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 schools, universities to resume in-person classes Monday

The Ministry of Education has announced the resumption of in-person learning for all students, teachers and administrative staff in public and private schools, as well as nurseries across the UAE, effective Monday, May 11.

In a statement, the ministry said the decision followed continuous monitoring of developments and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the continuity of the educational process and academic assessments.

Safety protocols to remain in place

The ministry affirmed that educational institutions would continue implementing approved safety and security protocols and procedures to support the smooth continuation of classes.

Authorities said schools and nurseries would also remain prepared to activate alternative learning models if required, depending on ongoing developments and continuous assessments.

The Ministry of Education said coordination with educational institutions nationwide would continue to ensure a smooth return to classroom learning.

Any further updates, the ministry added, would be announced through official channels.

UAE universities to resume in-person learning

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research also has announced that all public and private universities and higher education institutions across the UAE will resume in-person learning from Monday.

The decision applies to students, academic staff and administrative employees nationwide following a temporary period of remote learning introduced as a precautionary measure amid heightened regional tensions.

Authorities said the move follows continuous monitoring of developments and coordination with relevant entities to ensure the continuity of education and academic assessments.

The ministry confirmed that universities will continue implementing approved safety and security protocols while remaining prepared to activate alternative learning models if required.

Officials also said coordination with higher education institutions across the country would continue to ensure a smooth return to on-campus learning, with any further updates to be announced through official channels.

Remote learning measures

The announcement comes after schools, universities and nurseries across the UAE temporarily shifted to remote learning from May 5 to 8 as a precautionary measure amid heightened regional tensions and emergency alerts linked to missile and drone interceptions by UAE air defence systems.

Education

Students Return to In-Person Classes with Safety Measures

More than a million students have been allowed to return to all educational institutions in the UAE from today after weeks of distance learning due to geopolitical tensions that ensued the US-Israel-Iran war. Most of the school students are returning to campuses after a pause of around 50 days since March 2. The yellow buses ferrying the students have hit the roads again after a brief uncertainty over their operations over the past few days. Meanwhile, several students across nurseries, schools and universities are still continuing to follow remote learning till there is a permanent solution to the war. Gulf News reporters and photographers are out on the field to provide you with all the updates live.

10:37 AM, 20 April 2026

Joy returns to classrooms as students and teachers reunite

“You can really see the joy on the children’s faces, how happy and excited they are to be back in the classroom with their friends and teachers. It’s clearly visible in the way they’re laughing and interacting again,” said Andrew Hyland, Media Studies teacher at GEMS Metropole School.

“It’s the same for us as teachers too. We’re happier having the students back, and it feels good to return to our routines and the rhythm of school life.

At GEMS Metropole School, a parent survey conducted ahead of reopening showed that around 80 per cent of families were eager for students to return to campus.

According to Nav Iqbal – Principal, CEO, Brand Ambassador at Gems Metropole School, early indications suggest attendance may be higher than initially expected, with most students back in school.

“It’s a little too early to give final numbers, as we only confirm attendance at the end of the school day,” the principal said.

“We had anticipated around 80 per cent on campus and 20 per cent on distance learning, but it feels higher than that. We will publish the official figures later today on our social media channels, but it was great to see more students back across the school than before.

Parents who are unable to attend, whether due to travel or other reasons – have been informed that learning support will be provided. That group is generally less than 10 per cent.”

10:22 AM, 20 April 2026

‘Excited to bring the kids back,’ says parent

Reem Odeh, a mother of a FS2 student at GEMS Metropole School, said that while it was good to have the children at home, being back in school with friends and teachers is far more beneficial for them.

“We were very excited to bring the kids back. We prepared everything, and they woke up early this morning, really looking forward to returning to school.”

10:15 AM, 20 April 2026

‘Overjoyed to have children back in school,’ says parent

Karen Fathallah, a parent of two children in FS1 and Year 2 at Gems Metropole School said she is overjoyed to have them back in school and to see teachers and staff again.

~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai

Karen Fathallah, a parent of two children in FS1 and Year 2 at Gems Metropole School said she is overjoyed to have them back in school and to see teachers and staff again.

10:13 AM, 20 April 2026

Excitement as students reunite with friends and teachers

“School online is definitely not the same. I’m excited to be back in a proper routine, to have structure again, and to see my friends and teachers in person,” Neeti, Grade 11 student and prefect and Gems Metropole School.

10:07 AM, 20 April 2026

Some schools extend distance learning for one week

“As per the direction from APEA, the school has been granted approval to continue with distance learning for one week. During this time, we will be conducting comprehensive training for teachers, leaders, administrative staff, as well as transport teams including bus drivers and conductors. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that all safety protocols and operational measures are thoroughly understood and implemented. We remain committed to prioritising the well-being and safety of our entire school community, and we look forward to being fully prepared to resume on-site classes from Monday, April 27,” Shiny Davison, Principal, Woodlem Park school, Ajman, told Gulf News.

10:05 AM, 20 April 2026

Teachers focus on reflection and readjustment

Erin Nelson, Deputy Headteacher of Primary at GEMS Metropole School, said the focus on the first day back is to recognise students’ progress during online learning, give them space to reflect on the past seven weeks, and support a gradual return to normal school routines.

09:57 AM, 20 April 2026

Hallways come alive as students head to classes

Students at GEMS Metropole School in Motor City are seen moving through the hallways between classes as the school day gets underway.

09:55 AM, 20 April 2026

Safe zones and tighter protocols as Dubai schools reopen

Schools across Dubai are a little different as campuses reopen with enhanced safety measures in place, including designated safe zones and updated emergency procedures in line with guidance from the KHDA.

At GEMS Metropole School, staff say preparations have focused on both classroom safety and wider campus operations from emergency readiness to traffic flow and student movement.

Overseeing these measures is Nizar Mahmoud Mourad, Manager of School Operations at the school.

“Student safety remains our top priority, and we are fully aligned with the instructions issued by the relevant authorities. We have also introduced additional internal procedures to strengthen preparedness across the campus.

“This includes designated safe zones and shelter areas, along with comprehensive training for staff so students know exactly what to do before, during and after any emergency.”

– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai

Education

Dubai resumes school bus services

In line with ongoing assessments conducted by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, bus services for private educational institutions in Dubai will resume starting Monday, April 20, 2026, in accordance with the approved safety protocols.

This decision is an extension of the country’s continuous assessment approach during this period, ensuring continuity of education, student safety, and the efficiency of services provided.

The relevant authorities will continue to monitor and assess the situation regularly, taking the necessary measures in line with any developments while maintaining the highest levels of readiness and stability.

The safety and wellbeing of students, educators, and the wider community remain a top priority at all times.

We encourage you to stay updated via official sources and to adhere to all safety measures.

For more information, you can visit the Reopening Protocols for Private Education Institutions in Dubai poge on our website.