UAE: Elimination of Homework for Kindergarten Students up to Grade 2 - Sarmad

The UAE’s Minister of Education, Sarah Al Amiri, announced during the ministry’s media briefing today the elimination 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 and placing greater emphasis on learning within the school environment, aligned with the developmental characteristics and needs of students at this stage.

The decision aims to reduce academic burdens on students in 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, and family and social activities.

This initiative places the school hour and the quality of classroom practices at the forefront of the learning process, reinforcing the responsibility of schools and teachers to solidify fundamental skills and knowledge during the school day, particularly reading, writing, and mathematics. It 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.