UAE Schools Embark on New Academic Year Focusing on Character and Balanced Technology Use

More than a million pupils across the UAE are heading back to school today following a two-month summer break, marking the start of a fresh academic year for children, parents, teachers, school administrations, and authorities alike. In response to an era where young people are influenced heavily by screen time and social media alongside traditional education, the Ministry of Education has focused increasingly on character building rather than solely delivering content.

This year introduces significant practical changes across public schools. Pupils from kindergarten to year 2 will no longer have homework, allowing more time for family life, skill development, and unstructured reading to foster a lifelong passion for learning. Additionally, year 6 classes will eliminate screens entirely for English, Arabic, science, and maths. This policy follows a study of 2,500 pupils across nine public schools, which revealed that device-free classrooms nearly doubled knowledge retention while improving behaviour, discipline, and peer relationships due to reduced screen time, as noted by Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri in an interview with The National.

Assessment methods are also evolving. Central exams and school-based assessments will hold equal weight for pupils between years 9 and 12, granting schools greater agency in evaluation. Furthermore, diagnostic tests will help teachers identify academic levels and offer targeted support to students who need it.

Teachers remain central to these reforms. More than 1,500 educators have joined organizations like Gems Education, highlighting that teachers are the ultimate investment in a child's future. Modern education aims to instill good habits and a moral foundation to help students navigate an uncertain world, rather than just focusing on academic excellence.

These changes do not mean a total rejection of technology. Educators view artificial intelligence as a resource that must be taught responsibly and with integrity, striking a vital balance in the modern classroom. Ultimately, the success of the new school year will be measured by how well it helps pupils develop into curious, empathetic, and resilient individuals.