The UAE’s Ministry of Education has revealed a significant update to the educational streams, both general and advanced, for Cycle 3 students in public and private schools that adhere to the ministry’s curriculum. This update will take effect starting in the academic year 2025–2026.

This decision follows extensive field surveys conducted with educational specialists and parents, which highlighted current student trends. The Ministry stated that the updates are designed to align educational pathways with students’ future aspirations, facilitate their higher education journeys, and enhance their ability to adapt to the changing labor market.

During a media briefing held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Sarah Al Amiri, the Minister of Education, along with Mohammed Al-Qasim, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, announced that curriculum alignment is a crucial aspect of these updates. The general stream will introduce foundational scientific subjects to help students develop their skills, while the advanced stream will focus on more complex scientific topics to prepare students for university majors in sciences, engineering, medicine, and pharmacy.

According to the new structure, the general stream will guide students towards disciplines such as humanities, literature, business administration, law, arts, social sciences, and police sciences. The Ministry confirmed that these changes will not impact the academic plans of current Grade 11 and Grade 12 students, allowing them to continue their studies without disruption. Additionally, Grade 12 students in the general stream may substitute physics with one of the alternative subjects listed in the ministry’s guidance manual.

The Ministry of Education also emphasized the need for Grade 8 students to select their educational streams in accordance with their university goals. It has established mechanisms and conditions for registering in the advanced stream, ensuring that students are prepared for a seamless transition from general education to higher education and, ultimately, to the labor market.

Furthermore, the Ministry has issued a set of guidelines within the academic framework to support educators in helping students understand how to construct their academic plans and select pathways that align with their career ambitions. A detailed guide has also been published for students and parents, explaining the updates while underscoring the vital role of school counselors in providing guidance throughout the students’ academic journeys.