UAE cancels second semester exams for all levels

The Ministry of Education (MoE) announced that the central exams at the end of the second semester for all academic levels would be cancelled.

Instead, diverse assessment tools would be adopted to accurately and comprehensively measure learning outcomes, it said.

This would alleviate academic pressures on students and allow for greater scope for developing their skills through continuous, interim assessment.

The MoE is set to update its student performance assessment policy as part of its ongoing efforts to develop the education system and enhance the efficiency of measurement and evaluation tools to meet academic development requirements and accommodate individual differences.

During the media briefing held Tuesday at Zayed Educational Complex in Dubai to announce the preparations for the new academic year 2025-2026, the MoE explained that continuous assessment would be used for students in grades one through four, with a focus on measuring individual progress.

This would ensure accurate follow-up of students’ academic growth, enabling teachers to provide more effective feedback and employ flexible teaching methods that boost critical thinking and analytical skills, it said.

The MoE stated that the policy update came as part of its integrated efforts to develop education and ensure that Emirati schools provide a stimulating learning environment capable of meeting the needs of new generations and preparing them for the demands of the future.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, affirmed that the country’s schools were ready to welcome approximately one million students in the new 2025-2026 academic year.

More nine schools would be opened across several educational districts, while comprehensive maintenance would be carried out for 465 schools to ensure their readiness and provide a modern and safe educational environment, she said, adding that the new academic year would welcome 25,345 new students across all educational levels.

As many as 830 new educational staff were recruited in all specialties, while 10 million copies of textbooks were printed and distributed to all schools before the start of the school year, she said, adding that the MoE also distributed 46,888 laptops on students to support digital education and develop their technological skills.