Back to School 2025 Updates

  • August 03, 2025

As the summer holidays draw to a close, the UAE Ministry of Education has released its comprehensive guidelines for the upcoming academic year 2025-2026, with a strong emphasis on student and teacher wellbeing. The directives, applicable to both public and private schools across the emirates, aim to foster a supportive and enriching learning environment, recognizing the evolving needs of the student population, including a significant percentage of expat children.A key highlight of the new guidelines is the introduction of a mandatory 'Wellbeing Hour' per week for all students, designed to incorporate mindfulness practices, stress-reduction techniques, and socio-emotional learning activities into the curriculum. This initiative builds on previous pilot programs that demonstrated positive impacts on student mental health and academic performance. Schools are also encouraged to develop flexible learning pathways to cater to diverse student needs, including advanced placement programs and enhanced support for students with learning difficulties."Our goal is to nurture not just academic excellence, but also resilient, well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the future," stated Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology. "The 2025-2026 academic year will see us further integrate technology for personalized learning, empower educators with advanced training, and deepen the partnership between schools and parents to ensure every child thrives."For expat parents, the Ministry has confirmed that schools will continue to offer diverse curricula options, including British, American, IB, and Indian systems, with new provisions for streamlined student transfer processes between different educational systems within the UAE. Communication channels between schools and parents will also be enhanced, utilizing updated digital platforms for attendance, academic reports, and parent-teacher interactions. Furthermore, new extracurricular programs focusing on sustainability, digital literacy, and cultural appreciation are being introduced to enrich the student experience. With schools set to reopen in late August, these proactive measures aim to ensure a smooth and productive start to the new academic year for all students and educators.

ads
ads
ads