Pupils in years 5 to 12 at government schools in the UAE can opt to wear the traditional Emirati kandura in place of uniforms from next week.
However, from next year, when the new academic term begins, the national dress will become the mandatory uniform for male pupils.
The announcement was made by the Emirates Schools Establishment.
“Male [pupils] from the fifth grade and above have the option to wear the national dress after a survey and guardians' requests,” the schools regulator said.
Along with the kandura, pupils can also wear the headscarf, known as ghutra.
Previously, pupils at government schools were able to wear the kandura on campus before the Ministry of Education introduced school uniforms in 2019.
The old rule stated that all pupils at government schools across the country would have to wear a standardised line of uniform, available at a fixed price, in an effort to reduce the financial burden on parents.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Future Technology and chairman of Emirates Schools Establishment, said the new order regarding national dress came after many requests from parents.
”Following the requests and wishes of parents, the national dress for male [pupils] in [years 5 to 12] will be an option,” she said.
“Joint efforts with parents will achieve our government’s vision in this sector.”
Last month, ESE announced that all pupils in UAE public schools would have to purchase new uniforms for the beginning of the academic year.
From years 9 to 12, boys who do not wear a kandura are expected to wear a formal white shirt — long or short-sleeved — and dark blue trousers.
The sports uniform consists of a white and dark blue T-shirt and dark blue sports trousers.
Girls' uniforms were also updated to a white shirt with long trousers. Ties were removed from the uniform after the update.
Pupils return to UAE schools after summer break — in pictures
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Pupils at The Indian High School, the UAE's largest school, return to class after the summer holidays on Monday. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pupils and staff will be required to wear masks indoors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Masks are not required outside. Pawan Singh / The National -
Most of the country's pupils returned to school on Monday, while others are expected to start later in the week. Pawan Singh / The National -
A flash mob made up of high school pupils dances at one school during a welcoming ceremony. Pawan Singh / The National -
Pupils attend the first assembly at The Indian High School in Oud Metha, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Dubai British School pupils arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Dubai British School pupils arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Dubai British School pupils arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils from Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi on their first day of classes after the summer break. Victor Besa / The National -
Children arrive for the first day of school after the summer holidays at Dubai British School. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Parents drop off their children at Dubai British School after the long summer break. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Many pupils were up before 6am to catch the school bus. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Parents see off their children before classes begin on Monday. Victor Besa / The National -
Pupils at Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi returned to school on Monday. Victor Besa / The National -
A young pupil greets a member of staff on the first day of school at Al Mamoura Academy. Victor Besa / The National -
Head teachers expressed their excitement at having children back on campus. Victor Besa / The National -
Children in class on the first day of school at Dubai British School. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A child arrives at Dubai British School. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Kephren Sherry, head of primary at Citizens School Dubai, dressed up as superman while principal Tracy Moxley wore a Batman costume and director of learning Janice Butterworth put on a Ninja Turtle costume.
