Schools across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are preparing for the new academic year, welcoming 1.27 million students. Many educational institutions have adjusted class schedules and reduced lesson hours from August 31st to September 3rd to allow children and staff time to adapt before the full schedule begins.
The first day of school was accompanied by mixed emotions: from touching goodbyes between parents and children to joyful reunions with friends. Campuses were filled with hugs, laughter, and post-holiday meetups, while new students and staff settled into unfamiliar classrooms and hallways. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by welcome booths, games, and free ice cream, although some students found it difficult to return to early wake-up times.
For some students, the first day marked the start of new responsibilities. Shireen Mansour, a 6th-grade student and student council member, shared that she is eager to help her classmates despite the difficulty of waking up early. She noted: 'I am on the student council and I am looking forward to it. I am going to help my peers and classmates. It was hard to wake up this morning, I am not that excited about school, but I am definitely happy to see my friends.'
Canadian expatriate Jenna Nedalussen, a 6th-grade student at GEMS Founders Al Barsha School Dubai, viewed returning to school as another step toward growing up. She stated: 'This is my last year of primary school, so I feel very grown up. I am also on the student council, so I have big responsibilities.' Despite some nervousness, Jenna was pleased to meet her new teacher and assist younger students. Her favorite subject is English, and the early start was not an issue for her.
However, for younger children, this stage was less about new responsibilities and more about taking first steps in school life. One family rejoiced when their daughter Alia went to school for the first time. The girl's father, Khalid Fahmi, said: 'Since it is her first time in school, we are very happy and hope today will be a good start for our daughter, Alia.' He joked about wanting to see how she would settle in, adding: 'I am so glad I almost pushed her into school so we could have some free time!' Khalid noted that Alia was happy to start learning, which contrasted with the previous year when she worried about joining her sister.
Schools also used the return to foster a sense of community and celebration. At GEMS Modern Academy, students were greeted with a Monday Morning Raga event, which included music, dance, and performances by senior school leadership.
Within Cognita schools, including Royal Grammar School Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, Repton Al Barsha, Repton Abu Dhabi, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School, and Al Ain English Speaking School, staff spent the summer developing curricula, engaging in professional development, and improving campuses. Glen Radozovich, Cognita's Managing Director in the UAE, stated that the return brought a renewed appreciation for the value of shared school life and the relationships underpinning thriving communities.
At Repton Al Barsha, students returned to an updated campus that includes a renovated reception area and parent café, a redesigned junior school library overlooking the inner courtyard, and a transformed assembly hall functioning as a specialized auditorium.
For high school students, the return also signifies the resumption of academic studies. Dipika Tapar Singh, CEO and Principal of Credence High School, called the first day an opportunity to 'reboot, reconnect, and refocus.' She emphasized: 'As students return to their usual routines, we urge them to revisit key concepts from the previous semester, organize study materials, and establish clear academic priorities.' The mention of the upcoming first round of assessments underscored that an early start and adherence to a consistent learning plan would help students manage their time and approach exams confidently.