More than 1.27 million students across the UAE returned to classrooms on Monday as the 2026-27 academic year began, bringing families, teachers and schools back into their regular routines after the summer break.
More than 1,180 public and private schools across the country were prepared to welcome students for the new academic year. For many families, the return meant adjusting to early mornings, school transport and new schedules once again.
The reopening is being carried out in phases from August 31 to September 3. Regular school hours are scheduled to begin on Friday, September 4, allowing students and staff time to settle into the new academic year.
Thousands of new students join UAE schools
The new academic year is also bringing thousands of new students into the public education system. Around 26,700 pupils are joining UAE public schools for the first time this year.
To support the growing number of students, the Ministry of Education has opened 11 new schools and educational complexes. Around 5,810 school buses have also been prepared to support students travelling to and from school.
Authorities have distributed approximately eight million textbooks ahead of the start of classes, ensuring students have the required learning materials as the new academic year gets underway.
School traffic returns across the UAE
The return of more than a million students is also expected to bring increased traffic around schools, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up periods.
School buses are back on the roads, while parents are once again planning their daily schedules around school timings. Motorists are being urged to take extra care around school zones, where traffic can become heavier during peak hours.
For families using school transport, the start of the academic year also means becoming familiar with new routes, timings and pick-up arrangements.
Students settle into a new routine
For students, the first days of school can bring a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This is especially true for children starting school for the first time, moving to a new school or beginning a new grade.
Schools have been preparing welcome activities and orientation programmes to help students become comfortable with their classrooms, teachers and classmates.
Younger students may take longer to adjust after the summer holiday. Teachers are therefore focusing on helping them gradually return to classroom routines while creating a positive environment for learning.
The first few days are not only about lessons. They also give students an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new classmates and become familiar with their teachers and surroundings.
New academic year brings education changes
The 2026-27 academic year also comes with changes across the UAE’s public education system, including updated approaches to homework and examinations.
The changes are aimed at supporting students’ academic progress while contributing to their wider development. Schools will be introducing the new approaches as students settle into their schedules and begin the academic year.
For teachers, the start of the year marks the beginning of months of lesson planning, assessments and classroom activities. School leaders are also working to ensure that students and staff have a smooth transition into the new academic cycle.
UAE leaders welcome students back
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has wished students, teachers, parents and school administrators a successful academic year.
The message encouraged students to approach the new year with ambition and curiosity while making the most of the opportunities offered through education.
For parents, the start of the school year brings back familiar responsibilities, from preparing school meals and uniforms to managing transport and daily schedules. For students, it marks the beginning of another year filled with lessons, activities, friendships and new experiences.
With more than 1.27 million students returning to classrooms across the UAE, the start of the 2026-27 academic year represents a major nationwide return to education and a fresh start for students across the Emirates.