UAE bans unapproved digital learning tools in government schools

The UAE Ministry of Education has recently implemented new regulations prohibiting government schools from utilizing unapproved digital learning tools in their classrooms. These stringent controls will be enforced from the 2026-2027 academic year onwards. According to Al Etihad newspaper, schools must exclusively use digital platforms and educational resources that have been officially approved by the ministry or are on its authorized list.

The ministry's approval process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the tools' compatibility with the UAE national curriculum, student safety standards, child protection requirements, and data privacy regulations. The objective of these regulations is to ensure that digital learning remains safe, effective, and aligned with the curriculum objectives while safeguarding pupils’ privacy.

Teachers are prohibited from incorporating new digital tools into lessons simply due to their free availability or perceived usefulness. Instead, any teaching staff member who identifies a potentially valuable tool must submit it for evaluation and screening by the Curriculum and Assessment Sector and the Technical Operations Department.

Upon successful completion of this process, the resource can then be formally approved for use in classrooms. The assessment criteria extend beyond educational value and encompass data protection, student safety, technical compatibility, and adherence to ministry policies. Among the key requirements are alignment with national curriculum goals and learning outcomes, ease of operation across various devices and platforms, support for both Arabic and English, and compliance with privacy and information-security standards.

Moreover, the resources should facilitate active learning, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration while accommodating different levels of difficulty and flexible learning paces to cater to pupils' diverse needs. The guidelines also outline the appropriate response when a digital resource raises concerns over student safety or privacy, displays inappropriate content, or violates ministry rules.

Teachers are required to report such issues to the school coordinator, technical support service, or school administration. Subsequently, school leaders must direct teachers to ministry-approved alternatives to ensure uninterrupted and secure learning experiences. The ministry emphasizes that these controls aim to foster responsible use of digital tools, enabling teachers to select resources that enhance learning while upholding safety, privacy, and student protection. Abu Dhabi schools have already established strict ethics rules for teachers and staff.