The UAE’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Class of 2026 has officially concluded a high school journey defined by extraordinary perseverance. Navigating the challenges of both a global pandemic and recent regional instability, these students faced the unprecedented cancellation of their final exams. Despite these hurdles, they achieved remarkable success, with 3,278 students securing an average score of 34.5 points—decisively surpassing the global average of 30.88. Thanks to the IB’s Non-Exam Contingency Measure, which calculated grades based on two years of consistent coursework and internal assessments, these students demonstrated that their academic rigor and critical thinking skills remain top-tier, ensuring they remain highly competitive candidates for elite universities worldwide.

Schools across the UAE, including JESS, North London Collegiate School, and various GEMS institutions, reported stellar performances, with several pupils achieving a perfect score of 45. Educators and administrators have praised the cohort for their maturity and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. For the students themselves, the path to success was less about obsessing over final marks and more about the consistent, disciplined pursuit of knowledge. As these graduates head toward higher education, these results serve as a powerful testament to the strength of the UAE's educational landscape, proving that even in the most turbulent times, a commitment to learning produces outstanding outcomes.