UAE School Year Revolutionizes Education System

Fewer Exams, More Experience: New School Year Begins in UAE

The educational system of the United Arab Emirates is undergoing another significant transformation as the 2025-2026 academic year brings several key reforms for students, teachers, and schools alike. The aim of these changes is not only to improve the quality of education but also to enhance student well-being and strengthen national competitiveness. The reforms include new examination rules, a revised curriculum for Arabic language and Islamic studies, AI education, and school programs promoting a healthy lifestyle.

New Assessment System: Fewer Centralized Exams

One of the most important changes this year involves the examination system. The Ministry of Education announced the abolishment of central exams at the end of the second semester. This means that schools will conduct their own summative assessments. Centralized exams will only remain at the end of the first and third semesters, allowing institutions to use locally adapted methods for measuring student performance.

The semester weightings will align with this, and the goal of the new system is to bring varied assessment methods to the forefront. This not only enhances the learning experience but also supports students' mental well-being by reducing excessive exam stress.

Unified Competency Assessment: New Base Tests

The ministry also announced the introduction of a new unified competency assessment test measuring skills in Arabic, English, and mathematics. The test targets public school students from grades 4 to 11, initially affecting 26,000 students. This innovation provides a national-level overview of educational effectiveness and student progress alongside traditional exams.

Project-Based Learning in Practice

The second phase of the Project-Based Learning and Assessment (PBLA) program also continues. This innovative approach covers all students in Cycle 2 following the Ministry of Education's curriculum. The first phase involved 127,500 students across 350 schools, aiming for students to actively participate in their learning process.

The project method encourages students to think creatively, work in teams, and gain practical knowledge through tasks based on real-life situations.

Increased Focus on Arabic Language and Islamic Studies

Early childhood education receives special attention in the new academic year. Particularly for kindergarten and lower elementary (Cycle 1) students, the teaching time devoted to Arabic and Islamic education will be increased. First-grade students in a hundred schools will participate in an Arabic language proficiency assessment, which will be followed by personalized development programs.

This step ensures that children acquire strong language foundations at a young age, which is essential for later academic success and strengthens national identity.

New Schools, New Teachers

The 2025-2026 academic year not only brings new rules but also new schools, with nine new public schools opening their doors across the emirates, accommodating over 25,000 students in total. Additionally, more than 800 new teachers will join public schools, underscoring that education remains a national priority.

The existing 460 schools have been refurbished and updated, the school bus fleet includes 5,500 vehicles, and a total of 10 million textbooks were manufactured on time, along with the distribution of 47,000 laptops, supporting digital learning.

New Physical Education and Health Program

A comprehensive Physical Education, Sports, and Health Program is among the new features of the school year, focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles among students. The new program will include organizing competitive sports events, rethinking the structure of PE classes, and offering healthier food choices in school canteens.

This program could improve physical health in the long run and contribute to increased academic performance.

AI Education Across All Grades

For the first time in UAE history, a national AI-based curriculum is introduced. The goal is to enable students to use AI technology responsibly, consciously, and efficiently in their daily lives and future careers. Approximately 1,000 teachers will be involved in teaching the program across all grades, marking an important step in laying the foundation for the country's digital future.

Continuous Teacher Training and Competency Assessment

More than 23,000 educators participated in a pre-school year professional preparation week, consisting of 170 hours of training across 40 different workshops. Besides educational leaders and teachers, 20 special seminars were conducted for support staff.

In the future, the Educational Competency Assessment Project will evaluate more than 23,000 staff members to plan their career paths efficiently and provide tailored development opportunities.

Summary

The United Arab Emirates' 2025-2026 academic year promises numerous innovations and reforms. The objective is clear: modernize education, prioritize student well-being, and prepare a generation capable of facing future challenges. Innovations such as AI introduction, expansion of project-based learning, and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles exemplify national efforts towards creating a holistic and competitive educational system.

(Source of the article: Ministry of Education (MoE) press release.)