Primary and Secondary Education in the United Arab Emirates
A 12-year system of education is in effect, with children starting school at age 6.
- Education is compulsory for all children from the age of six to eighteen (Grades 1-12).
- Elementary Education (basic education) is 5 years (ages 6-10) Grades 1-5.
- Lower Secondary Education (intermediate education) is 4 years (ages 11-14) Grades 6-9
- Upper Secondary Education is 3 years (ages 15-18) Grades 10-12. At this stage school lasts for six hours per day
The academic year runs from September to June at public schools. Since 2010, there are three semesters comprising 180 days of instruction with a three-week break in December and a two-week break in March. Schools are closed for most of July and August. Friday and Saturday are weekly days off.
In the smaller, northern emirates, the federal Ministry of Education (MOE) supervises all forms of education, from elementary school to university. The emirates also have their own regulatory authorities, such as Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
Private schools in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, likewise, fall under the purview of ADEK and KHDA, while they are overseen by the federal MOE in the other emirates.
After completion of Grade 12, students in public and private schools that follow the national curriculum sit for a nationwide external examination. Successful candidates are awarded the General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihiyya or Thanawiyya Al-A’ama).
Grade conversion scale for UAE:
Grade Scale |
U.S. Grade Equivalence |
90-100 |
A |
80-89 |
B+ |
70-79 |
B |
60-69 |
C |
| 0-59 | F |
Credentials:
- General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihiyya or Thanawiyya Al-A’ama)
