Parents in UAE take note: No more second semester exams in public schools

The UAE Ministry of Education (MoE), in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office, recently held a comprehensive media briefing outlining its plans for the 2025–2026 academic year. Led by Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri, the briefing showcased a series of transformative initiatives designed to elevate the national education system to new heights, strengthen student wellbeing, and deepen national identity.

Since January, the ministry has been proactively preparing public schools across the Emirates to implement sweeping updates for the upcoming academic year. Al Amiri highlighted major reforms aimed at improving the educational experience through smarter assessment strategies and modernised curricula, a WAM report said.

Read more-UAE schools to introduce AI curriculum from kindergarten-grade 12

Second term exams removed

One of the most notable changes is the overhaul of the assessment policy. Traditional centralised testing, which was held at the end of the second semester, has been removed. Instead, schools will adopt summative assessments conducted internally at the school level during this period, while centralised tests will continue only at the ends of the first and third semesters.

The Ministry of Education organized a media briefing to showcase the key preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year and the development plans for the public education system aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the education sector in the UAE. pic.twitter.com/JCCmAGKZjh

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 19, 2025

This shift is designed to maximise instructional time by reducing exam-related downtime and test anxiety, thereby promoting healthier student engagement. It also allows teachers to use a broader variety of assessment tools, which better capture different facets of student learning beyond standard exams. The updated system recalibrates semester weightings to reflect this more balanced approach, placing equal emphasis on continuous learning and evaluation.

Complementing these changes, the ministry has expanded its Project-Based Learning and Assessment (PBLA) system into its second phase.

This innovative, hands-on learning model now covers all Cycle 2 students in public and private schools following the MoE curriculum. Building on the successful first phase, which involved 127,500 students across 350 schools, PBLA fosters critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills, moving away from rote memorisation toward deeper understanding.

In parallel, a new standardised proficiency test is set to launch for students in grades 4 through 11, assessing their abilities in Arabic, English, and mathematics. The pilot phase will include approximately 26,000 students, aiming to establish clear benchmarks and identify areas for targeted intervention.

Reinforcing national identity: Arabic language and Islamic education at the core

Minister Al Amiri reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing students’ national identity by strengthening Arabic language and Islamic education. These foundational subjects form the basis of the student’s cultural and moral compass.

In the new academic year, teaching hours dedicated to Arabic and Islamic studies will increase in kindergarten and Cycle 1, reinforcing literacy and values early in the educational journey. The ministry has carefully restructured class schedules to accommodate this increase without extending overall school hours.

Furthermore, an Arabic baseline assessment will be introduced for Grade 1 students in 100 public and private schools. This assessment will provide vital data on students’ linguistic skills, enabling schools to implement tailored support programs that gradually raise proficiency levels. The initiative reflects the ministry’s broader strategy to place national heritage at the heart of education while fostering academic excellence.

Infrastructure expansion: New schools, upgraded facilities, and technology access

To support growing student populations and educational demands, the ministry announced the opening of nine new schools across various emirates for the 2025–2026 academic year. These new institutions will accommodate over 25,000 students and employ more than 800 new teachers.

Beyond new construction, the ministry has completed maintenance and upgrades in over 460 schools to provide safe, modern, and technologically equipped learning environments. The ministry has also ensured that operational logistics are in place: 5,500 school buses have been allocated, more than 10 million textbooks printed, and 47,000 laptops distributed, guaranteeing students have the necessary tools for success.

Holistic focus on student health and wellbeing through sports and nutrition

Acknowledging that academic achievement is intertwined with health, the ministry is rolling out an ambitious Physical Education, Sports, and Health Programme in public schools, led by Mohammed Al Qasim.

The first phase of the program promotes a sustainable, healthy lifestyle by improving school health facilities, restructuring PE classes to increase activity and engagement, organising sports tournaments, and introducing nutritious meal options.

These initiatives aim to foster lifelong healthy habits among students, improve mental health, and build team spirit, all of which contribute positively to overall academic performance.

Engaging parents and educators: Strengthening community partnerships

Recognizing the essential role of parents and educators in shaping the education system, the ministry is enhancing their participation through revamped governance structures and new initiatives.

The Ta’aleem Councils have been restructured to better represent all stakeholders: the School Leadership Council and Teachers Council each consist of 14 members, while the Young Teachers Council includes seven members. Additionally, 520 Parents’ Councils, representing more than 6,000 members nationwide, will be actively involved in decision-making processes and educational projects.

To further foster collaboration and skill development, the ministry launched the ‘From Skill to Leadership’ campaign. This campaign centers on three pillars: exploration, by creating inspiring school environments that encourage talent discovery; development, through strategic partnerships and training; and excellence, by motivating students to participate in local and international competitions.

Early programs such as ‘My Inspiring Family’ and ‘Inspiring People in the Field’ focus on engaging families and showcasing role models to inspire students throughout their educational journeys.

Pioneering the UAE’s first national AI curriculum: Preparing students for a digital future

Perhaps the most groundbreaking initiative announced is the launch of the UAE’s first nationally developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum, a pioneering step in integrating emerging technology education nationwide.

Approximately 1,000 teachers will be trained to deliver AI lessons across all grade levels. The curriculum draws on best practices from both local and international experts to equip students with the knowledge and skills to use AI responsibly and effectively in daily life and future careers.

This initiative aims to position the UAE as a global leader in educational innovation, helping shape policies and discussions about the future of learning on an international scale.

The ministry continues to invest heavily in educator training, having engaged over 23,000 teachers in an intensive week-long program comprising 170 hours of workshops. These sessions covered leadership development, teaching methodologies, and support roles, ensuring that educational staff are well-prepared to meet new challenges.

Looking forward, the Educational Competency Assessment Project will evaluate over 23,000 educational cadres across all school cycles. The goal is to clarify career paths, enhance professional skills, and empower teachers and leaders to support the evolving national education agenda.

Introducing a balanced, student-centric school calendar

To support both academic rigor and student wellbeing, the ministry unveiled a revamped school calendar in July,  for the 2025–2026 year, designed with input from educators, parents, and experts.

The academic year will begin on August 25, 2025. The first term will conclude with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026, allowing students time to rest and engage in national activities.

The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29. The third term begins March 30 and ends July 3, except in Sharjah’s private schools where it ends a day earlier.

A notable addition is the introduction of three mid-term breaks in October (13–19), February (11–15), and May (25–31), with the final break coinciding with the Eid Al Adha holiday. These breaks are designed to reduce academic pressure, enhance family time, and encourage cultural participation.

Private schools not following the government curriculum have flexibility to schedule shorter mid-term breaks within October and February but must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure alignment with the national calendar.

The ministry emphasized that all schools must follow the approved calendar, including holding final assessments during the last week of each term. Exceptions are only made for grades taking internationally scheduled exams.

Looking ahead: A holistic vision for a future-ready education system

Minister Sarah Al Amiri’s vision for the 2025–2026 academic year showcases the UAE’s commitment to creating a forward-looking, inclusive, and world-class education system. By implementing reforms that enhance assessment policies, introduce cutting-edge curricula such as AI education, expand infrastructure, and promote student wellbeing, the Ministry is paving the way for a new era of learning.

This integrated approach places students’ academic success, health, cultural identity, and future-readiness at the heart of the education journey, preparing UAE youth to thrive in an increasingly complex and globalised world.