Arab International Academy
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$10K - US$15K
Curriculum: IB
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~700
Location: Al Sadd, Doha
Updated April 2026
In Brief
AIA is the strongest option in Doha for families who want genuine bilingual education in English and Arabic within a full IB framework. The fees are the most accessible of Doha's IB schools, though the school is still young and the track record is building rather than established.
Arab International Academy opened in 2016 and has run all three IB programmes - PYP, MYP, and IBDP - from the start. The 2025 graduation was the school's fifth IBDP cohort, which means the results are coming through but the dataset is still small. The dual CIS membership and NEASC affiliation give reasonable third-party oversight for a school of this age.
The bilingual model is structural, not supplementary: Arabic runs alongside English as a language of instruction across all year levels, with French added through the MYP and DP. Class sizes are capped at 25, which is noticeably smaller than most schools at this price point, and 42-plus nationalities across around 700 students keeps the mix genuinely international. The teaching staff also draws from 23-plus nationalities.
Fees are the lowest of Doha's full IB schools, with Preschool at QAR 35,296 rising to QAR 54,465 at Grades 10 to 12. The application fee is QAR 500 non-refundable, and there is a QAR 2,000 enrollment deposit on acceptance. The Al Sadd location puts it in the city, which is practical for most residential areas. Admissions is selective - families report that the school applies developmental screening and does not guarantee places on the basis of prior schooling.
What parents value
- –Full IB from Preschool through DP, genuinely bilingual in English and Arabic, with French instruction in the upper school. The most affordable IB pathway in Doha at every age band.
- –Maximum class size of 25 across all year levels. CIS member and NEASC-affiliated, with 42-plus nationalities in a deliberately international environment.
Points of consideration
- –Fifth IBDP cohort graduated in 2025 - still an emerging track record. Worth asking for the full results history and how the school measures individual student progress over time.
- –Admissions is selective at all entry points. Ask directly about the process and timeline so you are not caught out by a longer assessment cycle than expected.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool / KG1 / KG2 | 3 | NaN |
| Grade 1 - Grade 6 | 6 | NaN |
| Grade 7 - Grade 9 | 12 | NaN |
| Grade 10 - Grade 12 | 15 | NaN |
Fees converted from QAR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | NaN |
| Enrollment / seat reservation | NaN |
Academic Results
| IBDP cohort | 5th class graduated 2025 |
Key results: IBDP cohort 5th class graduated 2025.
Extra Curriculars
AIA runs the IB's learner profile framework across all year levels, with co-curricular activities that support the bilingual community. Arabic language and culture programming runs through the full school calendar.
The Al Sadd location is central Doha, making the after-school pickup practical for most residential areas. Ask the admissions team for the current activities calendar and transport options.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
- CIS member and NEASC-affiliated - dual external oversight for a school of this age.
Accreditations
- CIS (Council of International Schools) - Member
- NEASC-affiliated
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
AIA enrols around 700 students from 42-plus nationalities, taught by a faculty drawn from more than 23 countries. The bilingual English-Arabic framework means the school attracts both Arab families seeking an international curriculum and families wanting genuine Arabic instruction alongside IB.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.