[REVISION HISTORY]

UAE 2026-2027 academic year implementation

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2026-09-13 07:43 UTC → 2026-10-05 08:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Education has commenced the 2026-2027 academic year, with more than 1.277 million students returning to over 1,180 public and private schools. Following a phased four-day intake period, full timetables resumed on September 4. As the term begins, residents in communities such as Emirates Hills and Arabian Ranches have reported increased traffic congestion, with parents noting significant delays during morning and afternoon commutes. Key reforms for this academic year include the integration of artificial intelligence as a formal subject from kindergarten through Grade 12, the removal of traditional homework for kindergarten through grade 2 students, and expanded Arabic-language assessments. New digital and device regulations have been introduced to manage classroom focus and cybersecurity. Ministerial rulings prohibit mobile phones and wearable devices like smartwatches; for first-time non-educational use, items may be confiscated for up to one month. Additionally, a new “Guide to Reducing the Use of Digital Tools in Learning” prohibits Grade 6 students in public school general and advanced streams from bringing laptops to school, prioritizing textbooks and handwritten notes. In private schools, new measures include a ban on VPN applications and unauthorized access to private virtual platforms to mitigate cyber ~~risks such as phishing and cyberbullying.~~ risks. To ~~improve transport efficiency,~~ protect student privacy, private schools ~~have implemented 11 mandatory rules, including a one-minute maximum bus waiting time at homes, mandatory seat belt use,~~ in Dubai and ~~restrictions ensuring students~~ Sharjah are ~~only collected by authorized persons.~~ implementing stricter regulations regarding photography and videography on campus. New circulars request that parents and visitors refrain from capturing images or videos in classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, assemblies, and drop-off zones. Schools have instructed parents not to share media containing other students on digital platforms, such as WhatsApp or social media. The International School of Choueifat in Sharjah has stated that taking photos or videos on regular school days is “strictly prohibited.” These measures align with Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data.

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