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.

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.

Private schools in Dubai will operate on a shortened school day during Ramadan, with lessons capped at a maximum of five hours, under new guidance issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The authority said the adjusted schedule is designed to respect the spirit of the holy month while ensuring continuity in learning and reducing pressure on both students and teachers.

Fasting students excused from PE classes

As part of the guidance, KHDA said fasting students should be excused from physical education classes throughout Ramadan, citing health and safety considerations.

Schools are expected to provide suitable alternative learning activities for students who are exempted from PE lessons during this period.

Earlier finish on Fridays

KHDA also confirmed that on Fridays, private schools must end the school day no later than 11.30am, allowing students and staff sufficient time to attend Friday prayers.

Parents’ input encouraged

In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between schools and families, KHDA urged private schools to consider parents’ views when setting daily start and finish times during Ramadan. The authority said this approach supports flexible learning arrangements and helps families better manage daily routines during the holy month.

Supporting a balanced school environment

KHDA said the measures are intended to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that reflects the social, health and religious values observed in the UAE during Ramadan.