At NAS Abu Dhabi, we believe that a school thrives when its people do. When staff feel valued, supported, and connected, they bring that same energy into the classroom, creating the best possible environment for the children in our care.
That’s why we prioritise staff wellbeing through initiatives like #MEtime, which gives our team dedicated time each week to focus on their personal growth, whether that’s fitness, learning, or simply stepping away to recharge.
From #MEtime to a Marathon
For Anup, a key member of our Admissions Team, #MEtime was an opportunity to train for a personal goal. Two years ago, he ran his first 5km. In December, he crossed the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon finish line in 4 hours and 10 minutes, after 15 weeks of training and 617km of running. Anup credits his achievement not just to his personal determination, but to the culture of support that defines NAS Abu Dhabi: " For me, this milestone is a testament to the supportive and inspiring environment we have here. A heartfelt thank you to the team for creating a space where we can all feel valued, and where moments like this are celebrated. Recognition, whether big or small, can truly ignite motivation and a deeper sense of belonging.”
But for Anup, achieving a personal milestone wasn’t enough. He wanted to give back, to inspire others in the same way he had been supported.
Bringing the community together: the Resilience Run
What started as a coffee conversation with our Deputy Head of Secondary, Stephen Moffatt, soon became the first-ever Resilience Run at NAS Abu Dhabi: a challenge designed to bring students, staff, and parents together to push beyond their limits, support each other, and embrace resilience.
From the moment the race began, it was clear that this was more than just a run. It was a celebration of determination, encouragement, and the power of community. From the early hours of the morning, students, parents, and staff took to the track, each setting their own personal goal and pushing themselves to new limits:
"Through support, encouragement, and most importantly, smiling through it all, we came together as a community. This is us. This is Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi." Said Anoup after the race. “I am incredibly proud to work at a school that gives me the autonomy to think beyond the typical boundaries of my role and bring new ideas to life."
Why staff wellbeing matters for our children
This is why we invest in our people: staff wellbeing and student wellbeing are deeply interconnected. When our staff feel fulfilled, motivated, and empowered, they create a positive, dynamic learning environment where children thrive. An environment where every member of staff leads by example, shows our students what it means to set goals, push boundaries, and lift each other up. An environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to take on their own challenges.
At NAS Abu Dhabi, we believe in shaping academic success by building a culture where both staff and students grow, achieve, and inspire one another. When we invest in our people, we invest in every child’s future.
The school primary years are pivotal in shaping a child’s academic, social, and personal development. These formative years lay the foundation for lifelong learning, as children develop key skills like problem-solving, literacy, and numeracy while building confidence in how they interact with the world around them.
This week’s Winter Concerts at NAS Abu Dhabi have been a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, and community. From our youngest performers in EYFS to the skilled musicians in Secondary, every moment reflected the energy, talent, and commitment of our students, and the importance of an education that values the creative and performing arts.
