesting families should carefully evaluate whether the SABIS approach aligns with their educational philosophy and their children's learning needs.
What parents value
- –Part of established SABIS global network with proven academic methodology
- –Integration within modern Aljada master-planned community
- –Rigorous preparation in core academic subjects, particularly STEM
- –Potential cost alternative to Dubai's premium international schools
- –Serves growing Sharjah expatriate community
Points of consideration
- –Intensive academic pressure with frequent testing cycles may not suit all learning styles
- –Limited arts and creative programming compared to well-rounded international curricula
- –Strict disciplinary policies and limited flexibility in educational approach
- –Cultural integration challenges noted by non-Arab families
- –Location in Sharjah requires consideration of commute times for Dubai-based families
- –Limited public information about specific facilities, leadership, and academic outcomes
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| PS | 3 | 7,080 |
| KG1 | 3 | 7,080 |
| KG2 | 4 | 7,624 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | 8,169 |
| Grade 2 | 7 | 8,713 |
| Grade 3 | 8 | 8,713 |
| Grade 4 | 9 | 9,258 |
| Grade 5 | 10 | 9,258 |
| Grade 6 | 11 | 9,803 |
| Grade 7 | 12 | 9,803 |
| Grade 8 | 13 | 10,347 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | 10,892 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | 11,436 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | 11,981 |
Fees converted from AED. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Photos

Academic Results
Academic results have not been made publicly available by this school.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Dubai's international schools serve a highly diverse student body drawn from over 180 nationalities. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
Linda O'Brien - Acting Director
Linda O'Brien is the Acting Director at SABIS International School - Aljada since September 2023, following her role as Deputy Director there from August 2022 to December 2023. She previously served as Academic Quality Controller at Sabis International School Yas Island from June 2014 to June 2022.