Abu Dhabi offers families a range of education options, specialised healthcare services and integrated early childhood support, within an ecosystem that helps meet the needs of children and families at different stages of life, contributing to the emirate's wider objectives to enhance the quality of life.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2026 gave Abu Dhabi a score of 81 out of 100, above the global average of 76.1, and ranked the emirate first among cities in the Middle East and North Africa. The index assesses factors including healthcare, education, stability, culture and infrastructure.
Schooling
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) oversees 220 private schools and 233 nurseries across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, offering a range of national and international curricula. Under ADEK's School Fees Policy, schools must publish their approved fees and obtain approval before introducing any fee increase, providing families with transparency on education costs.
Healthcare
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) designates selected hospital programmes as Centres of Excellence, based on an assessment of each programme's medical teams, emergency response and clinical infrastructure. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City both hold this designation for stroke care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi also holds designations for adult cardiac surgery and multi-organ transplants, while Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is recognised for burn treatment.
Early childhood
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority supports the development of an integrated early childhood ecosystem covering health, nutrition, child protection, family support and early education, with a focus on children from before birth to the age of eight. The authority works with relevant government entities, including DoH, ADEK and the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, to strengthen coordination and support for young children and their families.
By bringing together diverse education options, specialised healthcare services and coordinated early childhood support, Abu Dhabi continues to develop an environment that responds to the evolving needs of children and families, supporting their wellbeing and quality of life.
