Parents planning to enrol their children in British curriculum schools in the UAE now have added flexibility for the 2026–2027 academic year, but it comes with important conditions.

The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that children who do not turn three by the start of the academic year may still be considered for Foundation Stage 1 (FS1), provided they meet specific criteria.

What’s Changed?

Previously, the age cut-off for FS1 admissions was August 31. That cut-off has now been extended to December 31.

Under the updated rule:

• Children born between September 1 and December 31 may undergo a school-led readiness assessment
• The assessment will be conducted after consultation with parents
• Placement will depend on the child’s developmental readiness

For the 2026–2027 academic year only, parents and schools can jointly decide whether FS1 or FS2 is the most suitable option for children born between September 1 and December 31, 2022, based on the school’s evaluation.

Important: No Grade Transfers Later

The Ministry clarified that once a child is enrolled in a grade, they cannot be moved to another grade later. This makes the initial placement decision particularly important for parents.

What About Other Curricula?

The Ministry also addressed concerns affecting other curricula, especially for children born between September 1 and December 31, 2021, who were not eligible for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Those students will now be able to register in Kindergarten 1 (KG1) for the 2026–2027 academic year.

What Parents Should Do Next

If your child falls within the September–December birth window:

• Speak directly with your shortlisted school
• Ask about the readiness assessment criteria
• Consider developmental milestones carefully before confirming placement

With no option to shift grades later, this year’s flexibility offers opportunity, but also requires careful planning.

If you’ve got kids in public school, here’s something to plan around this Ramadan.

The UAE’s Ministry of Education has confirmed that public school students will study remotely every Friday during the holy month. The move, part of the “Ramadan with Family” initiative, is designed to give families more time together while maintaining academic progress.

Teaching staff will continue working on campus, and parents who prefer in-person attendance can still send their children to school, but transport arrangements will be their responsibility.

With reduced working hours also announced for both public and private sectors, Ramadan schedules across the UAE are officially shifting.

How It Will Work

• Students: Distance learning every Friday during Ramadan
• Teaching staff: Required to work on-site at schools
• Optional in-person attendance: Parents may choose to send their children to school, but must arrange their own transportation

The Ministry confirmed that schools will provide flexibility for families who prefer classroom attendance, though transport will not be provided.

‘Ramadan with Family’ Initiative

The programme aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Family and aims to integrate educational, developmental and value-based activities into students’ routines.

A comprehensive guidance manual will be launched, featuring joint educational activities derived from the school curriculum. These activities are designed to:

• Support students’ academic progress
• Reinforce the spiritual and social values of Ramadan
• Strengthen family bonds
• Promote a sense of community

Reduced Working Hours Across the UAE

The announcement comes alongside broader Ramadan work-hour adjustments across the country.

• Private sector: Working hours reduced by two hours per day. Companies may implement flexible or remote work schedules where appropriate.
• Public sector:
  • Monday to Thursday: 9am to 2:30pm
  • Friday: 9am to 12pm
    (Except for roles requiring alternative arrangements.)

More Ramadan-related guidelines are expected to be announced by relevant authorities in the coming weeks.

Parents in Abu Dhabi will need to rethink lunchboxes from the 2025/26 academic year after the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) introduced strict new food rules for schools.

Under the new policy, a wide range of foods and drinks are banned on school grounds, including items brought from home.

What foods are banned

The ADEK “red list” includes:

• Deep-fried foods such as falafel, samosas, fried chicken and fries
• Sweets including cakes, doughnuts, candy and chocolate with less than 50% cocoa
• Ice cream and high-sugar desserts
• Soft drinks — including diet and zero-calorie sodas
• Energy drinks, sports drinks, iced coffees and sweetened teas
• Processed meats such as hot dogs, mortadella, salami, pepperoni, and smoked turkey
• High-calorie sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise and ranch
• Pickled vegetables
• Foods containing artificial dyes, MSG, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners
• All nuts, sesame seeds and soy products due to allergy concerns

Even zero-sugar sodas have been prohibited due to concerns over sweeteners and a lack of nutritional value.

Why these foods are banned

ADEK says the changes aim to improve students’ health, concentration and overall well-being. Schools were warned that certain foods can contribute to:

• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration
• Sleep disruption
• Weight management issues
• Long-term health risks linked to high sodium and saturated fats

What foods are allowed

Some favourites can stay, with healthier tweaks.

• Oven-baked or air-fried versions of falafel and similar dishes are permitted
• Water, sparkling water and unsweetened fruit-infused water are encouraged
• Unflavoured milk and unsweetened yoghurt are allowed
• Lean grilled meats and fish are preferred over processed meats
• Fresh vegetables instead of pickled options
• Low-sugar, portion-controlled whole-grain baked goods

When do the new rules start

Schools have been instructed to comply starting from the Autumn term of the 2025/26 academic year.

The authority emphasised that schools play a key role in promoting healthy eating habits, and parents will now be expected to align with the new guidelines when preparing packed lunches.