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When NAS Abu Dhabi opened, we wanted to think carefully about the rhythm of the school day. Mornings can feel fast, especially for younger children who are still learning how to transition from home to school. For families in Abu Dhabi, mornings often involve long commutes, early starts or busy routines that do not always line up neatly with traditional school timings.
#ME Time was created with this in mind. It began as a simple idea to offer a calmer, more flexible start to the day and has since become an important part of our school culture.
Where the idea began
As a new school, we had the opportunity to ask what a good morning routine should look like for children. We knew that some pupils arrive ready to jump straight into activity, while others need a gentle moment to settle. We also knew that many parents needed an earlier drop-off that felt safe, structured and meaningful rather than rushed or improvised.
Creating #ME Time allowed us to bring all of this together. It gives pupils a space to ease into the day at their own pace, surrounded by familiar staff and supported with calm, purposeful activities.
What #ME Time looks like for pupils
Every morning, before formal lessons begin, pupils can join a range of quiet, engaging activities. In Early Years this might be drawing, construction, sensory play or listening to a story. For older pupils, it may be reading, reviewing homework, practising an instrument or simply arriving slowly with friends.
It is not an extra lesson and it is not childcare. It is a gentle transition into the school day, designed to help children feel secure, balanced and ready to learn.
Teachers often remark that they can immediately sense the difference in pupils who begin their day this way. Calm arrivals lead to calmer classrooms, and pupils settle into learning more quickly.
Supporting families in a real and practical way
Parents often say that #ME Time has eased the pressure of their mornings. It allows families to arrive earlier if needed without feeling they are dropping into an unstructured space. The environment is consistent, safe and familiar, which makes a noticeable difference to how children feel.
For families who have recently relocated to Abu Dhabi, this gentle structure has also helped new pupils settle more quickly. It gives them time to observe, join in gradually and build connections before the busier part of the day begins.
How #ME Time became part of our culture
What began as a practical solution has grown into something more meaningful. The atmosphere during #ME Time reflects the values we hold as a school: belonging, curiosity, wellbeing and choice. Pupils learn to start their day with intention, whether that is a moment of quiet, a creative activity or a chance to prepare for the lessons ahead.
This sense of ownership is particularly clear in older pupils. Some use the time to revise for a test, others to talk through ideas with friends, and some to practise music in a way that feels calm and focused. Each child uses the time differently, and that is exactly how it is meant to work.
A flexible school day designed around children
NAS Abu Dhabi was built with the flexibility to support real family life. #ME Time is part of that approach. It gives pupils a steady start to the day and creates space for them to feel ready, confident and connected before learning begins.
Over time, it has become one of the quiet strengths of our school. A small routine that makes a big difference to how children experience their day.
If you would like to learn more about how we support our students’ growth, or explore what this looks like in practice, our Admissions team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at admissions@nasabudhabi.ae or book a visit to see the school in action.