UAE Sets New Standard for Schools With First-Ever National Curriculum Law

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Federal decree law now governs the design, approval, and implementation of the UAE’s national educational curriculum for all schools.

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The UAE is taking education to the next level. For the first time, a federal decree law now regulates the National Educational Curriculum, giving schools clear guidance on what and how students should learn from kindergarten to Grade 12.

This applies to all public and private schools, even those that don’t fully follow the national curriculum but teach approved core subjects.

National Education Charter: The Rulebook

At the heart of this law is the National Education Charter, the “supreme reference document” for schools. It sets out:

  • National educational objectives and student competencies

  • Graduate attributes and national identity

  • Core values and targeted learning outcomes

Basically, it tells schools what students should know, what skills they should develop, and how they should learn it.

What the Law Covers

The decree law clearly defines:

  • Curriculum structure, subjects, and educational content

  • Teaching methods and pathways

  • Language of instruction and learning duration

  • Roles and responsibilities of federal, local, and school authorities

  • How the curriculum is designed, approved, implemented, and updated

It also ensures that the curriculum remains consistent and stable, while still flexible enough to adjust to labor market needs in the future.

Moving UAE Education Forward

The UAE Cabinet approved the National Education Charter after coordination with the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council. The council ensures that the national curriculum aligns with broader national policies and strategic goals.

The law marks a major step toward standardized, high-quality education across the UAE, giving students a clear, consistent path from their first school days to graduation.