{
  "id": 4633297,
  "title": "'Joy, friendship and care': UAE pupils excited for start of new school year",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/joy-friendship-and-care-uae-pupils-excited-for-start-of-new-school",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-31T10:55:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/08/31/uae-2026-2027-academic-year-students-excited/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Schools in the United Arab Emirates opened their doors on Monday, welcoming students back for the 2026-27 academic year. The corridors were filled with excitement as pupils returned to classrooms, teachers, and friendships. Muna British Academy on Saadiyat Island saw over 1,300 pupils return, up from 900 the previous year, and now includes years eight and nine.\n\nPrincipal Ian Pugh expressed his delight at the school's reopening, emphasizing the importance of fostering joy, friendship, care, and happiness during the first week. Activities aimed at helping students reconnect with their peers and teachers featured prominently in the initial days. Maths teacher James Turner shared that a scavenger hunt was organized to familiarize students with new learning areas and encourage team-building through sports activities.\n\nParents were thrilled to see their children return to school, with Dr Mariam AlMansoori stating that her four children were eager to resume their education. Nader Sadek, an Emirati father, expressed optimism about the new academic year, praising the enthusiasm of his daughter Maribella. Student Jason, 10, looked forward to making new friends and excelling academically, while Aishani Kataru, 12, anticipated meeting new teachers and classmates.\n\nSome schools chose a staggered start to ease the transition back to learning. Brighton College Abu Dhabi welcomed new pupils for induction, noting the positive atmosphere as students reunited with friends and teachers. The school's head teacher, Barney Durrant, highlighted the strong sense of community that permeated the event.\n\nIan Pugh, the newly appointed principal of Muna British Academy, acknowledged the potential for disruption due to the ongoing Iran war. However, he assured that emergency protocols remain in place, and the school is prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Teachers have already practiced various emergency procedures to ensure a secure learning environment.\n\nThe school has also embraced artificial intelligence (AI) integration as part of its curriculum this term. Following the Ministry of Education's guidelines on safe and responsible AI use in classrooms, AI literacy is now a core component across subjects, including computer science, robotics, and coding. Teachers have received comprehensive training to deliver AI-related content effectively, ensuring students develop essential skills for the future.",
  "summary": "School corridors across the UAE buzzed with excitement as pupils started the 2026-27 academic year on Monday, with summer routines making way for new classrooms, teachers and reunions with friends. At Muna British Academy on Saadiyat Island, the campus was filled with renewed energy, as parents, teachers and children greeted one another. The school welcomed more than 1,300 pupils this year, up…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "'Joy, friendship and care': UAE pupils excited for start of new school year",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/joy-friendship-and-care-uae-pupils-excited-for-start-of-new-school-4634756",
        "published": "2026-08-31T10:55:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}