Education

Back to School 2026: Key changes for UAE parents

From how long children stay in school to when they sit exams and even how absences are counted – the UAE’s education system is undergoing some of its most far-reaching reforms in years. In this academic year, parents will need to adjust to a new rhythm shaped by a unified school calendar, stricter attendance rules, curriculum reforms and revised admission criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes that will directly impact students and families.

Earlier Fridays after prayer timing change

School days will now end earlier on Fridays following the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer timings to 12.45pm.

On January 2, the Ministry of Education announced that revised timings for government schools will take effect from January 9. The ministry called on private schools to abide by the 11.30am cut-off on Friday. Separately, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai must finish the school day no later than 11.30 am.

New age cut-off for KG admissions

Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, the Ministry of Education has introduced a formal age cut-off for kindergarten admissions.

Children born between September 1 and December 31, 2021 – previously ineligible for the 2025-26 intake – will be allowed to enrol in either KG1 or KG2. In private schools, placement will depend on the child’s readiness and seat availability, following school assessments.

Unified school calendar brings predictability

The UAE has rolled out a unified school calendar covering both public and private schools, offering families greater clarity when planning holidays and routines.

Under the calendar, the first term is set to end with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, with schools reopening on Monday, January 5.

The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29. Schools reopen on March 30, except private schools in Sharjah, which resume on March 23. The third term begins on March 30 and ends on July 3, with Sharjah schools concluding a day earlier on July 2.

Mid-term breaks to ease academic pressure

For the first time, structured mid-term breaks have been introduced across public and private schools, giving students regular pauses during the academic year.

The first mid-term break ran from October 13 to 19 last year. The second break is scheduled between February 11 and 15, 2026, while the third break will run from May 25 to 31, coinciding with the Eid Al Adha holiday.

New law to govern curriculum

A major shift is underway at the policy level with the introduction of a Federal Decree Law on the Governance of the National Educational Curriculum.

For the first time, the UAE now has a comprehensive legislative framework governing how the national curriculum is designed, approved, implemented and reviewed – signalling a more structured and accountable approach to learning outcomes nationwide.

Second-term exams dropped in many cases

The Ministry of Education has moved further towards continuous evaluation, removing second-term exams in many instances.

Instead, students are assessed through ongoing evaluations designed to track progress throughout the term, reducing exam pressure and placing greater emphasis on consistent performance.

Stricter attendance rules, instant alerts

One of the most significant changes affects school attendance. Under new MoE regulations, students are allowed a maximum of five unexcused absences per term and 15 per year. Exceeding this limit could result in the student repeating the year.

Absences on Fridays, or immediately before or after official holidays, will be counted as two days. Schools will also operate an instant notification system to alert parents as soon as a child misses school, tightening oversight and accountability.

Story by Gulf NEWS

Education

UAE moves spring break for schools and universities

The UAE on Wednesday announced an early spring break for students in schools and universities.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on Wednesday announced that spring break will begin for schools and universities from Monday, March 9, until Sunday, March 22.

The break applies to all students and academic and administrative staff across public and private schools as well as universities. Classes and official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Announce Spring Break for Students and Academic and Administrative Staff Across Schools and Universities in UAE

This follows the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council (EHCD).

Earlier dates

In 2025, the UAE introduced a unified school calendar covering both public and private schools nationwide.

The previously approved spring break was from March 16 to 29 as per the official school calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year applying to all public and private schools across the country. The last day of class before the break was March 13.

The new decision taken amid the blatant Iranian aggression on the country will see students ending their online classes this weekend and moving on to the spring break.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research had extended distance learning across the country until Friday, March 6 with teaching and learning to continue remotely under ongoing assessment frameworks.

Safe environment

The government had clarified that it wants the education process to continue in a safe environment for the student community.

“We’re making sure education isn’t missing a beat by rolling out remote learning systems, guaranteeing students stay on track in their academic journey across all grades,” Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesperson for the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), had said during a government media briefing on the current developments in the country on Tuesday.

“We want our students to keep learning in a safe and steady environment, ensuring that education never skips a beat,” he added.

Education

UNESCO selects Sharjah for pioneering early childhood education initiative

Sharjah has been chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to participate in the pilot phase of its Early Childhood Care and Education – Progress Assessment and Transformation Tool (ECCE-PATT), marking a major milestone for the Emirate’s early childhood sector.

The selection highlights Sharjah’s continuous efforts to strengthen early childhood systems through evidence-based policies, effective governance, and high-quality care and education services. It also underscores the Emirate’s reputation as a regional model for early childhood development.

This recognition follows Sharjah’s role in hosting the Regional Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in the Arab States in June 2023. The event, held under the patronage of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, in collaboration with UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for the Arab States, brought together key stakeholders including the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Sharjah Education Academy, and the Sharjah Child Friendly Office.

Sharjah’s integrated approach earns global recognition

UNESCO’s invitation reflects the Emirate’s comprehensive approach to early childhood development, combining supportive policies, strong governance, quality education provision, and close coordination among institutions. The ECCE-PATT pilot in Sharjah will produce a detailed self-assessment of the early childhood sector, documenting achievements, identifying gaps, and sharing promising practices as a reference for the region.

Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and President of the Sharjah Education Academy, said: “UNESCO’s selection of Sharjah for this pilot aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. We are committed to advancing excellence in early childhood education. The outcomes of this assessment will guide targeted improvements, ensuring our children benefit from the highest international standards, in close collaboration with UNESCO.”

Dr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems at UNESCO, added: “Lifelong learning starts in the earliest years. Sharjah’s pilot of the ECCE-PATT tool will provide the evidence needed to strengthen early childhood systems, support school readiness, and enhance lifelong learning opportunities. This initiative demonstrates Sharjah’s leadership in placing early childhood at the heart of education transformation.”

High-level dialogue to shape regional policies

In a related development, the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy, in partnership with UNESCO, will host a high-level closed policy dialogue during the Pre-Conference Day of the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education, scheduled for February 14–15, 2026 at the Sharjah Education Academy campus.

The session will bring together senior policymakers, experts, and representatives from the UAE, the Gulf region, and the Arab world, alongside international organisations and academic institutions. Participants will discuss Sharjah’s pilot findings, share knowledge, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen early childhood systems, curriculum, and policy alignment across the region.

With these initiatives, Sharjah reaffirms its commitment to placing children at the centre of development, creating an education system that nurtures growth, learning, and the future success of the next generation.

Education

Middlesex University-owner eyes bigger growth in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia-listed Almasar Alshamil Education has unveiled plans to expand its special needs education network across Saudi Arabia and bring international universities into the Kingdom, as it accelerates regional growth following its Tadawul listing.

The company said its 2026 agenda centres on scaling physical infrastructure, broadening academic offerings, and deepening partnerships across Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The roadmap follows Almasar’s decision late last year to list 30 per cent of its share capital on the Saudi Exchange. The group operates across special needs education and care services in Saudi Arabia and private higher education in the UAE.

Majed Al Mutairi, chief executive officer of Almasar Alshamil Education, said the listing has strengthened the company’s platform for expansion across both markets. “The beginning of a new year is a moment to reflect on responsibility and opportunity. Following our successful listing on the Saudi Exchange, we enter the year with a strong platform for growth and a clear mandate to deliver impact.

“As education continues to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2030, our focus remains on scaling inclusive, future-ready education that delivers real outcomes for learners and society,” he said.

Special needs expansion

Saudi Arabia will remain the primary growth market, with Almasar planning to open new Special Needs Education and Care centres and schools in multiple regions. The expansion builds on its Human Development Company platform, which currently operates 39 daycare centres, 14 schools and three clinics serving about 8,000 beneficiaries.

The company said new facilities will focus on specialised education, rehabilitation and residential services. It also plans to expand digital systems used for standardised rehabilitation programmes, outcome measurement and personalised care delivery.

Almasar said it intends to bring reputed international universities into Saudi Arabia in the coming years as part of a broader higher education push. The company did not disclose potential partners, capital commitments or timelines.

Higher education build-out

The move would mark a shift beyond its current Saudi focus on special needs education into mainstream higher education provision. Almasar positioned the plan as aligned with national efforts to expand domestic university capacity.

In the UAE, Almasar plans to expand programmes across its university portfolio, which includes Middlesex University Dubai, Abu Dhabi University and Liwa University. The group said it will continue building degrees in artificial intelligence, business analytics, cybersecurity and applied sciences.

New programmes linked to labour market demand are also in development. The company said employability, applied learning and internationalisation will remain core priorities supported by industry partnerships and work-integrated learning.

Technology, partnerships

Almasar said AI-enabled learning tools, data analytics platforms and digital research systems will play a larger role in teaching and student services. It positioned technology as central to both higher education delivery and special needs care operations.

The company also said partnership development will underpin growth across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Planned collaboration areas include international academic alliances, private-sector training partnerships and public-sector engagement.

Almasar reported revenue of SAR 336 million in the first nine months of 2025, representing 24 percent year-on-year growth, with EBITDA of SAR 129 million. Total students and beneficiaries reached about 28,000 across Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The company said the Tadawul listing strengthens its ability to fund expansion across special needs education and higher education. Its longer-term strategy centres on building an integrated education platform spanning early intervention, schooling, university education and workforce pathways.