[Editor’s Note: As students return to their second home today, Khaleej Times is out covering touching back-to-school stories, traffic updates, and increased police monitoring. Stay updated with the KT live blog for the latest news.]
Dubai’s iconic yellow school buses have once again filled the city’s streets this morning, marking the end of the two-month summer break and the start of the new academic year for many schools.
Several schools welcomed students with staggered entry times, allowing new pupils to settle in, tour the premises, and get acquainted with their classrooms and peers.
For Indian curriculum schools, this also signals the start of a new term, as their academic year typically begins in April.
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On campus, the excitement among students was palpable. Many laughed and posed with friends at vibrant welcome-back photo booths, enjoying the playful props, while others appeared a bit sleepy, lost in their own thoughts.
Conversations buzzed with holiday stories — some recounted family trips, while others shared simple, enjoyable moments from their break.
For many, the highlight was simply reuniting with friends they missed all summer.
Year 11 student of GEMS Cambridge International School, Mehreen Arfaz, said, “I am super excited to be coming back to school, though I am slightly nervous about writing my IGCSE board exams this year. I am thrilled to see my teachers and classmates. Over the summer, a lot has happened. The MoE announced a new schedule for schools. I’m thrilled about the longer December holiday. Our school implemented a new timetable, shortening lessons to 40 minutes and increasing the number of periods. I’m curious about how it will be. So, the new academic year is definitely going to be interesting.”
Mehreen Arfaz
Students noted that while adjusting to early mornings after the holidays was challenging, the school’s lively atmosphere and the excitement of progressing to a senior class made the experience welcoming.
Some felt the summer break offered a pause, and returning to routine required extra effort.
Year 5 student of DIA EH Aakash Nandi said, “Waking up was a bit challenging after late mornings during the holidays. My mom set two alarms to help. But once I was up, I felt excited. I found out my class section and discovered all four of my best friends are in the same class. This year, we’re getting school lockers for the first time. I’m looking forward to going back to school after this long break. Can’t wait to meet my friends.”
Khaleej Times was at GEMS Founders Al Barsha, where Year 7 student Caylie, a Chinese expat, shared her mix of excitement and nerves as she prepared for the new school year. “I’m excited… umm, maybe,” she said with a hint of uncertainty.
“This year is Secondary, so I know there’ll be more work, a lot of hard work.” Caylie admitted to feeling a bit anxious about the increased workload, especially in Math. “I’m a little worried about that,” she confessed. “But I’m really looking forward to meeting my friends and, especially, my new teachers,” she added.
Caylie. KT Photo: Neeraj Murali
School Readiness
Head teachers emphasized that reopening schools resulted from a week of dedicated planning, where teachers, administrative staff, and the student council collaborated to ensure a smooth and engaging start.
Shiny Davison, Principal of Woodlem School Hamidiya, said, “Induction programs for new students and staff, along with fun-filled activities, were thoughtfully organized to create a welcoming atmosphere. A special highlight is the distribution of small handouts to every child — tokens designed to serve as lasting keepsakes of their first-day experience. With the continued support of parents and the wider community, we look forward to a year enriched with learning, collaboration, and shared success.”
This morning, Sharjah schools also joyfully welcomed students back on the first day after the summer break.
Vandana Marwaha, Principal and Director of Delhi Private School, Sharjah, said, “Today is not just a return to classrooms, but a reboot — with children eagerly sharing holiday stories with teachers, and reconnecting with friends. Every corner of the school has been prepared with care, blending joy with safety, ensuring parents feel reassured while students feel inspired. This fresh chapter reminds us that learning is not just about academics, but about laughter, belonging, and new beginnings.”
