Education

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

Published

12 months ago

March 18, 2025

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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)

Education

Indian board exams cancelled in UAE: What ICSE and ISC students need to know

Published

4 days ago

March 13, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has officially cancelled the 2026 ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) board examinations for all centres in the UAE, according to a circular sent to school principals on Thursday.

The announcement follows earlier notices issued on March 1, March 3, and March 6, 2026, which had already postponed the exams scheduled between March 2 and March 14 for CISCE-affiliated schools across the UAE.

After conducting a thorough review of the situation, CISCE said the decision was made in consultation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. The board confirmed that both the previously postponed exams and all remaining papers scheduled from March 16 to April 6 have now been cancelled.

Authorities stated that the move was taken due to the security situation in the region, prioritising the safety and well-being of students, exam staff, and school communities.

For students in the UAE, results will now be prepared using an alternative assessment mechanism. CISCE said detailed guidelines on how marks will be calculated will be announced soon.

The board also clarified that students who are not satisfied with their marks under the alternative assessment system will have the option to appear for a 2026 Improvement Examination after results are declared.

School principals across the UAE have been instructed to inform students, parents, and staff about the exam cancellation and the upcoming assessment process.

Education

Sharjah delays new academic year for Indian, Pakistani schools to March 30

Published

2 weeks ago

March 6, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced that the start of the 2026–2027 academic year for private schools following Indian and Pakistani curricula in Sharjah has been postponed.

According to a circular issued to schools on Thursday, students will now begin classes on March 30, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled March 23.

Remote exams scheduled

SPEA said students may sit for examinations remotely between March 9 and March 12.

The authority explained that the decision came after requests from schools submitted through the Council of School Principals, and after reviewing the justifications provided by school administrations.

Temporary guidelines for schools

The authority also issued new instructions regarding school access for staff and parents.

Some administrative and teaching staff may be present on campus, but their number must not exceed 15 employees and should be limited to operational needs.

Parents will also be allowed to visit schools to collect uniforms and books, but only according to numbers and schedules set by the school administrations.

Schools asked to update parents

SPEA has asked school administrations to make the necessary internal arrangements and inform students and parents about the revised schedule.

The move aims to ensure smooth preparations before the start of the new academic year.

Education

UAE students face disruption as CBSE cancels Class 10 exams, postpones Class 12 test

Published

2 weeks ago

March 6, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled several Class 10 board examinations in the Middle East and postponed a Class 12 exam scheduled for March 7, citing the prevailing situation in parts of the region.

In a circular dated March 5, the board informed school principals across the region, including UAE that all Class 10 board exams scheduled between March 7 and March 11 have been cancelled.

Earlier postponed exams also cancelled

The board also confirmed that Class 10 exams originally scheduled for March 2, March 5 and March 6, which had earlier been postponed, have now been officially cancelled.

CBSE said the method for declaring Class 10 results for students in the region will be announced later.

The decision comes amid ongoing regional escalations.

Class 12 exam postponed

Meanwhile, the Class 12 examination scheduled for Saturday, March 7, has been postponed, with revised dates to be announced later.

CBSE said it will review the situation on March 7 before issuing further instructions regarding Class 12 exams scheduled from March 9 onward.

Students have been advised to stay in close contact with their schools and follow official announcements carefully.

Exams began in February

The CBSE board examinations began on February 17 and were taken by thousands of students worldwide.

This year’s exam cycle marks the first time CBSE introduced a dual-exam system, allowing students to take the board exam twice in the same academic year to improve their scores.

First attempt (February): Mandatory
Second attempt (May): Optional for score improvement

Previously, students had only one chance to take board exams in March each year.

New evaluation system

The board has also introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) for evaluating Class 12 answer sheets, a digital assessment method aimed at making the marking process faster, more transparent and more consistent.

Further updates on exam schedules and evaluation procedures will be announced after the board reviews the evolving situation in the region.