Following nearly two months of summer vacation, teachers in the UAE returned to their schools, engaging in professional development sessions focused on child protection, AI integration in classrooms, community-building, and a new planning model.
This marks the official start of responsibilities after the summer break and the beginning of the 2025–2026 academic year, with classes for all students commencing on Monday, August 25.
Khaleej Times connected with several schools to gather insights on the first day’s proceedings.
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Lisa Johnson, Principal of the American Academy for Girls (AAG), stated, “We have an exciting and full week ahead. Our staff are engaging in professional training focused on child protection, AI use in classrooms, and a new planning model being implemented this year.”
Welcome Back Breakfast
Johnson detailed that at AAG, the day started with a traditional Emirati breakfast, offering a relaxed setting for staff to reconnect post-summer break. The school also introduced this year’s guiding theme: ‘Be the Weaver,’ symbolizing how each lesson, act of care, and decision contributes to students’ holistic growth.
She added, “We reflected on this together this morning to set the tone for the upcoming year.”
Across Dubai, Brighton College Dubai welcomed back over 200 teaching, technical, and administrative staff, along with more than 25 new colleagues.
Simon Crane, Head Master, stated, “Today marks the start of our back-to-school programme, where our teachers are engaged in professional training, collaboration, and planning to ensure we provide the best education possible. This week is dedicated to refining lessons, aligning curriculum priorities, and preparing enriching experiences inside and outside the classroom.”
Staff Strength and New Hires
Similarly, Diyafah International School in Abu Dhabi is focused on preparing staff for the start of the school year.
David Flint, Principal, remarked, “Our school leadership team and external experts are leading these trainings, focusing on innovative teaching practices, student well-being, and integrating new technologies into classrooms. This year, only a small percentage of new colleagues are joining us. It’s always special to see familiar faces return, and equally exciting to welcome passionate new educators who enrich our community.”
At Uptown International School, professional development is aimed at fostering consistency across classrooms while enhancing team collaboration.
Paul Rowe, Head of Secondary, noted, “For our new and returning staff, it’s about ensuring everyone feels connected and confident, ready to deliver excellence for all our students. This professional development not only equips teachers with strategies for success but also reinforces our identity as a learning, growing, and achieving community.”
Indian Curriculum Schools
In Indian curriculum schools, teachers return a few days before students to ensure a smooth start.
Deepika Thapar Singh, Principal of Credence High School, said, “All our staff are returning from their summer break and will rejoin a few days before school reopens, ensuring they are ready to warmly welcome students after their much-needed holiday. The school currently has about 450 personnel, including faculty, administrative, and outsourced staff. Since our academic year, based on the Indian curriculum, began in April 2025, the recruitment process for new hires was completed well in advance.”
