Dubai: UAE Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri has confirmed the education system's readiness for the start of the new academic year, stressing that preparations extend beyond schools, textbooks and transportation to include developing educational practices, enhancing staff capabilities and using research-driven approaches to improve student outcomes.Speaking during the Ministry of Education's media briefing in Dubai, Al Amiri said more than 1,180 public and private schools across the UAE are ready to welcome over 1.277 million students for the 2026-2027 academic year, including 26,700 new students joining the education system.She said these figures reflect the scale of both the operational and educational preparations undertaken ahead of the new school year.Al Amiri emphasised that the ministry's vision goes beyond delivering knowledge and focuses on creating a meaningful impact on students' personalities, values and behaviour.She said the objective is to help students translate the concepts, skills and values they learn into practical application in their daily lives, highlighting the importance of continuous development, communication and documentation of best practices to support educational quality.Research-led approachAl Amiri said the ministry relies on research and scientific studies to develop projects and strategies covering all aspects of the education system, including students, teachers and classroom practices.She noted that educational decisions are increasingly based on data, research and a deeper understanding of the realities and needs of the sector.The minister said students remain at the centre of the development process, with their educational experience and feedback considered in studies and initiatives designed to improve learning outcomes.She added that research findings are translated into practical tools and projects implemented within schools.Expanded capacityAs part of preparations for the new academic year, 11 new schools and educational complexes have been opened to accommodate growing student numbers and provide additional learning spaces.The ministry has also ensured the readiness of the school transport network, with 5,810 school buses allocated to transport students safely to and from schools.Eight million textbooks distributedAl Amiri said 8 million textbooks have been distributed in preparation for the new academic year, ensuring educational resources are available to students and schools from the first day of classes.Focus on teacher readinessTeacher and staff preparedness formed a key pillar of this year's plan, with the ministry implementing more than 80 specialised training programmes and workshops aimed at enhancing professional skills and helping educators keep pace with educational and technological developments.The programmes were designed to strengthen classroom practices and equip educational staff with modern teaching methods and tools.Comprehensive readinessAl Amiri said readiness indicators reflect a comprehensive approach that combines infrastructure expansion, transportation services, learning resources, staff development and research-based educational improvement.She stressed that preparations for the academic year have evolved beyond operational readiness to encompass a broader educational readiness model that places student experience and teacher effectiveness at the heart of the development process.
