UAE issues landmark federal decree on National Curriculum Governance
Curriculum updates now structured for schools from KG to Grade 12
ABU DHABI – The UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree Law on the Governance of the National Educational Curriculum, marking the first comprehensive legislative framework to regulate the design, approval, implementation, and review of the country’s national curriculum.
The decree introduces an integrated governance system, clearly defining the responsibilities of federal and local authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, coordination, and community participation.
أصدرت حكومة الإمارات مرسوماً بقانون اتحادياً في شأن حوكمة المنهاج التعليمي الوطني، يُرسي ولأول مرة في دولة الإمارات إطاراً تشريعياً متكاملاً يُنظم عملية تصميم واعتماد وتطبيق ومراجعة المنهاج التعليمي الوطني، ويُؤسس منظومة حوكمة شاملة تُحدد أدوار ومسؤوليات الجهات الاتحادية والمحلية… pic.twitter.com/D1SVs103FI
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 29, 2025
Comprehensive framework for all schools
The law applies to all public and private schools implementing the national curriculum, from kindergarten to Grade Twelve. Even private schools that do not follow the national curriculum must teach approved compulsory subjects, reinforcing shared identity and national values. The decree aims to standardise core education while allowing flexibility for updates in line with societal changes and labour market demands.
It also highlights the National Education Charter as the supreme reference document, outlining national education objectives, graduate competencies, societal values, and general educational principles. The charter guides the design and development of the national curriculum across all educational stages.
Curriculum components and change mechanisms
The decree defines the national curriculum’s components, including learning outcomes, teaching methodologies, educational pathways, language of instruction, compulsory and elective subjects, and content for each subject. It classifies curriculum changes into four categories:
- Major changes impacting structural foundations, approved by the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council and ratified by the Council of Ministers after piloting and evaluation.
- Partial changes of limited scope, approved by the Education Council.
- Technical changes improving clarity or presentation, approved by the Ministry of Education.
- Exceptional changes introduced during emergencies, approved by the Education Council, with reporting to the Council of Ministers if substantial.
Government, private, or non-profit entities, including free-zone organisations, can propose amendments supported by studies aligned with national objectives and labour market needs.
Clear governance roles
The decree defines the responsibilities of key authorities. The Council of Ministers approves the National Education Charter and major curriculum changes. The Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council ensures strategic alignment. The Ministry of Education develops and reviews curricula, provides resources, and oversees implementation.
Schools must implement the curriculum, participate in pilots, and provide feedback. Local authorities monitor private schools’ adherence to compulsory subjects. The National Centre for Education Quality evaluates the implementation and reports findings to authorities.
By establishing a transparent and accountable governance framework, the UAE aims to enhance the quality of education, strengthen competitiveness, and prepare future generations for effective integration into society and the global economy.