As the 2026–27 school calendar opens, the UAE President highlights education as national wealth and calls for strong partnership between families and educators.
ABU DHABI — Aug 31, 2026:More than 1.27 million students returned to classrooms across the United Arab Emirates on Monday to begin the 2026–27 academic year, as UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan offered warm wishes to students, educators, and parents nationwide.
Monday, August 31, marked the official start of the new school term following the annual summer hiatus, with private and public institutions reopening their gates to students, administrative staff, and teaching faculties across all seven emirates.
In a statement published on his official X account, Sheikh Mohamed extended his congratulations across the academic community, emphasizing the vital role education plays in driving the nation’s long-term progress. He wished all stakeholders a successful year capable of furthering the country’s national educational roadmap.
Addressing the youth directly, the President described the nation’s children as the UAE’s “true wealth.” He urged young learners to approach the coming term with optimism, ambition, and determination, encouraging them to actively seize opportunities to acquire critical knowledge and essential life skills.
Sheikh Mohamed underscored the importance of strong alignment between homes and classrooms. He noted that close collaboration between families and school leaders remains vital to cultivating a deep-seated passion for lifelong learning while equipping students with practical capabilities for future global demands.
Beyond academic achievements, the President stressed the need to reinforce cultural identity, core ethics, and social values within the youth. He noted that personal development and moral grounding must advance alongside academic learning as the country prepares its next generation of leaders.
The UAE Ministry of Education, alongside local regulatory authorities including Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), have implemented updated curricular frameworks and infrastructure readiness checks to ensure a seamless integration back into the classroom.
