The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB) has announced the cancellation of its May 2026 final examinations for Grade 12 students across the UAE, citing public safety concerns.

According to an official circular sent to IB schools, students enrolled in the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) will not sit for their scheduled exams, which were originally set between April 24 and May 20.

The decision follows discussions with the Ministry of Education, with authorities prioritising student safety. Instead of written examinations, students will be evaluated using the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM), a system that determines final grades based on internal assessments, coursework, and other academic evidence.

The IB has confirmed that these results will be shared with universities worldwide to ensure students’ academic progression is not affected.

This move marks a significant shift for thousands of IB students in the UAE, placing greater emphasis on consistent academic performance throughout the year rather than final exam results.

The Ministry of Education has announced an extension of remote learning for all students, teachers, and administrative staff across the United Arab Emirates until Friday, April 17.

The decision covers nurseries, kindergartens, and both public and private schools nationwide, ensuring continuity of education while authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Officials confirmed that the arrangement will be reviewed weekly.

To support the transition, school administrations had already been provided with a comprehensive remote learning framework for the third academic term. The guide focuses on flexible scheduling, structured lessons, and maintaining strong communication between schools and parents to keep students engaged.

The move underscores the Ministry’s focus on maintaining uninterrupted learning while adapting to evolving circumstances.

The Ministry of Education has rolled out a detailed framework assigning 22 responsibilities to schools, teachers, students and parents, as part of efforts to strengthen distance learning across the country.

The move comes as higher education institutions begin a gradual return to in-person classes for select programmes, marking a transition toward hybrid learning after weeks of remote education.

Meanwhile, several universities resumed on-campus learning on Monday, March 30, following guidance issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in coordination with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.

Phased return for universities

Under Circular No. (2) of 2026, universities are allowed to bring students back to campus for programmes that require:

• Clinical training
• Laboratory work
• Practical or field-based learning

Institutions are also permitted to conduct examinations on campus.

However, the return is subject to strict conditions. Universities must ensure approved evacuation plans are in place, enforce health and safety protocols, and limit all educational activities to indoor settings. Clear communication of these measures to students and staff is mandatory.

Courses that do not require physical attendance will continue online until at least April 3, unless further updates are issued.

Clear roles for distance learning

At the school level, the Ministry of Education’s framework aims to ensure remote learning remains structured and effective.

Responsibilities are divided among stakeholders:

• Schools must manage communication, monitor engagement and support teachers
• Teachers are required to deliver interactive lessons and track progress
• Students must attend classes, complete tasks and follow online etiquette
• Parents are expected to support learning at home and stay connected with schools

Focus on quality and wellbeing

Authorities have emphasised that both remote and in-person learning must maintain high academic standards. Schools are required to monitor student wellbeing, especially those showing signs of low engagement, while continuing to support students of determination through tailored resources.

Universities, meanwhile, are tasked with closely monitoring developments, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring the quality of academic outcomes during the transition period.

The combined approach reflects the UAE’s strategy to balance safety with continuity of education, maintaining remote learning while gradually restoring essential in-person activities.

Officials say the measures are designed to safeguard student progress, maintain learning quality, and ensure a smooth transition back to normal academic operations.