Iconic Yellow Buses Return
After a nearly two-month summer hiatus, the iconic yellow school buses have resumed their routes across the UAE, transporting thousands of students back to school this morning.
The return of these familiar buses signifies the end of summer break and the commencement of a new school year for over a million students nationwide.
Photo: Nasreen Abdulla
A New Term Begins
Today, the gates of Second of December School in Al Twar, Dubai, opened, heralding the start of a fresh term. The campus was alive with the energy of returning students, eager to embrace new lessons, challenges, and memories.
Among them was Omar AbdulKhader, who bid farewell to his mother before diving back into the world of books and dreams.
Photo: Shihab
The day promises to be filled with moments of fresh beginnings and growth.
Photo: Shihab
Photo: Shihab
Excitement in the Air!
This morning, excitement was evident outside Al Sadiq Islamic English School in Al Qusais as children awaited the opening of the school gates, signifying the start of a new academic year. As the hour approached, the parking lot filled quickly with parents opting to drive their children on the first day.
KT Photo: Waheed Abbas
Inside, the school buzzed with activity as teachers prepared for the day ahead, some carrying supplies, others setting up classrooms.
Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
Traffic Jams from Sharjah to Dubai
At 6am, roads from Sharjah to Dubai were already congested with back-to-school traffic. Major routes like Al Ittihad Road and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road saw heavy traffic as parents and students made their way for the first school day after summer.
By 5.45am, congestion began, escalating by 6.30am as traffic slowed to a crawl. Commuters faced a slow journey amid the back-to-school rush.
In contrast, Dubai’s internal roads remained mostly smooth, with minor slowdowns near school zones.
New Academic Year Commences
UAE schools reopen today after a two-month summer break, launching the 2025-26 academic year with significant changes, including a unified school calendar, updated Arabic and Islamic studies curricula, and the introduction of the first AI syllabus.
It’s a bustling morning in schools and on roads. Khaleej Times provides live updates from the ground, with journalists at schools, monitoring traffic, and covering volunteer efforts across the city.
From bustling corridors to rush-hour traffic, follow this live blog for real-time visuals, updates, and all you need to know as students return.
