Today, over one million students in the UAE began the 2025–26 school year with major curriculum and education policy changes/ Image: FIle
As more than a million students return to classrooms across the UAE after the summer break, the new academic year begins with a forward-looking focus, the country’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence syllabus. In a recorded message, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressed students, teachers, and families directly, underlining the importance of education, national values, and responsible use of AI. The academic year also marks broader reforms, including updates to curricula and a unified school calendar.
Nationwide return to school
Today, August 25, the UAE welcomed over one million students back to school, signaling the official start of the 2025–26 academic year following a two-month summer break. Classrooms buzzed with activity as students reunited with peers and teachers, stepping into a new year filled with learning and opportunities. This year’s reopening comes with several major developments in the education sector. Among the most notable is the introduction of the UAE’s first Artificial Intelligence curriculum, now being rolled out across public schools. The academic year also includes updates to Arabic and Islamic studies programmes, and the implementation of a unified school calendar across the country.
President’s address to the nation
In a recorded audio message shared nationwide, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his wishes to students, teachers, administrators, and families. He highlighted the role of education in shaping the country’s future and expressed his support for the new academic initiatives. His full message, delivered in Arabic and translated for public release, reads as follows:“To all students, educators, teachers, and workers in the education sector in the UAE, I congratulate you on the start of the new academic year.First, I want you all as students to be good role models in your schools and homes by respecting and appreciating your teachers and parents.To students, I urge you to learn with passion, for education is the bridge that you pass on to build your future and serve your homeland. I call upon you to embrace good morals and to take pride in your identity and in the Arabic Language.”You are the future of our nation, and education is an essential element of the UAE’s developmental journey in the present and future.AI is an important path for our future. I want you my children to make the best use of this technology, but with awareness and responsibility.”To teachers, we entrust you with our children and our confidence in you is huge to implant our values in them. It is also important to stress the values of family in our homes and schools.”Cooperation between families and schools is essential for a successful educational process. May Allah bless you all with success. Remember that your success is a success for your family and your homeland.”We must also prioritise upbringing in preserving our values rooted in Emirati heritage. These values should always guide our actions, both online and offline. I wish you a successful academic year ahead. May God bless you all.”The message was accompanied by a post from the President on social media, in which he reiterated his congratulations and encouragement to all returning students.
Infrastructure and readiness for the new academic year
- As students across the UAE return to classrooms today, August 25, all necessary arrangements, including infrastructure upgrades, logistical planning, and resource distribution, have been completed to ensure a smooth start to the 2025–26 academic year for over one million students:
- Nine new public schools have been built across various emirates to support population growth and offer modern, innovative learning environments.
- These new schools will accommodate over 25,000 students. 465 existing schools across the UAE have undergone comprehensive maintenance to ensure safety and readiness.
- A total of 830 new educational staff, covering all specialties, have been recruited to support academic delivery.
- The ministry has distributed 46,888 laptops to students, reinforcing its commitment to digital education and skill development.
- Over 10 million textbooks have been printed and delivered to schools ahead of the academic year. 5,560 school buses have been deployed to ensure seamless transportation for students.
Also read: No more second-term exams for UAE students across all grades in 2025–26 academic year
Introduction of artificial intelligence curriculum
For the first time, the UAE’s public schools have begun the gradual introduction of Artificial Intelligence as a formal subject in the national curriculum. The rollout spans all educational stages, from kindergarten through Grade 12, making AI education a central feature of the school system starting this year. The AI subject will be taught as follows:
- First and Second Cycles: One AI class every two weeks
- Third Cycle: One AI class per week
- Specialised Staff: More than 1,000 trained teachers will lead the subject
In preparation, teachers are undergoing intensive training during the professional development week at the start of the term. This will be followed by regular follow-up sessions and ongoing support. A dedicated committee has also been formed to oversee implementation and ensure quality delivery of the AI curriculum. The programme aims to equip students with the ability to use AI tools responsibly and ethically, while also developing their digital literacy and future-ready skills. The emphasis is on awareness, critical thinking, and understanding the broader social implications of emerging technologies.
Broader educational reforms and support
In addition to the AI initiative, the academic year brings several updates across the education sector:
- Curriculum Updates: Revisions have been introduced to Arabic and Islamic studies to enhance relevance and effectiveness.
- Unified Calendar: All schools across the UAE will follow a standard academic calendar for 2025–26, streamlining the academic schedule nationwide.
- Assessment Reform: The Ministry of Education has cancelled all centralised second-semester exams. Students in Grades 1 to 4 will be evaluated through continuous assessment, while those in Grades 5 to 12 will take school-based summative assessments. Centralised exams will remain in place for the first and third semesters.
- Teacher Preparation: Professional development is being prioritised, with training programmes tailored to support new subjects like AI and curriculum changes.
- Parental Involvement: Authorities have stressed the importance of strong coordination between families and schools to ensure holistic student development.
UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also shared a message ahead of the school year. On the eve of the reopening, he highlighted the spirit of “optimism, goodness, and hope” that accompanies new beginnings, wishing students and educators success in the year ahead. Go to Source
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