The UAE’s Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council is working on a new regulatory framework to govern children’s use of social media, as part of broader efforts to create a safer and more balanced digital environment for future generations.

The initiative was discussed during a council meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Council.

Sheikh Abdullah said that regulating children’s use of social media is a national responsibility that requires clear and structured frameworks aligned with rapid technological advancements. He emphasised that these frameworks must be robust enough to protect young users while keeping pace with ongoing digital transformation.

Age-based regulations under review

According to the council, the next phase will involve careful evaluation through a phased, risk-based implementation strategy. This includes introducing age-based access regulations tailored to the developmental needs of different age groups.

The proposed approach aims to balance regulation with empowerment, ensuring children can benefit from modern technologies while being safeguarded from potential risks.

Cross-sector coordination

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of strengthening community awareness and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The framework is expected to involve collaboration across social, technical, educational, security, media and health sectors to ensure an integrated and effective approach.

Officials said the initiative is part of wider national efforts to promote digital safety for children. Discussions also covered the development of education policies and curricula, as well as the results of students’ standardised assessments.

The council underscored the need for responsible digital engagement, stressing that future policies must combine appropriate safeguards with education and awareness to support children’s well-being in an increasingly connected world.

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.