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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

CBSE extends Class 12 answer sheet request deadline again after portal glitches

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  1. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has once again extended the deadline for Class 12 students to apply for scanned copies of their evaluated answer sheets following ongoing technical issues affecting the online portal.

The board confirmed that the application deadline, originally scheduled to close on May 24, has been extended to midnight on May 25, 2026.

The move comes after several students reported difficulties completing applications after the introduction of a new on-screen marking and post-result processing system. Many candidates said payments were deducted even though their requests were not successfully submitted.

According to CBSE, the extension is intended to give students additional time while technical issues continue to be addressed.

The board also announced that the schedule for re-evaluation requests will be released separately and added that the portal will remain open for at least two days after the final scanned answer sheets become available.

The board said students affected by payment errors will receive refunds directly through their original payment methods. Candidates who paid less than the required amount will be contacted separately regarding balance payments.

CBSE also clarified that scanned copies of evaluated answer sheets will still be issued without students needing to submit fresh applications.

The ministry has also sought a detailed report into the technical failures, including server downtime and operational shortcomings, as scrutiny over the examination process continues.

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Education

Dubai freezes private school fees for academic year 2026–27

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The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that private school fees across Dubai will remain unchanged for the 2026–27 academic year following a leadership directive aimed at supporting families and maintaining stability in the education sector.

The decision was issued under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and comes as part of wider measures designed to strengthen Dubai’s private education system while easing financial pressure on parents.

The announcement follows approval of Dubai’s second economic incentives package worth Dh1.5 billion, bringing the total value of recent support measures introduced across the emirate to Dh2.5 billion.

Financial support for schools and nurseries

As part of the latest package, private schools regulated by KHDA will receive several forms of operational support, including deferred licence renewal fees and delayed payment of fines.

Early childhood centres will also benefit from exemptions on licence renewal fees, fines and Dubai Municipality market fees.

Additional support from Knowledge Fund Establishment will include partial rent exemptions and extended rent-free periods for centres currently under development.

Authorities said the measures are intended to help education providers maintain operational stability while ensuring families continue to have access to affordable learning options.

Stability for families

Officials said the fee freeze and support measures aim to balance the needs of both families and education providers while reinforcing long-term confidence in Dubai’s education system.

Additional measures announced include temporary freezes on rent increases, deferred rental payments and suspension of certain contractual penalties for education institutions

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Education

KHDA and Parkin team up to make school parking faster and more affordable

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Parking around schools in Dubai could soon become far less stressful after the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) signed a major new partnership with Parkin Company PJSC to simplify parking subscriptions across the emirate.

The new collaboration introduces a digitally integrated system designed to make parking applications faster, smoother, and more convenient for students, teachers, and educational staff.

Goodbye paperwork, hello instant verification

Until now, applicants had to rely on:

  • Manual approvals from schools
  • Document submissions
  • Eligibility checks handled separately

Under the new system, KHDA and Parkin will integrate their platforms to allow real-time eligibility verification, dramatically reducing administrative steps while maintaining strict data privacy standards.

Parking discounts of up to 80%

The initiative also includes heavily discounted parking packages for educational institutions and students:

  • Dh100 per month
  • Dh1,000 annually

According to Parkin, this represents savings of up to 80% compared to standard parking subscriptions.

Support beyond just parking

The company said the partnership also strengthens support around schools during:

  • Peak pick-up and drop-off times
  • School events
  • High-traffic periods

For parents, teachers, and students navigating Dubai’s busy school zones, the latest move could mean one thing: less paperwork, smoother parking, and fewer daily headaches.

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