The United Arab Emirates has enacted a groundbreaking federal decree law establishing comprehensive legal governance for its national education curriculum. This landmark legislation, applicable to all public and private educational institutions from kindergarten through twelfth grade, creates a unified framework for curriculum design, approval processes, implementation protocols, and systematic review mechanisms.
The National Education Charter serves as the supreme reference document, articulating national educational objectives, graduate attributes, cultural identity, core values, and targeted competencies. This charter provides definitive guidance for curriculum development, encompassing learning standards, educational outcomes, instructional methodologies, academic pathways, language of instruction, duration requirements, and subject-specific content.
A distinctive feature of the legislation is its four-tier classification system for curriculum modifications. Major changes requiring foundational alterations must obtain approval from the Education, Human Resources, and Community Development Council followed by ratification from the Council of Ministers, accompanied by pilot programs and comprehensive evaluations. Partial adjustments within specific subjects receive authorization from the Education Council, while technical improvements concerning clarity and presentation fall under Ministry of Education jurisdiction. The framework additionally accommodates exceptional changes during national or global emergencies through Education Council approval.
The decree encourages curriculum development proposals from government entities, private organizations, and non-profit institutions including those within free zones. Submission requirements include detailed studies demonstrating alignment with national education objectives, labor market demands, cultural identity preservation, and societal values.
Educational institutions bear implementation responsibilities including participation in pilot programs, feedback collection, and observation reporting to the Ministry. Local authorities oversee private school compliance while the National Centre for Education Quality conducts impact assessments and reports to relevant governing bodies.
This legislative milestone ensures curriculum consistency and stability while maintaining adaptability to evolving economic needs and global educational standards, representing the UAE’s commitment to creating a future-ready education system.