The UAE Ministry of Education has approved new registration procedures for Students of Determination enrolling in public schools for the 2026–2027 academic year.

If you’re a parent preparing to apply, here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect and what you need to do.

How the registration process works

Registration is available through:

• The Student Registration and Admission in Public School service on the Ministry’s official website
• The MOE UAE smart app

Once you submit the application:

1. You will receive an appointment at an Inclusive Education Support Centre.
2. Your child will undergo evaluation and diagnosis.
3. The full assessment will be completed within 15 working days.

Parents must attend the scheduled appointment. Missing it, failing to reschedule properly, or not completing required procedures will result in automatic closure of the application.

Why full disclosure is important

The Ministry has urged parents to fully disclose their child’s condition during registration.

If a student is registered without disclosure, the Ministry reserves the right to take action in the student’s best interest. This could mean:

• Accepting the student under specific regulations
• Referring the student to a specialised centre

The goal is not punishment, it’s to ensure proper placement and appropriate support.

What the evaluation determines

After the diagnostic process, parents will be formally notified of the outcome.

The assessment will determine whether the student:

• Is eligible to enrol in kindergarten or public school under the inclusive education system
• Or is not eligible for inclusion in public schools

Important to note:

• The evaluation result is final
• It remains valid for the entire academic year
• Reapplying after a decision has been issued is not allowed

This policy is designed to provide educational stability for the child.

Required documents

Parents must prepare the following:

• A recent medical report (issued within the past year) from an accredited UAE medical authority
• A report detailing the degree and severity of hearing or vision impairment (if applicable)
• An Individualised Education Plan (IEP) for students transferring from private schools
• Certified academic certificates from government Students of Determination centres, including transition plans and services provided
• A Students of Determination Card issued by the Ministry of Community Development (if available)
• A psychological report issued within the past six months by an accredited specialised centre
• A signed commitment to comply with school transport terms and conditions

Having these documents ready in advance can prevent delays.

 What this means for parents

While the process may feel detailed, it is designed to:

• Ensure accurate diagnosis
• Provide appropriate educational placement
• Support both academic and personal development
• Maintain consistency throughout the school year

The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to inclusive education and proper integration into the school environment.

Parent checklist before applying

• Gather all required medical and psychological reports
• Ensure documents are recent and accredited
• Be fully transparent about your child’s condition
• Mark the assessment appointment date clearly
• Arrive prepared and on time

The 2026–27 procedures focus on structured assessment, accurate placement and long-term stability for Students of Determination in public schools.

The Ministry of Education has approved the academic calendar for the next three years, covering 2026 to 2029, for public and private schools across the UAE.

The move is aimed at strengthening stability within the education system and enabling students, parents and educators to plan well in advance.

According to the Ministry, the three-year framework balances instructional time with quality learning outcomes, while taking educational and social considerations into account.

2026–2027 Academic Year

• Start date: August 31, 2026
• End date: July 2, 2027

Breaks:

• Mid-term break: October 12–18, 2026
• Winter break: December 14, 2026 – January 3, 2027
• Spring break: April 5–11, 2027

2027–2028 Academic Year

• Start date: August 30, 2027
• End date: June 30, 2028

Breaks:

• Mid-term break: October 11–17, 2027
• Winter break: December 13, 2027 – January 2, 2028
• Spring break: March 27 – April 2, 2028

2028–2029 Academic Year

• Start date: August 28, 2028
• End date: June 29, 2029

Breaks:

• Mid-term break: October 16–22, 2028
• Winter break: December 11, 2028 – January 1, 2029
• Spring break: March 26 – April 1, 2029

Important guidelines

All schools are required to adhere to the approved mid-term break schedule. However, local education authorities may permit private schools that do not follow the Ministry’s curriculum to split the mid-term break between October and February, provided it does not exceed five school days and aligns with operational needs.

This exception does not apply to private schools in Sharjah, which follow the emirate’s own regulatory framework.

The Ministry also emphasised that all schools must ensure students attend through the final week of each term, during which assessments and curriculum requirements will be completed.

Notably, the calendar does not apply to private schools following the Indian, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani curricula.

Why the three-year plan matters

The Ministry said the extended academic outlook is designed to enhance readiness, improve long-term resource planning, and provide greater clarity for families across the UAE.

By confirming start and end dates well in advance, authorities aim to support schools as key pillars in preparing future generations, while giving parents more certainty for travel, enrolment and academic planning decisions.

The UAE’s Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council is working on a new regulatory framework to govern children’s use of social media, as part of broader efforts to create a safer and more balanced digital environment for future generations.

The initiative was discussed during a council meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Council.

Sheikh Abdullah said that regulating children’s use of social media is a national responsibility that requires clear and structured frameworks aligned with rapid technological advancements. He emphasised that these frameworks must be robust enough to protect young users while keeping pace with ongoing digital transformation.

Age-based regulations under review

According to the council, the next phase will involve careful evaluation through a phased, risk-based implementation strategy. This includes introducing age-based access regulations tailored to the developmental needs of different age groups.

The proposed approach aims to balance regulation with empowerment, ensuring children can benefit from modern technologies while being safeguarded from potential risks.

Cross-sector coordination

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of strengthening community awareness and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The framework is expected to involve collaboration across social, technical, educational, security, media and health sectors to ensure an integrated and effective approach.

Officials said the initiative is part of wider national efforts to promote digital safety for children. Discussions also covered the development of education policies and curricula, as well as the results of students’ standardised assessments.

The council underscored the need for responsible digital engagement, stressing that future policies must combine appropriate safeguards with education and awareness to support children’s well-being in an increasingly connected world.