UAE issues first-of-its-kind federal decree law on national education curriculum
The UAE has issued a landmark federal decree law regulating the National Educational Curriculum, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the design, approval, implementation and review of school curricula across the country.
The decree applies to all public and private educational institutions from kindergarten through Grade 12, including private schools that follow international or alternative curricula but are required to teach approved compulsory subjects.
At the core of the new law is the National Education Charter, which will serve as the supreme reference document for curriculum development. The charter defines national education objectives, graduate attributes, national identity, values and core competencies. It also outlines key curriculum components such as learning standards and outcomes, teaching methods, educational pathways, language of instruction, study duration and subject content.
The decree introduces a structured system for managing curriculum updates by classifying changes into four categories, each with clearly defined approval authorities.
Major changes, which affect the fundamental structure of the curriculum, must be approved by the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council and ratified by the Council of Ministers, following pilot programmes and full evaluation.
Partial changes, such as amendments to learning outcomes or subject content, require approval from the Education Council.
Technical changes related to language, formatting or clarity are approved by the Ministry of Education.
Exceptional changes, introduced in response to national or global emergencies, are approved by the Education Council, with major amendments reported to the Council of Ministers.
The law also allows government, private and non-profit entities — including organisations based in free zones — to propose curriculum developments or amendments. Such proposals must be supported by studies demonstrating alignment with national education goals, labour market requirements, national identity and societal values.
Educational institutions are responsible for implementing the approved curriculum, participating in pilot programmes, gathering feedback and submitting observations to the Ministry of Education. Local education authorities will oversee implementation in private schools, while the National Centre for Education Quality will assess curriculum quality and impact and report to the relevant bodies.
By clearly defining roles, responsibilities and approval mechanisms, the decree aims to ensure consistency and stability in the national curriculum, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to future educational and labour market needs. The UAE Cabinet approved the National Education Charter following a review by the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council to ensure alignment with national policies and strategic priorities.
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