The United Arab Emirates UAE is preparing major changes in its education system. As 2026 approaches, students, parents, and teachers can expect new assessment rules, UAE expanded technology use, stronger national identity, better wellbeing support, and more inclusive policies. These reforms aim to modernise learning while keeping UAE culture and values strong.
UAE One of the biggest changes is how students are evaluated. The Ministry of Education has already begun removing centralised tests at the end of the second semester. Instead, schools will use continuous assessment and school-based summative exams in some semesters. Centralised exams are expected to remain for the first and third semesters.
This means fewer high-stakes exams and more tracking of student performance throughout the year. For many students, that could mean less pressure, better feedback, UAE and more opportunities to improve. Teachers will likely give more projects, assignments, and in-class assessments that count towards final grades.
A landmark reform is the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum from early years through secondary school (Kindergarten to Grade 12) in public schools.
Over 1,000 teachers have been trained to deliver weekly or bi-weekly AI lessons, UAE depending on grade level. Students will learn fundamentals like data, algorithms, ethical use of AI, real-world applications, and project design.
In addition, more emphasis is being placed on digital literacy and cyber safety from early grades, ensuring students don’t just use technology, but understand its risks and responsibilities.
While the UAE is pushing forward into a tech-driven, global world, it is also reinforcing its roots. Reforms include more teaching hours for Arabic reading, writing, and Islamic education, especially from early years.
Grade 1 students in many public and private schools will face an “Arabic baseline assessment” to identify levels and tailor support. This is intended to ensure that even the youngest learners begin with strong foundations in the national language and identity.
The UAE’s reform plan recognises that student success isn’t only about academic achievement. Wellbeing, health, and physical education are gaining more attention.
Some of the changes include healthier meals, better physical education (PE) programs, regular sports events, and improvements in the physical school environment. These aim to improve both the mental and physical health of students.
Inclusion is another major theme. The reforms aim to ensure that students of determination (students with special learning needs) have better access to quality education. Schools must provide the support, staff training, and resources needed to help them succeed.
Also, new streams in secondary education are being redesigned. Students will have options aligned with their strengths and aspirations—whether in science, humanities, or vocational-technical paths. This is intended to reduce mismatch between student interests and school programs.
To make these reforms workable, the UAE is investing heavily in education infrastructure. That includes building new schools (for tens of thousands of students), upgrading existing school facilities, providing laptops, and ensuring textbooks and learning materials are ready.
Teacher capacity is also a focus: thousands of teachers have undergone training in updated curriculum, assessment methods, and new subjects like AI. This aims to prepare the workforce so they can deliver these reforms effectivel.
There are also changes to the academic year calendar and the weight of semesters. Holiday schedules are being aligned across curricula so that students and families get more predictable breaks.
New school calendar structures, unified term dates, and unified vacation periods will help students plan better and reduce disruption. These changes also aim to support wellbeing and family time.
To make the most of these reforms, here are steps students, parents, and schools can take:
While the reforms are ambitious and promising, there are potential challenges:
By 2026, the UAE’s education system aims to be more modern, more flexible, less exam-driven, and more aligned with 21st-century skills. But the reform is not just about technology—it’s also about identity, student wellbeing, inclusion, and giving students more control over their learning journey.
For students, this means a school experience that will look and feel different: more projects, more feedback, less stress; more digital tools, but also stronger grounding in culture and language; stronger support systems; and more diverse options. If implemented well, these changes could set UAE students up for success in a fast-changing world.
Read More:- Shobha Realty Launches Its Most Luxurious Project Yet—Full Details Inside 2025
