In a significant step towards strengthening the education sector, the UAE Government has issued a Federal Decree Law on the Governance of the National Educational Curriculum, creating a comprehensive legal framework that regulates how the national curriculum is developed, approved, implemented and reviewed across the country.
The decree establishes an integrated governance model that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of federal and local authorities, aiming to enhance coordination, transparency, accountability and community involvement in shaping educational programmes.
The law seeks to preserve consistency within the national curriculum while allowing sufficient flexibility to adapt to future developments, societal priorities and labour market needs. This approach is intended to raise education standards, improve sector competitiveness and better prepare students for participation in both local and global economies.
Its provisions apply to all public and private schools delivering the national curriculum, from kindergarten through Grade 12. Private schools following alternative curricula are also required to teach approved compulsory subjects to ensure a shared educational foundation and reinforce national identity and values.
The decree designates the UAE’s National Education Charter as the principal reference for education policy. The charter defines national education goals, graduate competencies, societal values and elements of national identity, serving as the basis for curriculum design, learning standards, teaching approaches and student outcomes across all school levels.
Key components of the curriculum outlined in the law include learning outcomes, teaching methodologies, academic pathways, language of instruction, course duration and compulsory and elective subjects. The decree also sets out clear mechanisms for classifying, approving and implementing curriculum updates.
Curriculum changes are categorised into four types, ranging from major structural revisions requiring approval from senior councils and the Cabinet, to targeted subject updates, technical adjustments overseen by the Ministry of Education, and urgent amendments introduced to address immediate needs.
The law allows government entities, private organisations and non-profit institutions, including those based in free zones, to propose curriculum amendments, provided they are supported by research demonstrating alignment with national education objectives, labour market requirements and societal values.
Responsibilities are clearly distributed across institutions, with the Council of Ministers approving the National Education Charter and major curriculum changes, the Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council providing strategic direction, and the Ministry of Education overseeing curriculum development, implementation and teacher support. Schools are responsible for delivery and feedback, while local authorities and the National Centre for Education Quality monitor compliance and assess effectiveness.
Overall, the Federal Decree Law reflects the UAE’s vision of a stable, flexible and high-quality education system, underpinned by strong governance and continuous improvement to develop human capital and prepare future generations for a rapidly evolving world.
