Sheikh Mohamed welcomes UAE students back to school

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has welcomed students, teachers and parents across the UAE as more than 1.27 million pupils returned to classrooms for the start of the new academic year.

In a message marking the first day of school, the UAE President described children as the country’s “true wealth” and encouraged students to begin the year with ambition, optimism and determination.

More than 1.2 million students return

More than 1,180 public and private schools across the UAE reopened their doors as the new academic year began.

Several new schools also opened across the Emirates, reflecting continued growth in the country’s education sector.

The return to classrooms comes after a previous academic year that was significantly disrupted by the Iran war, giving this year’s first day of school an added sense of optimism and renewal.

Sheikh Mohamed calls students the future of the nation

In an audio message, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated students, teachers, administrators and parents.

He encouraged young people to read, continue learning and remain connected to their national identity.

The President also stressed that students must prepare for a rapidly changing world by developing future-ready skills and learning how to use artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in a positive and responsible way.

His message positioned education as more than academic achievement.

For Sheikh Mohamed, it is also about preparing young people to adapt, think independently and contribute to the future of the UAE.

Families and schools must work together

The President also highlighted the importance of cooperation between parents and teachers.

He called on families and schools to work together to develop creative and engaged young people who feel a strong connection to their country.

That partnership, he said, is essential for encouraging lifelong learning while reinforcing values and national identity.

Sheikh Mohammed speaks of “new dreams”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also shared a message for the beginning of the school year.

He described the return to classrooms as bringing new energy and new dreams for children across the country.

Sheikh Mohammed told students that the UAE’s future is built through their classrooms, studies and knowledge.

He also praised teachers for their role in developing talent, confidence and ideas, while describing parents as the first partners in every child’s educational journey.

Teachers urged to encourage curiosity

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, focused on the influence of educators.

He encouraged teachers and school administrators to give students space to ask questions, explore ideas and develop their ambitions.

Their impact, he noted, can remain with students for many years and help shape the generation that will eventually contribute to the country’s future.

Sheikha Fatima highlights national values

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, also described children as one of the UAE’s greatest assets.

She encouraged students to remain connected to the values and identity of the country while using knowledge, creativity and education to pursue their ambitions.

She also urged young people to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles.

Education goes beyond the classroom

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, described education as a broader process of human development.

Academic success remains important, but students must also develop life skills, future skills, responsibility and a strong sense of national identity.

He also encouraged young people to use new technologies consciously and to think carefully about the paths they want to pursue in the future.

A new academic year begins with ambition

The first day of school has become an important national moment in the UAE, bringing together messages from the country’s leadership around education, technology and identity.

This year, the message is especially clear: students are being encouraged not only to succeed academically, but also to become curious, adaptable and responsible members of society.

With more than 1.27 million pupils returning to classrooms, the new academic year begins with a renewed focus on the generation that UAE leaders see as central to the country’s future.