Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, UAE classrooms will undergo a significant change as schools move toward a more balanced approach regarding technology. While digital tools have become a staple in modern education, the Ministry of Education has announced that students will return to traditional books, notebooks, and pens for four core subjects: English, Arabic, science, and mathematics. This policy shift follows a comprehensive review which suggested that an over-reliance on electronic devices may be hindering essential skills such as handwriting, reading comprehension, and the ability to maintain deep focus.

Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri clarified that this is not an abandonment of technology, but rather a move toward more intentional usage. Following a successful pilot program where students who reverted to pen-and-paper learning showed better academic performance and improved social behavior, officials are confident that this "back-to-basics" method will strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy. Ultimately, the goal is to reserve digital devices for tasks where they truly add value, ensuring that students develop their cognitive and writing skills in a more focused, undistracted environment.