UAE Ministry of Education announced that starting in the 2025-26 academic year, students in Grade 5 and above will no longer face second-term exams. This change brings a focus on a detailed and ongoing assessment strategy. The intention is to improve learning by cutting down stress and encouraging a setting that values critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on skills. Key Takeaways Removing centralized second-term exams from 2025 fosters continuous evaluation through projects and class participation. The reform reduces the pressure of high-stakes exams while aligning with global education trends like interactive learning. The shift to school-based assessments allows for personalized learning and timely feedback, enhancing student support. An updated academic calendar with clearly defined terms and breaks aims to balance academics with family and community engagement. These changes show the UAE’s dedication to educational excellence and preparing students for a future-ready environment. UAE Announces Major Change: Second-Term Exams Eliminated from 2025 Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) has introduced a transformative policy on school assessments. Centralised second-term exams will no longer be a fixture for students in Grade 5 and above across all public and private schools adhering to the national curriculum. This marks a significant shift in assessment strategies. Under this new framework, students will experience a broader range of evaluation methods. These alternatives are tailored for a more comprehensive understanding of student learning and skills, rather than just focusing on exam performance. Some key elements of the reform include: Continuous assessment techniques such as project-based learning and class participation. Periodic quizzes and assignments that gauge understanding over time. The use of technology in assessments, offering real-time feedback and interactive learning experiences. These changes aim to reduce stress associated with high-stakes exams while providing a more balanced approach to academic evaluation. Educators are encouraged to shift their focus from preparing students for a single examination towards fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. These adjustments not only align with global education trends but also with the UAE’s commitment to educational excellence. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and practical application skills, the UAE is setting the stage for a future-ready education system. Teachers and students may find more detailed guidelines on the MoE’s official website to better prepare for these upcoming modifications.   Transition to School-Based Assessments Schools in the UAE are set to shift from traditional second-term exams to school-based assessments. This approach prioritizes continuous evaluation over high-pressure, one-off tests. It offers a holistic view of a student’s abilities and caters to diverse learning styles. By focusing on summative assessments conducted at the school level, teachers can track progress throughout the academic year. Students will still face centralized exams, but these will now only occur at the end of the first and third terms. This change allows more consistent monitoring of student progress and reduces the stress associated with high-stakes testing. Teachers can better identify learning gaps and offer personalized support. Key Benefits of School-Based Assessments Continuous feedback: Teachers provide regular insights into a student’s performance, allowing for timely interventions. Personalized learning: With ongoing evaluation, educators can tailor support to individual student needs. Stress reduction: Gradual assessments reduce the pressure of performing well on a single test day. This system fosters a supportive learning environment by encouraging a growth mindset. It aligns with global education trends where focus shifts from rote memorization to comprehensive understanding. For insights on similar educational reforms, read more on UNESCO’s initiatives.   The Vision: Reducing Stress, Enhancing Learning This strategic decision to cancel second-term exams by 2025 focuses on minimizing stress and anxiety for students. By valuing everyday classwork and teacher-designed evaluations, the aim is to cultivate a nurturing atmosphere. Teachers’ assessments will take center stage, offering a broad perspective on a student’s abilities. It’s about preparing students for a future-aligned education that resonates with the national ethos. This reform reflects a commitment to making learning an enriching experience. Emphasizing continuous assessment fosters a more inclusive approach, allowing every student to shine in varied areas beyond test scores. Creating such a supportive backdrop mirrors global trends like in Finland, where education pivots more on interactive and project-based learning (source: The Philippines Star). Aligning with these innovations further embeds the UAE’s commitment to holistic educational progress.   Broader Educational Reforms and Future Preparedness Under the dynamic leadership of Minister Sarah Al Amiri, transformative educational reforms are rolling out. These changes are crafted to help students thrive in today’s digital and interconnected landscape. A key element is the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence curriculum spanning from kindergarten up to grade 12. By embedding AI learning early, students gain critical understanding and practical skills that will prove invaluable in their futures. In addition to curriculum changes, nine new schools are being built. This significant infrastructural development addresses the needs of growing student populations across the nation. It’s estimated these schools will accommodate over 25,000 new students, emphasizing the commitment to provide quality education accessibly. Moreover, the education sector’s human resources are poised for enhancement with the hiring of 800 new teachers. This recruitment aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise into classrooms, ensuring tailor-made learning experiences for students in various disciplines. These efforts are set against a backdrop of a fast-paced, digitally driven society. Preparing students to adapt swiftly and efficiently involves proactive strategies and educational excellence. As education trends continue to shift, the UAE’s vision stands as a testament to innovation and readiness. For more insights into global educational advancements, you might want to explore resources at World Economic Forum on education and digital skills.   Revamped Academic Calendar: Structure and Consistency From the start of the 2025 academic year, a fresh academic calendar will be introduced. Schools will commence on 25 August 2025 and conclude on 3 July 2026. This change ensures a minimum of 182 teaching days throughout the year. By aligning both public and most private schools to a unified schedule, consistency is improved across educational institutions. This uniform approach benefits both students and teachers by