The Ministry of Education (MoE) in the UAE, along with the Government Media Office, recently organized a detailed media briefing to present its strategies for the academic year 2025-2026. Under the leadership of Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri, the meeting highlighted transformative projects aimed at enhancing the national education framework, focusing on student well-being and reinforcing national identity.
Since the beginning of the year, the ministry has been actively preparing public schools in the Emirates for significant changes expected in the next academic term. Al Amiri emphasized key reforms focused on improving educational quality through innovative assessment methods and updated curricula.
Elimination of Second Term Exams
One of the prominent modifications involves an overhaul of the assessment framework. The traditional centralized examinations that took place at the end of the second semester will be abolished. Instead, schools will utilize internal summative assessments during this period, while centralized exams will still occur at the conclusion of the first and third semesters.
The Ministry of Education organized a media briefing to showcase the key preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year and the development plans for the public education system aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the education sector in the UAE
This adjustment aims to optimize teaching time by minimizing downtime related to exams and alleviating test-related stress among students, thus fostering better engagement. It grants educators the flexibility to employ various assessment methods that more comprehensively evaluate student learning beyond mere exams. The revised system also balances semester evaluations to give equal weight to ongoing learning and assessment.
In conjunction with these changes, the ministry is advancing its Project-Based Learning and Assessment (PBLA) initiative into a second phase, which will now cater to all Cycle 2 students enrolled in public and private schools following the MoE’s guidelines. Building on the success of the initial phase that reached 127,500 students across 350 schools, PBLA emphasizes critical thinking and creativity while encouraging real-world problem-solving skills, moving away from rote memorization.
A new standardized proficiency test will also be introduced for students between grades 4 and 11, evaluating their skills in Arabic, English, and mathematics. The pilot program will involve around 26,000 students, aiming to create clear performance benchmarks and identify areas for focused improvement.
Strengthening National Identity: Emphasis on Arabic Language and Islamic Education
Minister Al Amiri reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to fostering students’ national identity through enhanced focus on Arabic language and Islamic studies. These essential subjects are crucial for developing students’ cultural and moral perspectives.
In the upcoming academic year, additional teaching hours will be allocated to Arabic and Islamic studies in kindergarten and Cycle 1, reinforcing literacy and values from an early stage. The ministry has meticulously adjusted class schedules to incorporate these changes without extending total school hours.
Furthermore, an Arabic language baseline assessment will be implemented for Grade 1 students in 100 public and private schools. This assessment is intended to gather crucial data on students’ linguistic skills, enabling institutions to develop tailored support initiatives aimed at improving proficiency. This move aligns with the ministry’s broader objective of prioritizing national heritage within the education system while promoting academic excellence.
Infrastructure Development: New Schools, Upgraded Facilities, and Access to Technology
In response to rising student enrollment and educational needs, the ministry announced the establishment of nine new schools across various emirates for the 2025-2026 academic year. These schools are expected to host over 25,000 students and recruit more than 800 new educators.
In addition to new constructions, the ministry has also finalized maintenance and upgrades for over 460 schools to ensure safe, modern, and technology-equipped educational settings. Operational logistics have been established with 5,500 school buses allocated, over 10 million textbooks printed, and 47,000 laptops distributed, guaranteeing students the essential resources for their studies.
Comprehensive Approach to Student Health and Well-Being through Sports and Nutrition
Recognizing the connection between academic success and health, the ministry is launching an ambitious Physical Education, Sports, and Health Program in public schools, led by Mohammed Al Qasim.
The initial phase of this program aims to promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle by enhancing school health facilities, revamping PE classes to increase student engagement, organizing sports events, and providing nutritious meal options.
These initiatives are intended to cultivate lifelong healthy habits among students, support their mental well-being, and promote teamwork, all of which positively impact academic performance.
Encouraging Parent and Educator Participation: Strengthening Community Partnerships
Understanding the critical role of parents and educators in shaping the education landscape, the ministry is increasing their involvement through revised governance frameworks and new initiatives.
The structure of the Ta’aleem Councils has been updated to better represent stakeholders: the School Leadership Council and Teachers Council now each have 14 members, while the Young Teachers Council includes seven members. Additionally, 520 Parents’ Councils, representing over 6,000 members nationwide, will actively participate in decision-making and educational endeavors.
To further encourage collaboration and skill enhancement, the ministry launched the ‘From Skill to Leadership’ initiative. This initiative focuses on three key areas: Exploration, creating inspiring school environments for talent discovery; Development, through strategic partnerships and training; and Excellence, motivating students to engage in local and international competitions.
Early initiatives like ‘My Inspiring Family’ and ‘Inspiring People in the Field’ aim to involve families and highlight role models to inspire students throughout their educational journeys.
Launching the UAE’s First National AI Curriculum: Readying Students for a Digital Future
One of the most transformative new initiatives is the introduction of the UAE’s first nationally created Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum, marking a significant step in incorporating technology education throughout the country.
Approximately 1,000 teachers will undergo training to deliver AI instruction at all education levels. The curriculum is designed following best practices from both local and global experts, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and abilities to utilize AI in a responsible and effective manner in their everyday lives and future careers.
This initiative aims to establish the UAE as a global frontrunner in educational innovation, influencing policies and conversations about the future of learning on an international stage.
The ministry continues to make considerable investments in teacher training, having engaged over 23,000 educators in an intensive week-long program comprising 170 hours of workshops focused on leadership skills, teaching strategies, and support roles, ensuring that educational staff are well-prepared for upcoming challenges.
Looking ahead, the Educational Competency Assessment Project will assess over 23,000 educational professionals across various school levels. This effort aims to clarify career pathways, enhance capabilities, and empower educators and leaders to contribute to the evolving national education agenda.
Adopting a Balanced, Student-Centric School Calendar
The ministry introduced a revised school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year in July, designed with feedback from educators, parents, and experts, to support both academic rigor and student well-being.
The academic year will commence on August 25, 2025. The first term will end with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, providing students with an opportunity to rest and engage in national events.
The second term will run from January 5 to March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29. The third term begins on March 30 and concludes on July 3, except for private schools in Sharjah, which will finish a day earlier.
A significant addition to the calendar is the introduction of three mid-term breaks in October (13–19), February (11–15), and May (25–31), with the last break coinciding with the Eid Al Adha holiday. These breaks are intended to alleviate academic pressure, enhance family time, and promote cultural engagement.
Private institutions not following the government curriculum have the flexibility to schedule shorter breaks in October and February but must adhere to strict guidelines to maintain alignment with the national calendar.
All schools are mandated to comply with the approved calendar, including administering final exams during the last week of each term, with exceptions granted only for grades participating in internationally scheduled assessments.
Looking Forward: A Comprehensive Vision for a Future-Ready Education System
Minister Sarah Al Amiri’s outlook for the 2025-2026 academic year highlights the UAE’s commitment to establishing a progressive, inclusive, and world-class education system. Through reforms that enhance assessment policies, introduce innovative curricula like AI instruction, expand infrastructure, and prioritize student well-being, the Ministry is laying the groundwork for a new era in education.
This integrated framework focuses on balancing academic achievement, health, cultural identity, and future readiness, equipping UAE youth to thrive in an increasingly complex and global environment.