UAE schools welcome students back as new academic year begins

Dubai: Public and private schools across the UAE welcomed students back to classrooms on Monday as the 2026-2027 academic year got under way in a festive atmosphere. The new academic year, launched under the slogan 'With the Charter, We Reach New Horizons', saw participation from students, teachers, school leaders and parents, with schools organising a range of welcoming activities to mark the occasion. The return to school was characterised by a spirit of optimism and celebration, with students receiving textbooks and welcome gifts as they began a new year of learning. Warm welcome School administrations placed teaching and administrative staff at entrances to greet students and create a positive environment from the start of the school day. Students arrived prepared for the new academic year, wearing the approved school uniform and bringing their textbooks and learning materials. Picture: Eric Arazas Reception areas, classrooms, sports halls and learning resource centres were decorated with colourful balloons, while younger students received symbolic gifts, juices and sweets. Flexible return Many parents accompanied their children on the first day of school, supported by the Back to School 2026-2027 policy, which provides flexibility for working parents during the start of the academic year. Parents praised the welcoming atmosphere and the support provided by schools during the return to classrooms. Strong student turnout Students arrived prepared for the new academic year, wearing the approved school uniform and bringing their textbooks and learning materials. School administrations highlighted the importance of regular attendance, punctuality and positive engagement in ensuring a successful start to the year. Attendance on the first day ranged between 80 and 90 per cent, while administrative, teaching and technical staff recorded full attendance. Schools said most student absences were due to travel or health-related reasons. First lesson focuses on National Education Charter The first lesson for students in Grades 6 to 12 focused on the pillars of the National Education Charter, national identity and the meaning of the slogan "With the Charter, We Reach New Horizons". The session highlighted key personal qualities, including self-discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, physical and mental wellbeing, cultural awareness and lifelong learning. The first lesson for students in Grades 6 to 12 focused on the pillars of the National Education Charter, national identity and the meaning of the slogan "With the Charter, We Reach New Horizons". Picture: Eric Arazas Students were also introduced to skills identified as priorities, including critical thinking, effective communication, artificial intelligence literacy, reading and writing, creativity, numeracy and financial literacy. School rules and digital awareness Schools reiterated regulations regarding the use of mobile phones, stressing that students are not permitted to use them during school hours and that any devices brought to school must remain switched off and stored in accordance with approved policies. Parents were also encouraged to monitor their children's internet use and support safe and responsible digital behaviour in line with UAE regulations. Student safety Schools emphasised that students under the age of 15 are not permitted to leave school premises unaccompanied and must be collected by a responsible adult authorised by their families. Parents were urged to make advance arrangements to ensure the safe collection of their children. Focus on values and conduct Schools began implementing student codes of conduct from the first day of the academic year, ensuring that students and parents were familiar with expected standards of behaviour. Educational institutions also reaffirmed their commitment to professional and ethical standards for teaching and administrative staff, including responsibility, integrity, respect for regulations and the promotion of the values of Emirati society. Improved traffic flow Traffic movement around schools showed noticeable improvement following a series of organisational measures aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing safety. Schools began implementing student codes of conduct from the first day of the academic year, ensuring that students and parents were familiar with expected standards of behaviour. Picture: Eric Arazas The measures included expanding parking and waiting areas for school buses and private vehicles, organising school entry and exit points, and increasing field monitoring in areas that regularly experience heavy traffic during peak school hours.