As a parent with two children at ASD, I'm familiar with the supplies required. Keep in mind that ASD is one of the few non-sponsored schools in Qatar; tuition must pay all of the costs involved with running the school. Rather than comparing it to other schools in Doha (which do NOT have an American curriculum, and which is presumably what you want), compare it to similar schools worldwide. Friends with children at the Shanghai American School pay $19,000 per yer per child. Islamabad is around $15,000, as is the International School of Kenya. One reason for these seemingly outlandish tuitions is that rarely do people pay their own - it's usually a benefit in one's contract. Very few parents at ASD pay their own bills - their companies do. If you are one of the unlucky few who do pay it yourself, please know that there is a charitable foundation connected with the school to help those with need meet the costs.
Incidently, it is not true that if a child is denied admission, the application fee is retained. It is refunded.