As more than a million students return to classes in the United Arab Emirates after summer breaks, the new educational year begins with a forward -looking focus, the country’s first artificial intelligence syllabus. In a recorded message, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressed students, teachers and families directly to students, national values ​​and the importance of responsible use of AI, addressing students, teachers and families. The academic year also marks extensive reforms, including the course updates and integrated school calendars.
Return to nationwide school
Today, August 25, UAE welcomed over a million students back to school, indicating the official start of 2025–26 academic year after a two-month summer vacation. Classes resonated with activity as the students re -involved with colleagues and teachers, stepping into a new year filled with learning and opportunities. The re -opening of this year comes with many major developments in the education sector. The most notable UAE’s first artificial intelligence course is the beginning, which is now being rolled out in public schools. Arabic and Islamic study programs in the academic year are also involved in updates and the implementation of an integrated school calendar across the country.
President’s address for nation
A recorded audio message shared nationwide, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan enhanced his wishes for students, teachers, administrators and families. He highlighted the role of education in shaping the future of the country and expressed his support for new educational initiatives. His complete message, given in Arabic and translated for public release, reads this way:“For all students, teachers, teachers and workers in the education sector in UAE, I congratulate you at the beginning of the new educational year.First of all, I want all of you to be a good role model in your schools and homes by respecting and appreciating your teachers and parents.For students, I urge you to learn with passion, education is the bridge that you pass to create your future and serve your motherland. I ask you to embrace good morality and be proud of your identity Arabic language,You are the future of our nation, and education is an essential element of the current and future developmental journey of the UAE.AI is an important way for our future. I want you to use this technique best, but with awareness and responsibility. ,For teachers, we entrust you with our children and our confidence in you is very large to transplant our values. It is also important to emphasize family values ​​in our homes and schools. ,A successful educational process requires cooperation between families and schools. May Allah Bless you all with success. Remember that your success is a success for your family and your motherland. ,We should prioritize up rating in preserving our values Emirates Heritage. These values ​​should always guide our works, both online and offline. I will further wish you a successful academic year. May God bless you all.”The message was with a post of President on social media, in which he reiterated his congratulations and encouragement to all the returning students.
Infrastructure and readiness for new academic year
- As UAE students return to classes on August 25 today, all necessary arrangements including infrastructure upgrade, logistics planning and resource distribution, have been completed to ensure a smooth start for more than a million students for 2025-26 academic year:
- Nine new public schools have been set up in various Emirates to support population growth and offer modern, innovative teaching environment.
- These new schools will accommodate more than 25,000 students. In the United Arab Emirates, 465 existing schools have made extensive maintenance to ensure security and readiness.
- A total of 830 new educational staff covering all specialties have been admitted to support educational distribution.
- The Ministry has distributed 46,888 laptops to students, strengthening its commitment to digital education and skill development.
- More than 10 million textbooks have been printed and distributed in schools before the academic year. 5,560 school buses have been deployed to ensure easy transport for students.
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Introduction to artificial intelligence course
For the first time, UAE public schools have started a gradual introduction of artificial intelligence as a formal subject in the national course. The rollout spreads all educational stages, through grade 12 from kindergarten, AI makes education a central feature of school system starting from this year. AI the subject will be taught as follows:
- First and second cycle: an AI class every two weeks
- Third cycle: an AI class per week
- Special Employees: More than 1,000 trained teachers will lead the subject
In preparation, teachers are undergoing intensive training at the beginning of the word during the weeks. This will be followed by regular follow -up sessions and ongoing support. A dedicated committee has also been formed to oversee the implementation and ensure the quality distribution of the AI ​​course. The program aims to equip students with the ability to responsibility and morally using AI equipment, while their digital literacy and also developing skills prepared for the future. Emphasis is on understanding awareness, important thinking and wide social implications of emerging technologies.
Comprehensive educational reforms and support
Apart from AI initiative, the academic year brings many updates to the education sector:
- Courses Update: Arabic and Islamic studies have been amended to increase relevance and effectiveness.
- Integrated Calendar: All UAE schools will follow a standard academic calendar for 2025-26, which will streamlide the nationwide academic program.
- Evaluation Correction:
Ministry of Education All centralized second-semester examinations have been canceled. In grade 1 to 4, students will be evaluated through continuous evaluation, while in grade 5 to 12 they will assess school-based yogic. Centralized examinations will remain for the first and third semester. - Teacher Preparation: Professional development is being given priority, which has training programs with training programs to support new topics such as AI and courses.
- Participation of parents: Authorities have emphasized the importance of strong coordination between families and schools to ensure overall student development.
UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum also shared a message before the school year. On the eve of reopening, he highlighted the spirit of “optimism, goodness, and hope”, which, with a new beginning, wishes for the success of students and teachers.
