For thousands of families in the United Arab Emirates, August 31 marked not just the start of a new academic year. For some children, it was their first day of school, while for others, it meant moving to a new campus, meeting teachers, or beginning the final stage before university admission.
The 2026-27 academic year brings new educational institutions to the UAE's educational landscape, accepting their first groups of students, while existing schools report high demand and waiting lists across several age groups.
In the Dubai Sports City, Queen Elizabeth’s School opened its doors on Monday, welcoming over 500 students and staff during its inaugural academic year. Founding Director Dan Clark stated that the opening was the 'start of an exciting journey,' as the campus aims to combine academic achievement with character development and a strong sense of belonging.
Clark emphasized that the school will build upon the culture and values of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, providing students with opportunities beyond the classroom. He noted that this will be achieved by embedding a deep culture of scholarship, an emphasis on character, and a commitment to belonging—hallmarks of Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet. The school is delighted that its students will get to experience a wide range of offerings supplemented by unique partnerships in sports, creative arts, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The first students will also have access to individually designed programs aimed at helping them discover their interests and build self-confidence. Clark added that every 'Elizabethan' will have a chance to unlock their strengths, develop confidence, and feel a genuine sense of community through specialized programs.
The feeling of a fresh start was mirrored at Dubai International Academy Town Square and Sharjah, where Raffles World Academy Sharjah welcomed its first students. Director of Raffles World Academy Sharjah, Dr. Armina Tabassum, reported that families are embarking on this journey together, and the school promises future-oriented education alongside a strong team spirit. She stated: 'As we welcome our first students to Raffles World Academy Sharjah, we begin a very special journey together. Families can expect high-quality, future-focused education, a strong sense of community, and a school where every child is known, valued, and inspired to thrive.'
For this school, the opening marks the beginning of a longer process of building its culture and community from scratch. Dr. Tabassum concluded: 'This is only the beginning, and we are excited to grow, wonder, succeed, and shine together.'
While some families headed to brand-new campuses, others returned to established schools, bringing with them a mix of excitement and first-day nervousness.
Egyptian parent Nihal Hazem experienced an emotional moment when her daughter Nelly went to 'big school' for the first time. Hazem admitted to being slightly nervous, although her daughter woke up interested and excited about attending the new school. She shared that she talked to her daughter daily about 'big school' but was unsure how the coming days would unfold. She planned to leave her daughter at school but had a backup plan in case emotions became too intense, as her father would be nearby if the girl started crying.
Meanwhile, in already operating schools, the new academic year began with continued family demand, as well as the arrival of new teachers and students. Chandni Mishra, Director of Repton Al Barsha, noted that the first day brought a familiar transformation as the children returned and the school community came alive again. She stressed that there is always something special about the first day of a new academic year, and it is precisely when children return through the gates after weeks of preparation that the school truly comes alive.
Mishra reported that Repton Al Barsha starts the year from a very strong position, holding waiting lists in several age groups while welcoming both returning and new members of the community. She added that the school also welcomes an exceptional group of new educators, including specialists transferring from other UAE schools and arriving from around the world.
For Mishra, the combination of experienced staff and new talent is particularly important as schools strive to offer students both continuity and fresh ideas. She observed that new staff join a highly experienced and established team with a high teacher retention rate, which provides children with necessary stability and consistency.
However, despite the statistics, waiting lists, and new appointments, Mishra said that ultimately, the first day is about the children—from three-year-olds attending school for the first time to high schoolers preparing for university. She concluded that the sense of belonging is just as vital for schools accepting their first cohorts as it is for the first lessons on the schedule.
