Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi

Last week, Layla travelled to Penang, Malaysia, as part of the ADEK All Star Team, representing our emirate alongside some of Abu Dhabi’s most talented young athletes. She returned as the most decorated swimmer of the entire competition.

Across a remarkable few days in the pool, Layla won seven medals: five gold, one silver, and one bronze. She took gold in the 200m individual medley, 200m breaststroke, 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, and freestyle relay. She also added silver in the medley relay and bronze in the 50m breaststroke.

She also recorded six personal bests and broke two competition records in the 14–15 age category.

Behind every one of those achievements, there are the early starts, the hours in the water, the races that test your nerve, and the quiet discipline it takes to keep going. Layla’s success reflects exceptional talent, but also speaks to her work ethic, her resilience, and the standards she sets for herself every day.

At NAS Abu Dhabi, we want our students to aim high, work hard, and discover just how far their commitment can take them. Layla has shown exactly what that can look like.

Layla, thank you for representing Abu Dhabi, the ADEK All Star Team, and NAS Abu Dhabi with such strength. We’re incredibly proud of you.

Happy Islamic New Year, NAS Abu Dhabi community!

May the year ahead bring peace, purpose, and new moments to grow together. We continue to look ahead with hope, gratitude, and a shared commitment to care for one another.

Last week, we celebrated our Year 11 students at their Year 11 Celebration Assembly.

Proud smiles, a few emotional moments, and a room full of people who've watched this incredible year group grow into the young adults standing before them.

Our Year 11s have shown us something special over: resilience when things got tough, commitment when it counted, and a kindness towards one another that says everything about their character. They've worked hard, backed each other, and made a real impression on our secondary school community.

The awards on the day recognised not just academic progress and achievement - and there was a lot of it! - but just as importantly, they celebrated the things that can't always be measured: the effort behind the scenes, the leadership, the grit, the moments of genuine kindness. The qualities that make these students who they truly are.

Sixth Form is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited to see them write the next chapter with us.

We are so proud of you, Year 11. Every single one of you.

Roll on Sixth Form.

Before the break, our Arabic and Islamic Studies department organised two highly engaging experiences that brought Arabic language, culture, and heritage into focus for our students.

At our Arabic Book Fair, they had the opportunity to meet Emirati author Alaleli, joining them for storytelling, conversation, and book signings that deepened their connection to Arabic literature.

Students also took part in our Hajj Assembly, exploring the significance of one of Islam's most important pillars. The experience also included a hands-on demonstration of the rituals that really brought the learning to life.

Just the kind of hands-on, inspiring learning we like.

Eid Mubarak from all of us at NAS Abu Dhabi. 🌙

To our students, families, and team, we hope this Eid brings you rest, joy, and time with the people who matter most.

See you back soon, ready for more.

Yesterday, we started a new tradition at NAS Abu Dhabi: a Community Cricket Match.

What began as an idea from our resourceful Head of Admissions, Anup Sundavadra, was brought to life by two of our Sixth Form students, Amelia and Ethan, who planned the event, secured sponsors, involved their peers, and helped create an evening that felt relaxed, welcoming, and truly community-led.

It was teaching and admin staff against support staff on the pitch, with families cheering from the sidelines and children joining in the fun. After a closely fought match, our support staff took the win by just 5 runs, with Davoodul named Player of the Match.

That’s the kind of evening we like. One that nurtures our school culture, simple, genuine, with people taking time to connect, share food, enjoy sport, and build relationships beyond the usual school day.

It was also a reminder that play supports learning, wellbeing, and strong relationships at every age. So we never really stop playing!

A huge thank you our Sixth Formers, Mr Anup, all staff, supporters and our sponsor, Urban Chic, for making our first Community Cricket Match such a memorable evening.

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Tom Kinnersley to NAS Abu Dhabi, ahead of his start as Principal in August 2026.

During his visit, Mr Kinnersley met with students, staff, and families. He spent time listening, asking questions, and getting to know the community, energy, and spirit that make NAS Abu Dhabi such a special place.

As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for everything that has brought us to this point, and with real confidence in the future. Mr Kinnersley brings warmth, experience, and a strong sense of purpose, and we’re excited for the next chapter of our journey under his leadership.

You can read more about Mr Kinnersley here: https://bit.ly/3PZ6H8x