1.27 million UAE students head back to school as families reset routines

More than 1.27 million students across the UAE are heading back to school today as more than 1,180 schools reopen their doors for the new academic year.

For many families, Monday marks the return of early mornings, packed school bags and school runs after weeks of summer holidays. Some schools are staggering their return, with kindergartners, new admissions and parents attending orientations, while senior students on some campuses return later.

The return to school is here, with families adjusting from relaxed summer lie-ins to earlier starts, settling first-day jitters and preparing children for the months ahead.

But this morning is not simply about getting back to class. Students are returning to a school year that brings several significant changes, including no traditional homework for pupils from kindergarten to grade 2, tighter controls on digital devices for grade 6 students in public schools, expanded Arabic-language assessments and changes to how students are evaluated and taught.

For parents, much of the first-day preparation starts at home, with routines being re-established and children reassured about what lies ahead.

Neha Bhagwat, who works in a school’s administrative department, says one of the best ways to keep organised during school time is to establish a consistent morning routine.

Her morning starts 30 minutes before her children wake up, giving her some time alone with a hot cuppa. She then makes them breakfast every morning, which they eat together, before heading upstairs for showers and getting ready for school.

For Bhagwat, this year's return to school also carries an added emotional dimension, with one of her sons entering Year 6 and taking on a leadership role.

“I have two boys going into Year 6 and Year 10, and my younger son is also starting the year as his primary school’s house captain. I had been talking to both of them, and they seemed quite excited. After a long summer, they’re looking forward to seeing their friends, getting back into a routine and having the structure and discipline that comes with an active school year.

“But my younger one is also a little nervous because this is his last year of primary school, and being house captain comes with added responsibility. He’ll have to work with his housemates and think about how he can make the year better for them. I’ve been reassuring him and reminding him that he doesn’t have to have everything figured out from day one.”

That balance between excitement and nerves is something many parents recognise on the first morning.

Bhagwat believes parents can help by making children feel prepared rather than overwhelmed, particularly by getting the practical details sorted before school begins.

“As parents, I think it’s important that we help children feel prepared and positive about the start of the year. I’ve been asking my boys to go to bed early for the past week, and we’ve also been getting their uniforms, bags and stationery ready so that the mornings are smoother.

“If parents show that they are organised and in control, that confidence rubs off on the children. Being present, preparing together and sharing their excitement can really help.”

For 10-year-old students, too, the return can be a mix of reluctance and anticipation. Dubai mother Mona Haddad said her son struggled with the early start but quickly became excited once he was ready.