The Ministry of Education (MoE) announced that public schools across the UAE are fully prepared for the new academic year 2025–26, with big updates to how students will be taught, assessed and supported. The key development plans and changes were highlighted during a press conference held by MoE in the presence of Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education.
Here are some of the key highlights parents and students should know:
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End of centralised second semester tests. These will be replaced with school-based assessments. Centralised exams remain only in the first and third semesters.
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Project-based learning expands. Phase two of the project-based learning and assessment system will now cover all Cycle 2 students, from grades 6 to 9, in public schools as well as private schools following the MoE curriculum.
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New national testing system. New standardised proficiency tests will be conducted in Arabic, English and maths for grades 4 to 11, beginning with 26,000 students.
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Strengthening Arabic and Islamic education. More teaching hours for kindergarten and daily sessions for grades 1 to 5, plus a new Arabic baseline assessment in grade 1. These tests will happen without extending regular school hours.
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New schools and teachers. 9 public schools opening across the country, 25,000 students accommodated, supported by 800 new teachers.
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Focus on health and wellbeing. A new Physical Education, Sports and Health Programme, including tournaments, healthier meals and better PE classes, will be introduced in public schools.
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‘From Skill to Leadership’ campaign. New initiatives to inspire students, supported by parents and the wider community will be launched, encouraging more participation in competitions and enhancing skills through advanced training.
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First UAE AI curriculum. To be introduced nationwide across all grades, taught by 1,000 trained teachers, preparing students for the future.