Staff
The law applies to all public and private educational institutions, from kindergarten through Grade 12, including private schools
Dubai, Dec 29, 2025: The UAE has issued a federal decree law governing the National Educational Curriculum, establishing for the first time a comprehensive legal framework for its design, approval, implementation and review.
The law applies to all public and private schools, from kindergarten through Grade 12, including private schools that follow their own curricula but teach approved compulsory subjects.
The National Education Charter will serve as the supreme reference document, defining the national objectives of education, graduate attributes, national identity, values and target competencies, while guiding curriculum development. It outlines key components, including learning standards and outcomes, teaching methods, educational pathways, study language and duration, and subjects along with their content.
The decree establishes a clear framework for classifying curriculum changes into four categories, each with defined approval authorities.
Major changes refer to wide-ranging amendments affecting the foundations of the curriculum. These require approval from the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council and ratification by the Council of Ministers. Such changes must undergo pilot programmes and full evaluation before nationwide implementation.
Partial changes include limited adjustments within specific subjects, such as modifying learning outcomes or adding or removing topics. These are approved by the Education Council.
Technical changes cover improvements related to clarity, formatting, language, and presentation, and are approved by the Ministry of Education.
Exceptional changes involve urgent adjustments made in response to national or global emergencies. These are approved by the Education Council, with reports submitted to the Council of Ministers in cases involving wide-ranging changes.
The decree also allows government, private or non-profit entities, including those operating in free zones, to propose curriculum developments or amendments. Proposals must be supported by studies demonstrating alignment with national education goals, labour market needs, national identity and societal values.
Educational institutions are responsible for implementing the curriculum, participating in pilot programmes, collecting feedback and submitting observations to the Ministry of Education. Local education authorities will monitor implementation in private schools, while the National Centre for Education Quality will evaluate quality and impact and report to the relevant authorities.
By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, the decree aims to ensure consistency and stability in the national curriculum while maintaining flexibility for future updates to meet labour market requirements.
The UAE Cabinet approved the National Education Charter following a review by the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council, ensuring alignment with national policies and strategic goals.
