Thousands of parents across the UAE may finally have reason to relax after major clarifications to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) three-language framework eased fears of extra academic pressure on students.

The revised policy, set to take effect in the 2026–27 academic year, initially sparked concern among educators and families about how students in Grades 9 and 10 would meet the new language requirements.

What’s changing?

Under the updated structure, students entering Grade 9 from July 2026 will study three languages classified as:

• R1
• R2
• R3

The move is part of reforms linked to India’s National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.

Why UAE schools feel relieved

According to UAE-based educators, CBSE has allowed overseas schools greater flexibility in implementing the system.

• R1 can be English
• R2 can be Hindi, Malayalam, Urdu, or Tamil
• R3 can be Arabic for UAE students
  

Importantly, R3 will not be board-examined, reducing stress for students. Only R1 and R2 will count toward Grade 10 board evaluations, while R3 will appear through internal assessment.

Earlier concerns had parents worried

One of the biggest fears was that students, especially non-Indian nationals studying in CBSE schools, might be forced to learn two Indian languages.

The recent clarifications have eased those concerns significantly, particularly for international schools and students of determination.

While schools say Arabic at R3 is manageable, some institutions are still worried about foreign-language offerings like French.

Full refund after re-evaluation

Meanwhile, in a major relief for thousands of Indian curriculum students across the UAE, CBSE has announced that Grade 12 students will receive a full refund if their marks increase after re-evaluation. The move comes as a student-friendly response following a wave of concerns shared by students on social media, many of whom felt their initial grades were lower than expected due to the board’s newly introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system.

Motorists in Dubai are being urged to think twice before hitting the horn, as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police step up efforts to tackle noise pollution and improve road discipline across the emirate.

Authorities stressed that vehicle horns are intended strictly as a safety tool, not for frustration, impatience, or unnecessary noise.

When is honking actually allowed?

According to officials, horns should only be used in situations such as:

• Warning road users of immediate danger
• Alerting distracted drivers or pedestrians
• Responding to emergencies inside the vehicle

Any use beyond these situations is considered improper and contributes to unnecessary disturbance, especially near residential communities, schools, and hospitals.

The penalty could surprise drivers

In a previous warning shared on X, Dubai Police confirmed that motorists caught misusing vehicle horns may face:

• Dh400 fine
• Four black points on their driving record

The move forms part of wider efforts to create safer, quieter, and more respectful roads throughout Dubai.

More than just noise

Officials say excessive honking doesn’t just annoy residents, it also affects traffic discipline and public comfort, particularly in densely populated areas.

The latest awareness campaign is aimed at encouraging more responsible driving behaviour as Dubai continues pushing for smarter and safer mobility standards.

So next time traffic gets frustrating, authorities are making one thing clear: your horn is for safety—not stress relief.

UAE authorities announced on Sunday evening that the Dhu Al Hijjah moon was successfully sighted through reports submitted by specialised committees, astronomers, and observatories operating across the country using advanced space and astronomy technologies.

As a result, Monday, May 18, has been declared the first day of Dhu Al Hijjah 1447 AH.

The announcement officially sets the timeline for the upcoming Hajj season and the celebration of Eid Al Adha across the country.

Muslims around the world observe Dhu Al Hijjah as one of the holiest months in Islam, with Eid Al Adha expected to follow after the annual pilgrimage rituals.

 Advanced moon-sighting system

Officials said the confirmation was made after reviewing data from experts and astronomical centres working under a coordinated national system, highlighting the UAE’s growing use of technology in religious observations.

Residents await holiday details

With the moon sighting now confirmed, attention is turning to the official Eid Al Adha holiday announcement, which is expected to bring an extended break for residents across the UAE.

For many families, the announcement signals the start of travel plans, gatherings, and preparations for one of the year’s biggest celebrations.