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‘Not in our schools’: UAE group announces tough new rules on vaping 

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The UAE’s largest school network, GEMS Education, is taking a stand — launching a zero-tolerance crackdown on vaping in a bid to stamp out the habit before it takes hold.

From random bag checks to high-tech vaping detectors, GEMS schools are rolling out tough new measures to stop students from picking up the habit. 

Sensors in Schools

The battle against vaping is being fought with hi-tech gadgets. GEMS is installing state-of-the-art vaping sensors in key areas, including toilets and corridors — places where students are most likely to try and get away with it.

These sensors can:

  • Instantly detect vapour and alert staff in real time
  • Differentiate between vaping and other airborne particles
  • Pick up distress words like “help”, alerting teachers to potential safeguarding concerns. The new GEMS School of Research and Innovation, set to open in August 2025, will feature these sensors from day one — marking a new era in school safety.

Big Health Threat

Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, has made it clear: this is a zero-tolerance policy.

“Vaping is one of the biggest health threats facing young people today. We refuse to stand by and let this dangerous trend take hold in our schools.”

Students caught vaping will face serious consequences. But instead of just punishment, GEMS is offering support — those found with vapes will attend counselling sessions to help them quit.

A Lesson for Life

GEMS wants to change the way students think about vaping altogether. That’s why anti-vaping education is now being built into the curriculum.

Teachers will work closely with health professionals to make sure students get the facts — how vaping affects their lungs, how nicotine hooks them in, and why so many people regret ever picking up a vape.

Parents are being brought into the conversation too. With awareness programmes and community discussions, GEMS is making sure the fight against vaping goes beyond the school gates.

A Bold Move

GEMS is making it clear: there’s nothing harmless about addiction. By combining strict enforcement, cutting-edge technology, and education, the school network is protecting young people from the dangers of vaping.

(Source: GN)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Education

UAE makes it easier for medical teachers and graduates to work in healthcare sector

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In a move designed to strengthen healthcare in the UAE, authorities have made it easier for medical teachers to work in healthcare sector, without compromising on safety or standards. The licensing requirements for some health graduates have also been eased.

So, what’s changing?

Doctors and professors who teach in universities can now practise in the healthcare sector more easily, bringing their knowledge directly into real-world patient care. This means students learn from professionals who are actively working in the field, not just teaching from textbooks.

Officials say this is a win-win. Patients benefit from high-level expertise, while students gain hands-on learning and exposure to real cases.

The update is part of a bigger plan to modernise the system and make it more flexible, while still keeping strict rules in place to ensure quality and patient safety.

It also helps fresh graduates in nursing and allied health fields enter the workforce faster, supporting hospitals with more skilled professionals.

Authorities say the UAE’s strong digital systems and coordination between government entities are helping make these changes smoother and quicker to implement.


This step brings education and healthcare closer together, helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce while improving patient care across the country.


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Education

Dubai parents get relief as STS cuts transport fees amid remote learning

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Dubai-based STS Group has announced a relief measure for families by revising school transport fees for April, as students continue with distance learning and buses remain unused.

In a circular to parents, the group confirmed that a pro-rata adjustment will be applied to April transport charges to reflect the disruption to on-site schooling and the suspension of transport services.

The revised amount will be credited toward the next transport payment or adjusted against school tuition fees. Parents will also have the option to request a refund, offering added flexibility during a period of financial strain.

The move aligns with similar steps taken by other UAE school operators, as families manage the dual challenges of home-based education and rising expenses.

The decision has been welcomed as part of broader efforts within the education sector to ease the burden on parents during ongoing remote learning.


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Education

IB cancels board exams in UAE, Grade 12 students to be assessed via coursework

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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.

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