President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday sent a message to pupils across the UAE on the first day of the new academic year.
It was broadcast simultaneously in public and private schools across the country, continuing a practice from previous years, such as 2022 and 2024.
"To all students, teachers, administrators and parents, I extend my congratulations on the start of the new academic year, and I wish everyone a successful year ahead," Sheikh Mohamed said.
"Education is the foundation of our nation’s forward-looking vision and each of you contributes to achieving this future. To all students, I encourage you to pursue education with drive and passion, as it is the bridge upon which you will build your future and serve your nation."
Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the importance of embracing the Arabic language and described artificial intelligence as a "vital part of our future". Those topics have been highlighted by the Ministry of Education as important areas of focus for the 2025/2026 academic year.
"I also ask you to demonstrate good behaviour and morals while remaining proud of your national identity, including by embracing the Arabic language," Sheikh Mohamed said.
"Artificial intelligence is now a vital part of our future and I would like for you all to benefit from this technology with clear responsibility and awareness of its role.
"To all teachers, as we entrust our children to you, we remain confident in your ability to instil our values in them. It is essential that our schools and homes promote the importance of building healthy families in nurturing a thriving society.
"Ultimately, co-operation between families and schools is key to advancing the educational process. May God bless and protect you all – and remember that your success is the success of your family and nation."
Sheikh Mohamed's message highlighted the importance placed on empowering pupils through an approach to education that honours Emirati heritage and values, while embracing the responsible integration of advanced technology. The President also shared a post on X on Monday.
"I wish everyone a successful year ahead and encourage families to work closely with schools in supporting our children to pursue their education with drive and excellence," he wrote. "Education remains the foundation of our nation’s continued advancement, and the UAE is committed to investing in our students as we work collectively towards shaping a better future for all."
The UAE's leaders have wished pupils well as they return to their classrooms, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also issuing a message at the start of the new school year. He said new beginnings “carry optimism, goodness and hope” and noted that the start of the new academic year “brings energy and momentum”.
“We say to our children, every school day is an opportunity to learn something new, and achieve a different accomplishment, and elevate your minds and aspirations, and get closer to your goals,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X. “And we say to the teachers, you are the pillar of our renaissance, and the makers of change in our schools. We do not want education that merely fills students with knowledge but education that ignites in them the curiosity for knowledge, and kindles the flame of ambition, and fuels the fire of passion.”
He added that he wished that all pupils and teachers enjoy a "more beautiful, greater and better academic year”.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said: "The start of the new academic year is a renewed milestone for building minds and shaping energies. Education is a national mission that aligns with the state's vision to forge a more advanced and prosperous future. Wishing everyone success."
What are school hours for 2025-26?
For kindergarten, school hours from Monday to Thursday will run from 8am to 1pm, with the day ending at 11.45am on Friday.
For pupils in Years 1 to 4, there will be two options. School days will run either from 7.15am to 1.25pm or from 8am to 2.20pm, with shorter hours on Friday ending at 10.35am or 11.45am.
For pupils in Years 5 to 12, boys will attend from 7.15am to 2.15pm from Monday to Thursday, ending at 10.35am on Fridays, while girls will attend from 8am to 3.15pm, ending at 11.45am on Fridays.
