UAE: Abolition of homework from kindergarten to grade two

The UAE Minister of Education and Knowledge, Sarah Al Amiri, announced the cancellation of homework for kindergarten students through Grade 2, as part of updates for the 2026–2027 academic year. This step reflects a shift toward reorganizing educational practices in early grades, with greater emphasis on learning within the school environment, in line with the age-specific characteristics and needs of students at this stage.

Speaking during a press briefing today, Al Amiri stated that the decision aims to alleviate academic burdens on students in the foundational stages, granting them broader opportunities to learn through classroom activities and practices, without assigning additional academic tasks after the school day ends. This approach promotes a balance between learning requirements and children’s needs for growth, interaction, rest, family time, and social activities.

This initiative places the quality of classroom instruction and teaching practices at the forefront of the learning process, reinforcing the school’s and teachers’ responsibility to solidify core skills and knowledge during school hours, particularly reading, writing, and mathematics. The decision also focuses on building a strong educational foundation for students in their early school years, rather than relying on homework as a mandatory extension of the educational process.