Some UAE schools are moving away from the age-old model of traditional classrooms and subjects in a bid to reform education, revamp learning and properly prepare pupils for the future.
Considering it outdated by today's standards, they no longer want to mirror the system of separating subjects or having pupils sitting behind desks memorising what they have been taught.
Now, some UAE schools are ensuring children aged four-18 learn through working on projects, giving pupils industry experience through internships and using an interdisciplinary approach whereby subjects are combined.
It’s about taking what's happening around the world and bringing it into the class, and that becomes the curriculum
Asha Alexander,
Gems Legacy School
The trend in the UAE follows a global movement. In Greece, for example, educators are working on transforming schools to focus on projects more intensively, adopt vocational training and integrate a new curriculum using artificial intelligence.
And, while Finland’s educational system is considered among the world's best, the country is struggling with the overdigitalisation of classrooms and working towards reform. Proposals include cutting mobile phone use to reduce disruption.
Interdisciplinary learning
At Gems Legacy School in Dubai, sustainability and climate action are taught through every subject in the curriculum. Asha Alexander, the school's principal, said the focus was on teaching pupils about different topics and how to solve real-world problems rather than restricting them to subject-based learning.
"We are not trying to teach subjects to children. It’s about taking what's happening around the world and bringing it into the class, and that becomes the curriculum," she said. “There are lots of things going on and we bring them into the classroom and then connect our physics, our maths, our chemistry and our English with what is going on around the world."
For example, pupils trying to solve a food-waste problem would use data management and analytical skills to create pie charts and graphs while also making presentations where they use their language skills.
The argument is that subject-based learning can be restrictive and problem-solving generally requires skill sets from a variety of specialisms, so a broader approach is more useful. This was touted by The HP Futures report, published in September.
"By combining subjects, we can help encourage pupils' creativity and allow them to work in new and innovative ways," said Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes. “The majority of schools are still separating subjects but this is an intriguing new area for the classroom of the future and I expect that we'll see more schools investigating that, for sure."
There is, however, one key problem: exams. Schools can only modernise so far, Ms Alexander said, while boards stick to pupils being examined based on subjects to achieve their qualifications.
Breaking with tradition
Finland is famous for its innovative approach to education which includes little or no homework, no formal schooling until the age of seven and short school days.
The country has not abolished subjects but in 2016 shook up its core curriculum for basic education by introducing project-based learning, which meant children had to collaborate and work on topics. This was an attempt to teach children skills they could use later in life, while pupils were also encouraged to use technology for research.
In a similar move, Greek public schools are undergoing a major reform and will soon introduce project-based learning. The transformation will be implemented in the next four years and will revamp some school subjects with more focus on language and literature education. Pupils will be required to read a minimum of two books every year, not just excerpts.
In Dubai, pupils at Citizens School follow timetables, have a core curriculum and sit exams but also follow a project-based learning approach. Year five pupils at the school are currently working on a business model for an open-top city bus tour. They will chalk the route map, plan how to market it, work out the costs and estimate the profits.
“A lot of schools teach the content and then stop and the learner only knows the content they have to remember for exams," said David Lees, acting principal at Citizens School Dubai. "We're trying to not stop there but to get learners to investigate."
Taking learning outside the classroom
Head teachers in the Emirates are also breaking from tradition by moving children out of their classrooms, into more inspiring spaces. “Gone are the days where you have a set classroom, rigid desks and children sitting behind desks all day,” said Mr Lees.
Mamoura British Academy in Abu Dhabi has created different learning environments that include a fairy-tale kingdom, a castle-themed space designed for children in the early years to develop their communication skills, a cosy forest-themed indoor campsite where pupils can relax and brainstorm, and a biodome installed in the science department to give pupils hands-on experience on agricultural science.
“Our approach focuses on getting the children out of the classrooms and into these different spaces," said Sarah Weaver, principal at Mamoura British Academy.
"Although we have traditional classrooms, we encourage children to be outside the classroom as much as possible. We have the project-based learning approach, so everything is themed around areas of learning.”
Arjun Laligam, a 10-year-old Indian pupil at Mamoura British Academy, said learning in varied environments "makes it easier ... to feel more engaged".
Flipped classrooms
Some schools, such as Citizens School, are trying a 'flipped classroom' approach in which pupils are informed of what they will be taught in coming lessons and encouraged to go out and do their own research on the topics so they can come in with their own set of questions.
"The flipped classroom is a recognition that a lot of time in classrooms is spent inefficiently because a teacher recounts a lesson, whereas if the lesson has already been read beforehand, that creates opportunities for dialogue," said Manos Antoninis, director of the Global Education Monitoring Report hosted by Unesco.
What reform is needed?
The report published this month by HP Futures said education systems are due an overhaul and schools need to move away from traditional learning methods and adopt newer practices.
“I would say the biggest recommendation is to revamp curriculum so that we're redesigning schools for today," said Mayank Dhingra, senior education business leader at HP. “We have myriad careers popping up but we are unable to skill the student population at the pace and scale required."
Mr Pota said: "It goes to the subject of education reform being incredibly difficult to do. Education reform takes about 15 years, at least, to actually see whether something has worked. It takes effort and it takes investment."
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EMen%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saif%20Al%20Zaabi%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Marzooqi%2C%20Zayed%20Al%20Ansaari%2C%20Saud%20Abdulaziz%20Rahmatalla%2C%20Adel%20Shanbih%2C%20Ahmed%20Khamis%20Al%20Blooshi%2C%20Abdalla%20Al%20Naqbi%2C%20Khaled%20Al%20Hammadi%2C%20Mohammed%20Khamis%20Khalaf%2C%20Mohammad%20Fahad%2C%20Abdulla%20Al%20Arimi.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mozah%20Al%20Zeyoudi%2C%20Haifa%20Al%20Naqbi%2C%20Ayesha%20Al%20Mutaiwei.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Nadhra, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Dars, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Musannef, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Taghzel, Malin Holmberg, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: M’Y Yaromoon, Khalifa Al Neyadi, Jesus Rosales
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 (PA) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeem, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Alita: Battle Angel
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Keean Johnson
Four stars
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group B
Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur, midnight
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
SERIE A FIXTURES
Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)
Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),
Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),
Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)
Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm)
Benevento v Napoli (6pm)
Parma v Spezia (6pm)
Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)
Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)
Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
