Dubai’s iconic yellow school buses once again rolled through the city’s streets this morning, marking the official end of the two-month summer break and the beginning of a fresh academic year for thousands of students. From excited reunions with friends to nervous first-day jitters, schools across the city buzzed with energy as the new term began.
Many schools opted for staggered entry schedules, particularly to support new students, giving them time to adjust, explore classrooms, and settle in before joining their peers. For Indian curriculum schools, the reopening also marked the start of a new term, as their academic session follows an April-to-March calendar.
On campuses, the sense of excitement was palpable. Some students gathered around vibrant photo booths, taking pictures with friends, while others appeared sleepily adjusting to early mornings after weeks of late-night holiday routines.
Holiday conversations filled classrooms, with students sharing tales of family trips or simple joys from their break. Mehreen Arfaz, a Year 11 student at GEMS Cambridge International School, expressed a mix of enthusiasm and nerves.
“I am super excited to be coming back to school, though I am slightly nervous. I will be writing my IGCSE board exams this year. Over the summer a lot has happened. The Ministry of Education announced a new schedule for schools. I’m thrilled that we will get a longer December holiday. Our school has also introduced a new timetable with shorter 40-minute lessons. I’m not sure how it will be, but the new academic year is definitely going to be interesting.”
For younger pupils, returning after the long break carried a different kind of joy. Year 5 student of DIA EH, Aakash Nandi, admitted that mornings were tough after weeks of sleeping late.
“My mother had set two alarms for me. But once I was up, I felt excited. A few days ago, I found out my class section and discovered all four of my best friends are in the same class. We’re also getting lockers for the first time. I can’t wait to meet my friends.”
At GEMS Founders Al Barsha, Year 7 student Caylie, a Chinese expatriate, shared her mixed feelings about moving into secondary school. “I’m excited… maybe,” she said shyly. “This year is secondary, so I know there’ll be a lot of hard work, especially in Math. But I’m really looking forward to meeting my friends and new teachers.”
School leaders said preparations for the first day had been underway for weeks. Shiny Davison, Principal of Woodlem School Hamidiya, explained, “Induction programmes for new students and staff, along with fun-filled activities, were organised to create a welcoming atmosphere. Every child received a small token to mark the first day.”
In Sharjah, schools echoed the excitement. Vandana Marwaha, Principal and Director of Delhi Private School, described the reopening as “a reboot.” She added: “Every corner of the school has been prepared with care, blending joy with safety, so that parents feel reassured while students feel inspired.”
With laughter, holiday stories, and the return of Dubai’s yellow buses, the city’s schools have begun another year of learning, friendships, and new possibilities.