Finding a nursery in Abu Dhabi is less about the glossy brochure and more about the drive. A brilliant nursery 40 minutes away in school-run traffic quickly loses its shine, so this guide sorts the best-known nurseries by neighbourhood, from Al Reem and Saadiyat to Yas, Khalifa City, Mushrif and the city centre.
Every branch below was checked on the nursery’s own website in October 2026 for its address, ages, curriculum, hours and phone number, so you can start calling round today.
How to pick the best nursery in Abu Dhabi
The best nursery in Abu Dhabi is usually the good one closest to your home or office. Shortlist two or three ADEK-licensed nurseries in your area, compare curriculum (EYFS, Montessori or Reggio Emilia), hours and term fees, then tour each one mid-morning to see real classes in action before you pay a registration fee.
A few ground rules worth knowing before you start touring:
- Abu Dhabi has more than 200 private nurseries, regulated by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and most take children up to the age of four, when they move on to FS2 or KG1 at school.
- Under ADEK’s admissions policy, which applies from the 2025-26 academic year, babies can be enrolled from one day old. In practice most private nurseries start at 45 days or three months, so check the youngest class at each branch.
- ADEK approves nursery fees and every licensed nursery must have a refund policy. Ask for both in writing.
- Emirati families can also apply for ADEK’s free Al Ghad public nurseries, which take children from three months to four years within set catchment areas.
WOW Expert Tip: Ask to see the ADEK licence at reception (licensed nurseries are required to display it) and request the fee schedule by term, including the registration fee, deposit and any charges for early drop-off or late pick-up. The headline fee is rarely the whole bill.
Abu Dhabi nursery groups at a glance
Most of the names parents search for belong to a handful of groups with several branches each. Here is how they compare before you get down to individual neighbourhoods.
| Nursery | Ages | Curriculum | Hours | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blossom Nursery | 45 days to 4 years | EYFS with Reggio, Montessori and IB ideas | 8am to 5pm, early drop-off from 7am | Not published |
| Bright Beginnings Nursery | 4 weeks to 4 years | EYFS and Australia’s EYLF | 7am to 5pm (Saadiyat to 6pm) | Not published |
| British Orchard Nursery | Not published | EYFS with project-based learning | 8am to 5pm | Not published |
| Falcon British Nursery | Cruising babies to 5 years | EYFS | 7am to 6pm | AED 7,900 to AED 12,664 a term (2025-26) |
| Noah’s Ark Nursery | 1 to 4 years | EYFS-inspired | 7.30am to 6pm | Not published |
| Odyssey Nursery | 3 months to 4 years | Reggio Emilia | 7.30am to 6pm | Not published |
| Redwood Montessori Nursery | From 3 months | Montessori | 7.30am to 6pm | Not published |
| Treehouse Nursery | 1 to 4 years | EYFS with a creative learning model | 7am to 4pm | Not published |
Odyssey and Redwood are sister brands under Kids First Group, which is why their hours and policies line up so neatly. Neither publishes fees online, and nor do Blossom, British Orchard or Bright Beginnings, so expect to get the numbers on your tour.
Best nurseries on Al Reem Island
Reem has gone from building site to proper family island, and the nursery options have followed. If you are new to the island, our Al Reem Island guide covers the parks, malls and clinics that sit around these nurseries.
Redwood Montessori Nursery, Reem Island (The Gate Towers)
Redwood’s Gate Towers branch brings the group’s authentic Montessori set-up (natural materials, child-led work and mixed-age independence) right to the Shams side of the island. Handy if you live or work in the towers and want drop-off without moving the car.
Location: The Gate Towers, Shams Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island | Contact: 02 583 4164 | Official website
Redwood Montessori Nursery, Shams Boutik
A second Redwood on Reem, this one on the ground floor of Shams Boutik Mall, a short walk from the Gate Towers branch. Same Montessori approach and 7.30am to 6pm day, which makes it a solid back-up if the first one has a waitlist.
Location: Ground Floor, Shams Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island | Contact: 02 677 8797 | Official website
Blossom Al Reem Island
Blossom takes babies from 45 days and blends the British EYFS with Reggio, Montessori and Pikler ideas, plus daily Arabic. Families can choose two, three or five days a week, and the nursery runs year round with camps in the holidays.
Location: B1, B2 and B3 units, Al Wifaq Tower, Shams Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island (near Reem Park) | Contact: 800 6877379 | Official website
Best nurseries on Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat parents are spoilt for choice, with three strong options within a few minutes of each other. Pair your nursery shortlist with our Saadiyat Island guide to see what the rest of the island offers families.
Odyssey Nursery Saadiyat
Odyssey follows the Reggio Emilia approach, so expect atelier-style art spaces, projects that grow out of children’s questions and daily photo updates to your phone. This branch sits inside The Collections at the St Regis residences, with parking out front.
Location: Floor AR, East Entrance, The Collections, St Regis The Residences, Saadiyat Island | Contact: 800 REGGIO (800 734446) | Official website
Redwood Montessori Nursery Saadiyat
One of the island’s longest-standing nurseries, Redwood Saadiyat is a full Montessori setting next to the Waitrose parade, which makes the grocery run after pick-up suspiciously convenient.
Location: SB14, beside Waitrose Supermarket, Saadiyat Island | Contact: 02 643 2888 | Official website
Bright Beginnings Nursery Saadiyat
Bright Beginnings has been in Abu Dhabi since 2005 and takes babies from four weeks. Its curriculum mixes the British EYFS with Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework, with Arabic, English, French and Spanish classes on offer.
Location: Saadiyat education district, opposite NYU Abu Dhabi and near the American Community School | Contact: 02 878 4378 | Official website
Best nurseries on Yas Island and Al Raha Beach
Yas and Al Raha Beach have filled up fast with young families, and nursery branches now sit inside most of the main communities. Our Yas Island guide covers everything else on your doorstep.
Odyssey Nursery West Yas
Odyssey’s West Yas branch serves the villa communities on the island’s western side, with the group’s Reggio Emilia approach and an afternoon programme that keeps children busy until 6pm.
Location: West Yas Plaza, Yas Island | Contact: 02 886 8865 | Official website
Redwood Montessori Nursery Noya
The newest Redwood on Yas sits in Noya Plaza, which suits families in Noya who would rather not cross the island at 7.30am.
Location: Noya Plaza, Yas Island | Contact: 050 255 1873 | Official website
Blossom Water’s Edge
Blossom’s Yas branch is inside the Water’s Edge community and takes children from 45 days to four years, with flexible two, three or five-day plans and holiday camps.
Location: Al Maha Street, Water’s Edge, Yas Island | Contact: 800 6877379 | Official website
Odyssey Nursery Al Zeina
A neat option for Al Raha Beach families, tucked inside the Al Zeina development with free street parking and easy pushchair access, according to the nursery.
Location: 2nd Floor, Building C (Residential Lobby C-04), Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach | Contact: 02 553 1179 | Official website
Odyssey Nursery Al Muneera
Odyssey runs two settings in Al Muneera, with a separate number for its island setting for babies from four months to two years. Ask which one suits your child’s age when you call.
Location: Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach | Contact: 02 447 8776 (mainland) or 02 673 1009 (island) | Official website
Blossom Al Zeina
Blossom’s second option on this stretch is in the Al Faridah complex, useful for Al Raha Beach families who want Blossom’s mixed EYFS approach close to home.
Location: Al Faridah Complex, Al Raha Beach | Contact: 800 6877379 | Official website
Best nurseries in Khalifa City and Masdar
Khalifa City A is villa land, so nurseries here tend to be converted villas with proper outdoor space, which is no small thing when your toddler needs to burn off energy.
Treehouse Nursery
Treehouse is an independent villa nursery for children aged one to four, combining the EYFS with its own creative learning model. Parents rate the shaded outdoor area, mud kitchen and gym sessions, and weekly Arabic and music are part of the timetable. Note the earlier finish: the day runs 7am to 4pm.
Location: Villa 17, Al Jawdah Street, Khalifa City A | Contact: 02 556 0556 | Official website
Vibe check: Parents describe it as a second home with a genuinely warm team and a beautiful outdoor space – just know it closes at 4pm, so you’ll need a plan if you work late.
Odyssey Nursery Khalifa City A
Odyssey’s Khalifa City branch brings the group’s Reggio Emilia approach and 7.30am to 6pm day to Sector 42, close to the main road towards Yas and the airport.
Location: Street 20, Sector 42, Plot 41, Khalifa City A | Contact: 02 665 5994 | Official website
Redwood Montessori Nursery Khalifa City A
A big Montessori campus with spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, including a splash pad, according to parents. It is one of the most reviewed nurseries in the area.
Location: Street 38, Khalifa City A | Contact: 02 556 4611 | Official website
Vibe check: Families rave about teachers who turn shy toddlers into chatty social butterflies and about strong leadership – but places at popular branches fill up, so you’ll want to get on the list early.
Blossom Khalifa City A
A home-like villa nursery for children from 45 days, near the Emirates ID centre and Al Forsan Village, with optional Emirati culture classes.
Location: 29th Street, Sector 33, Villa 6, Khalifa City A | Contact: 800 6877379 | Official website
Blossom Masdar
Working in Masdar City? Blossom’s Masdar branch is the one to look at for drop-off on the way to the office.
Location: Ground Floor, Block F, Masdar City | Contact: 800 6877379 | Official website
Best nurseries in Mushrif, Al Bateen and Al Marina
The leafy villa districts on the island hold some of Abu Dhabi’s best-established nurseries. If Al Bateen is home, our Al Bateen and Breakwater guide has the parks and cafes near each of these.
Odyssey Nursery Mushrif
Odyssey’s Mushrif villa is a long-standing favourite in the neighbourhood, taking babies from three months. The atelier (the Reggio art studio) gets plenty of love from parents.
Location: 5 Al Hattal Street, Al Mushrif | Contact: 02 447 0188 | Official website
Vibe check: Parents say their children practically beg to go in, even at weekends, thanks to a long-serving, devoted team – it is a Reggio setting, though, so if you want worksheets and early phonics drills, you’ll need to ask how that fits.
Redwood Montessori Nursery Al Mushrif
A villa Montessori nursery on the Mushrif side of Airport Road, open 7.30am to 6pm.
Location: Villa 94, Street 27, Al Mushrif | Contact: 02 627 5707 | Official website
Redwood Montessori Nursery Al Bateen
Redwood’s Al Bateen villa sits opposite Gate A of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, making it easy to find on the first morning.
Location: Villa 21, Abu Al Abyad Street, opposite Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gate A, Al Bateen | Contact: 02 667 3741 | Official website
British Orchard Nursery Al Bateen
British Orchard bills itself as the UAE’s largest nursery chain and follows the EYFS with project-based learning, plus extras like mindfulness and languages. Its Al Bateen branch offers morning, half-day and full-day sessions.
Location: Al Falah Street, near the American Community School, Al Bateen | Contact: 02 622 2903 | Official website
Vibe check: Parents praise a clean, well-organised branch, caring teachers and fun extras like family workshops – the chain is big, though, so you’ll want to meet the actual branch team rather than buy the brand.
Blossom Bateen
A villa branch of Blossom next to Al Bateen Secondary School, with the group’s flexible attendance plans.
Location: Villa 13, Al Manaseer, next to Al Bateen Secondary School | Contact: 800 6877379 | Official website
Redwood Montessori Nursery Al Marina
Living near Marina Mall or the Breakwater? Redwood’s Al Marina branch keeps the commute mercifully short.
Location: Al Kasir Street, Al Marina | Contact: 800 REDWOOD (800 7339663) | Official website
Best nurseries in the city centre, Al Nahyan and near the Grand Mosque
Downtown nurseries tend to be smaller and closer to the office towers, which suits parents who commute onto the island.
Noah’s Ark Nursery
Founded in 1997, Noah’s Ark is one of the capital’s longest-running nurseries, with an EYFS-inspired, play-based programme for ages one to four. It is a popular pick for families who work around Najda and Hamdan Street.
Location: Villa 7, Najda Street, behind the ADNOC petrol station | Contact: 02 635 1035 or WhatsApp 055 469 3797 | Official website
Vibe check: Written reviews highlight caring nannies and teachers and good value for money – a recent wave of star-only ratings tells you less, so you’ll want to visit and judge for yourself.
Blossom Al Najda
A central Blossom for children aged one to four, close to Hamdan Street, Al Zahiyah and Electra Street, with a big open play space at the front.
Location: Villa 10, Al Jali Street, Al Danah (Zone 1), Al Najda | Contact: 800 6877379 | Official website
Vibe check: Parents talk about patient teachers who make settling in easy and plenty of fun events – it is a city villa, so you’ll want to check the drop-off parking at rush hour.
British Orchard Nursery Al Nahyan
British Orchard’s Al Nahyan branch is a short hop from Al Wahda Mall, with the same EYFS and project-based approach as the rest of the group.
Location: Near Al Wahda Mall, Al Nahyan | Contact: 02 443 9893 | Official website
Redwood Montessori Nursery Al Nahyan
Montessori in the heart of Al Nahyan, useful for families in the Al Nahyan and Al Wahda area.
Location: Saeed Bin Saif Al Falahi Street, Al Nahyan | Contact: 050 213 8502 | Official website
Falcon British Nursery
Falcon British Nursery is the rare nursery that publishes its fees, and it describes itself as the only UK-accredited nursery in Abu Dhabi. Expect the EYFS, trilingual teaching (English, French and Arabic), a big outdoor area and holiday clubs. Term fees on its 2025-26 list run from AED 7,900 (two days, mornings) to AED 12,664 (five days, 7am to 6pm), plus a AED 1,000 registration fee.
Location: 200 Saif Ghobash Street, near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Rawdah | Contact: 02 444 8814 | Official website
Vibe check: Parents single out attentive teachers, regular progress updates and strong French and Arabic – the price list on the website is for 2025-26, so you’ll want to ask for the current year’s fees.
Best nurseries in Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Al Shamkha
The mainland suburbs are where many families get more villa for their money, and the nursery choice is decent too.
British Orchard Nursery Mohammed Bin Zayed City
One of the most reviewed nurseries on the mainland, this British Orchard villa sits opposite Emirates National School in Zone 5.
Location: Villa 125, Zone 5, opposite Emirates National School, Mohammed Bin Zayed City | Contact: 02 575 2565 | Official website
British Orchard Nursery Al Shamkha
A rare branded nursery in Al Shamkha, saving local families the drive to MBZ or Khalifa City. Hours and programmes match the rest of the British Orchard group.
Location: Al Shamkhah, Abu Dhabi | Contact: 02 622 2903 or shamkha@britishorchardnursery.com | Official website
WOW Expert Tip: Map the nursery against both parents’ commutes, not just home. A nursery near the office that opens at 7am and closes at 6pm can be worth more than one at the end of your street that finishes at 4pm. Our guide to getting around Abu Dhabi helps if you are juggling one car.
EYFS, Montessori or Reggio Emilia: which suits your child?
Most Abu Dhabi nurseries follow some version of the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets learning goals across areas like communication, physical development and early maths, and lines up neatly with British curriculum schools. Montessori nurseries such as Redwood use specially designed materials and let children choose their own work, with a strong focus on independence. Reggio Emilia settings such as Odyssey build projects around children’s own questions and lean heavily on art and documentation.
None of these locks your child into a particular school. If you already know the school you are aiming for, ask the nursery which schools its graduates usually move on to.
For weekends and days off, our round-up of things to do in Abu Dhabi with toddlers and the wider list of family activities in Abu Dhabi have plenty of ideas, and these indoor picks save the day in summer. Just arrived? Start with our moving to Abu Dhabi guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best nursery in Abu Dhabi?
There is no single winner: the best nursery is the well-run, ADEK-licensed one that fits your commute, budget and preferred approach. Odyssey, Redwood Montessori, Blossom, British Orchard, Bright Beginnings, Treehouse, Falcon British and Noah’s Ark are among the most searched and most reviewed names, with branches across the city.
How much does nursery cost in Abu Dhabi?
Fees are approved by ADEK and charged per term, but most groups only share them on a tour or by phone. As a guide, Falcon British Nursery’s published 2025-26 list runs from AED 7,900 to AED 12,664 a term depending on days and hours, plus a AED 1,000 registration fee.
At what age can a child start nursery in Abu Dhabi?
ADEK’s admissions policy allows babies to be enrolled from one day old from the 2025-26 academic year. Each nursery sets its own youngest class, though: Blossom starts at 45 days, Bright Beginnings at four weeks, Odyssey at three months and Treehouse and Noah’s Ark at one year.
How do I check if a nursery in Abu Dhabi is licensed?
Licensed nurseries must display their ADEK licence in reception, so ask to see it on your tour. You can also search for nurseries using the school finder on the ADEK website.
What are nursery hours in Abu Dhabi?
Most nurseries run Monday to Friday from around 7am or 7.30am until 5pm or 6pm, with shorter morning or half-day sessions available. Treehouse in Khalifa City closes earlier, at 4pm.
Are there free nurseries in Abu Dhabi?
ADEK’s Al Ghad Nurseries offer free childcare for Emirati children and children of Emirati mothers aged three months to four years, within set catchment areas and with priority for working mothers. Private nurseries for expat families charge term fees.
Addresses, ages, hours and fees checked on each nursery’s official website in October 2026 and can change. Confirm availability and current fees with the nursery before you register.
