'Joy, friendship and care': UAE pupils excited for start of new school year

As the 2026-27 school year commenced on Monday, UAE pupils eagerly anticipated the beginning of a fresh academic chapter. At Muna British Academy on Saadiyat Island, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as students, teachers, and parents reunited after the summer break. This year, the school welcomed over 1,300 students, a notable increase from last year's enrollment of 900, and now offers classes for years eight and nine.

Principal Ian Pugh expressed his excitement, stating that the school's primary focus during the first week would be on fostering joy, friendship, and care among the students. Activities would include pastoral events, encouraging students to interact with their classmates and teachers, and building a sense of community. Following this week, the school would transition into rigorous academic pursuits.

Maths teacher James Turner shared an engaging start to the new term, wherein students participated in a scavenger hunt to familiarize themselves with new learning areas, meet their new peers, and engage in cooperative sports activities. Parents praised their children for eagerly awaiting their return to school.

Dr Mariam AlMansoori, an Emirati mother, shared her children's enthusiasm, noting that her four children, Maha, Mai, Amer, and Mohammed, were excited to be back in school. Nader Sadek, an Egyptian father, expressed optimism about the new academic year, hoping for a smooth and productive term. He anticipated that the students would reunite with friends and make new acquaintances.

New student Jason, 10, was eager to form friendships and perform well academically, while Aishani Kataru, 12, expressed her excitement at meeting new teachers and classmates. Yara and Mariah, both 12, were simultaneously excited and nervous about the new school year, with Yara emphasizing the importance of staying focused in class and absorbing key information.

While the UAE schools opted for a staggered start, Brighton College Abu Dhabi welcomed new pupils for an induction session, which head teacher Barney Durrant described as a positive beginning. The school's community spirit was palpable, with smiles and laughter filling the air as pupils eagerly embraced their friends and teachers.

Principal Pugh mentioned that despite the ongoing Iran war, the school remained prepared for potential disruptions. The school's emergency protocols were rehearsed last year, ensuring readiness for any unforeseen circumstances. Turner expressed hope for a smoother school year, recognizing the resilience of the students during the previous term.

Parents, including Dr AlMansoori, acknowledged the lessons learned from the previous year's disruptions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining flexibility and having contingency plans in place. AI integration was another key aspect of the new school year, with schools like Muna British Academy incorporating AI literacy into their curriculum.

With the Ministry of Education's new manual on responsible AI use, teachers were incorporating AI-related content across various subjects, such as computer science, robotics, and coding.