Exams will be replaced with skills-based evaluations for some students in the UAE's public schools, authorities announced on Tuesday. Students in the second cycle, from fifth to eighth grade, will have their skills measured in this project instead of sitting for exams at the end of the academic year. This initiative was announced by Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology.
The Ministry also announced the opening of 25 schools, including 12 new schools and 13 others that have undergone comprehensive maintenance. More than 5,000 new buses have been introduced ahead of the academic year. Educational institutions are actively preparing for the influx of students by distributing welcome-back kits and setting up new parent orientation websites.
To ease the first day’s traffic congestion, many schools are coordinating staggered start times with nearby institutions. Many parents are now shopping for new supplies or opting for second-hand items to manage their expenses. Some UAE parents are even spending up to Dh2,000 per child on back-to-school essentials.
According to UAE officials, approximately 20,000 students transitioned from private to public schools in 2023. Officials said that more than 280,000 students will be returning to government schools on August 26, this year.
