UAE Schools Limit Devices in Four Core Subjects
From the 2026-2027 academic year, UAE schools use books, notebooks and pens instead of electronic devices in Arabic, English, mathematics and science.
Why the Ministry Made the Change
The Minister of Education said officials saw warning signs from heavy screen time. Intensive use of digital platforms was affecting writing, reading, language development and concentration, and weakening the link between thinking and writing.
Devices Are Not Banned
Tablets and computers stay in schools. The Ministry of Education is keeping them for learning activities that genuinely need them. Where a digital tool adds real value for students and teachers, it stays. In the four core subjects, paper materials take priority to reinforce literacy and numeracy.
Backed by a Pilot
The policy follows a pilot in the previous academic year, in which a group of students moved from device-based learning to books, notebooks and pens. Officials reported improved performance in some subjects, a significant improvement in student interaction and better behaviour. The numbers of schools and students involved have not been published.
The ministry has not said which grades are covered, so check with your child’s school for the details of how it applies.
