UAE schools to welcome over 1.2 million students for new academic year

The UAE Ministry of Education says the country’s education system is fully ready for the 2026–2027 academic year, with more than 1.27 million students set to return to over 1,180 public and private schools on August 31.

The Ministry has opened 11 new schools and educational complexes, deployed more than 5,800 school buses and distributed around 8 million textbooks.

Among the key changes this year, students from Kindergarten to Grade 2 will have no homework. Instead, they will be encouraged to read at home daily to support early literacy and learning.

The Ministry is also expanding its programme regulating the use of digital tools to include all Grade 6 students in public schools, following a pilot that showed improved academic performance and classroom focus with more limited device use.

Meanwhile, more than 24,000 teachers, school leaders and specialists have taken part in training ahead of the new academic year, including programmes focused on artificial intelligence and professional development.

The Ministry is also rolling out new assessment and project-based learning initiatives aimed at identifying learning gaps early and strengthening students’ practical and future-ready skills.

The key developments were outlined by senior officials during a press conference at the Zayed Educational Complex in Al Warqaa on Wednesday.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, emphasised the ministry's commitment to developing a more flexible, efficient and sustainable education system that is rooted in national identity and keeps pace with global advancements in science and technology.

Ministry of Education announces readiness of education system for 2026-2027 academic year pic.twitter.com/5YUZRPH44O

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 26, 2026