Promising start to new academic year

UNIFIED CALENDAR, AI STUDIES AMONG BIG CHANGES AS SCHOOLS WELCOME EXCITED STUDENTS

- BY SAJILA SASEENDRAN Chief Reporter ABDULLA RASHEED Abu Dhabi Editor ALI AL HAMMADI Reporter

The morning rush across the UAE had a different buzz yesterday. School gates were flanked by balloons, reception halls brimmed with colourful decorations, and children in crisp uniforms clutched new backpacks as they stepped into classrooms to begin the 2025-26 academic year.

The first day of school carried more weight this year. For the first time, all public and private schools are following a unified calendar, making planning easier for families.

Al is now no longer just an idea for the future, but a subject in classrooms, part of a sweeping set of changes to how UAE students will learn and how teachers will be evaluated.

Schools roll out red carpet

But the mood was the highlight of the new academic year. There was an air of excitement, a few tears, and proud smiles as more than a million students returned to school after a two-month summer break.

Many schools decorated the reception areas with balloons and welcome messages. Some distributed chocolates, while several kindergartens offered small gifts and juices to help ease first-day jitters. Some schools also arranged special photo booth props for parents and students to take pictures.

Students excited