More than one million pupils across the Emirates embarked on a new school year on Monday.
For many children, it was a chance to reunite with friends and teachers after a long summer break.
For others, it marked a memorable first day in class in the UAE – and the start of their education journey.
Fresh faces
About 600 pupils started their first day at the Dwight School Dubai on Monday.
David Huston, the headmaster at the school, said that the new academic year was exciting because there are no Covid rules in place for the first time in years.
“For starters, this academic year is pure excitement because we haven't got Covid,” he said.
“We have all of our students on campus, and we are ready to go.
“We've had the whole week to prepare our staff, our teachers, and I think we got to about Thursday last week, and we just wanted the students in, to be honest.”
The school had a new student induction on Friday, allowing newcomers to familiarise themselves with their teachers and study material.
Salma Youssef, an Egyptian pupil in year 9, said she looked forward to a new academic year because it now felt “normal” without any Covid restrictions.
“I think it’s exciting because we have more freedom for field trips,” she said.
Pupil well-being still key
Despite elation at beginning the school year without face masks for the first time since before the pandemic, many schools are still keeping high standards when it comes to health precautions.
"Our facilities have undergone rigorous sanitisation and we will continue to adhere to the health guidelines set by GEMS Education and the local authorities, including safeguarding our students," said Fatima Martin, principal at Gems New Millennium School in Al Khail.
Preparations also extended to the refurbishment of certain areas to be enjoyed by the 2,500 pupils heading back to school for the new academic year.
"This term, our students can look forward to a great addition to our infrastructure, beginning with a completely refurbished foyer.
"We eagerly anticipate the adventures and accomplishments that the upcoming term holds and are looking forward to the smiling faces lighting up our campus once more.”
Mixed emotions for pupils
In Motor City, Syeda Eeman Hussain, a year 12 pupil from Pakistan, said she is keen to see old friends and welcome some new ones.
"I am eagerly looking forward to reuniting with old friends and getting to hear all about their summer holiday, and hopefully making the new students at my school feel welcome," said the pupil at Gems Metropole School
"The most challenging part was definitely adjusting my sleep schedule after the long summer slumber. However, the thought of getting back into the regular school routine with my friends pushed me to overcome the challenges"
Romanian pupil Stefania Paunescu said the first day back was filled with different emotions but ultimately she was delighted to see her friends again.
"I have a mix of emotions. Very happy, but a bit nervous," said the year 8 pupil studying at Gems World Academy in Abu Dhabi.
"I love the summer break, it’s the same routine, so I’m glad to be back. One of the joys of going back to school is reuniting with friends and making new friends to hang out and create new memories together."
Safety measures
School leaders and police have put action plans in place to ensure a safe return to studies on a key day in the academic calendar.
Road traffic was expected to surge as tens of thousands of parents got behind the wheel for the busy back-to-school commute.
Road safety was a major concern for authorities on Monday morning, with congested roads raising the prospect of an increased number of accidents.
A major UAE-wide initiative was launched last week that promised motorists the deduction of four black points if they signed a pledge agreeing to obey traffic laws and were not involved in a road incident on Monday.
Participating drivers are expected to avoid speeding, maintain safe distances and exercise caution while changing lanes and overtaking.
Some schools also offered flexible start times to ease traffic build-up and cut travel times.
President Sheikh Mohamed delivered a message of support to the UAE's growing school population on the eve of the new term.
“I extend my best wishes for a successful academic year to all students, teachers, and parents,” President Sheikh Mohamed said.
“Together, you continue to ensure that educational excellence is an investment in our nation's future and a foundation for developing lifelong learners in and out of school.”
