Students in Dubai can save up to 50 per cent on public transport fares under a new all-in-one student card that also provides access to discounts and benefits across the UAE and more than 130 countries.

The New Dubai Student Card has been launched by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Knowledge Park and the International Student Identity Card Association (ISIC).

The card combines three functions: student identification, nol public transport services and internationally recognised ISIC student status. It is designed to make everyday travel and student life more convenient while extending access to local and international offers.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA’s Corporate Technology Services Sector, said the initiative had been developed in partnership with educational institutions across Dubai to support students throughout their academic journey.

He outlined four areas of benefits available through the card:

• On campus: Student identification through participating educational institutions.
• Around Dubai: Access to RTA public transport services with student fare discounts of up to 50 per cent.
• Every day: Student discounts, offers and benefits across the UAE.
• While travelling: Access to more than 150,000 ISIC benefits across over 130 countries.

Through its ISIC affiliation, the card offers access to deals covering travel, accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping and education.

The New Dubai Student Card will be introduced in phases. Educational institutions interested in participating can apply through the official website, www.dubaistudentcard.ae.

Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of Policies, Research and Programmes at KHDA, said the initiative would make everyday experiences more seamless while expanding students’ access to opportunities.

He added that the card would support a more connected and enriching student journey while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global destination for education and talent.

Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park, part of TECOM Group, said the integrated solution would bring together student identification, mobility and exclusive benefits in Dubai and internationally.

The initiative aims to simplify access to transport services and student discounts, offering learners a more connected experience while studying in the emirate.

The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) is underway at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15, bringing together book lovers, authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from around the globe. Held under the theme “Made of Stories,” this year’s edition celebrates the enduring power of literature, storytelling, and cultural exchange.
On Monday, November 9, thousands of students from across the UAE visited the fair, exploring vast collections of books and participating in hands-on educational activities. Their energetic presence highlighted SIBF’s vital role in nurturing reading habits and creative thinking among younger generations.
Interactive Learning & Educational Zones
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the 12-day event features 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, displaying approximately 1.7 million titles. To enrich the student experience, SIBF introduced the Future Hands District, an interactive space where youth can explore different career paths through practical simulations.
Visitors can also enjoy more than 1,500 cultural and creative activities, including:

• Interactive Workshops: Drama, STEM, puppet shows, and digital animation masterclasses.
• Poets’ Corner: A creative pavilion where students’ personal stories are transformed into customized poems by resident writers.
• Author Sessions: Panel discussions with global writers such as sci-fi author Nnedi Okorafor, novelist Zoulfa Katouh, and local Emirati literary figures.

Oman as Guest of Honour & Genre Highlights
A major draw for visiting school groups is the pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman, the Guest of Honour for 2026. Featuring a 50-member delegation of writers, poets, and performers, the pavilion offers live poetry recitals, traditional crafts, and dedicated youth workshops.
Additionally, older students and literary fans enjoyed the fifth edition of the Thriller Festival (November 7–10), featuring masterclasses with international mystery and crime authors.
Beyond serving readers, the fair hosts industry gatherings like the Sharjah International Library Conference, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a global capital for literature, education, and cultural development.

Students in the UAE who received their Class 12 board results under a special assessment scheme will have another opportunity to sit exams in subjects that were cancelled earlier this year.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) said examinations would be held in 40 subjects, comprising 20 academic and 20 skill-based subjects.

The exams will cover students in seven West Asian countries: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The CBSE had cancelled examinations in these countries because of the prevailing situation. On 27 March, it introduced a special assessment scheme to prepare results for affected students.

Results for regular candidates in the Middle East were announced on 13 May, alongside those for Class 12 students in India and overseas. Results for private candidates from the affected countries were released later under the same scheme.

The latest decision follows a ruling by India’s Supreme Court. Further details, including the examination schedule and registration process, are expected to be announced by the CBSE.