Page Content
Inclusive Education in the United Arab Emirates
The right of students with disabilities (people of determination) to education is considered a fundamental right
guaranteed by the state. Federal Law No. 29 of the year 2006, as amended by Law No. 14 of the year 2009, emphasizes
the inclusion of individuals with disabilities, stating that “The special needs do not constitute
intrinsically an obstacle hindering from applying to enroll, join or enter any educational institution whether
governmental or private”. The Ministry of Education has shown special attention to students with
disabilities (POD) through the establishment of the "People of Determination POD" department, tasked with issuing
and monitoring the implementation of policies and regulations to ensure their effective inclusion into educational
institutions. In 2010, the Ministry of Education issued the "General Rules for the Provision of Special Education
Programs and Services (Public & Private Schools)(School for All)" guide, serving as a
fundamental basis for educational institutions in adopting inclusive practices and developing programs to
accommodate students with disabilities (POD). In 2020, MOE released the Inclusive Education Policy in Government,
and Private Schools that following the Ministry's Curriculum, ensuring the quality of services provided
to students with disabilities (POD) and their parents according to international best practices.
The Ministry of Education embraces the philosophy of inclusive education, “which is that type of education
where students with disabilities participate in an educational program within a shared learning environment with
their non-disabled peers and in their local community. The aim is to provide targeted interventions for them
while removing all potential barriers to avoid a decline in students' levels or their exclusion”.
Inclusive Education is implemented by educating students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment,
utilizing a range of educational options and alternatives that suit different levels of disability and diversity.
This includes special education classes or mainstream education. Individualized educational plans (IEPs) are applied
based on the specific learning needs of students with disabilities, incorporating support services and assistive
technologies both inside and outside these classrooms. These services are delivered by qualified and licensed
teachers and specialists authorized by the Ministry of Education and relevant local and federal authorities.
Related Links:
Frequent Questions:
Link | Guidance | The field of inquiry |
https://rb.gy/1fq8v | Registration through the Emirates Schools Establishment | Registering students with disabilities (students of determination) in government
schools. |
| | Registration through directly contacting the private school that the parent wishes to enroll their
son/daughter in. | Registration of students with disabilities (students of determination) in
private schools |
| | Assessment and diagnosis are conducted by various entities such as the Ministry of Community
Development, the Emirates Schools Establishment, or through licensed specialized private centers.
| Centers and mechanisms for the assessment and diagnosis of students with disabilities
(students of determination). |
https://rb.gy/p5twm | When registering twelfth-grade students for the Emirates Standardized Testing (by accessing the
testing registration platform using UAEPASS), select the SOD tick box to register as a student of
determination. Then, fill out the required information and attach all required reports. | Request for special accommodations for students with disabilities (students of determination)
during the Emirates Standardized Testing (EmSAT) or requesting exemption from taking the EmSAT for students with disabilities (students of
determination). |
https://rb.gy/e5y0i https://www.moe.gov.ae/Ar/EServices/Pages/ServiceCatalog.aspx | When registering twelfth-grade students for Higher Education Institutions through the Ministry's
(MOE) website (Service Exhibition), the data for students with disabilities (Students of
Determination) must be filled out, and the required reports must be attached. | Registration of UAE citizens and the sons and daughters of UAE female citizens with
disabilities (students of determination), who are graduates of general secondary schools, both
government and private, in government higher education institutions |
Private higher education institutions where twelfth-grade citizens and the sons and daughters of
citizens can register directly through the ministry's website (Service Exhibition): Sorbonne University Rochester Institute of Technology American University of Ras Al Khaimah American University in Dubai British University in Dubai | UAE citizens, sons and daughters of UAE female citizens :When registering
twelfth-grade students for higher education institutions through the Ministry's website (Service
Exhibition), the data for students with disabilities (Students of Determination) must be filled out,
and the required reports must be attached (for higher education institutions listed on the left
only). And direct registration in other private higher education institutions. | The registration of UAE citizens, sons and daughters of UAE female citizens, and residents
with disabilities (students of determination), who are graduates of general secondary schools,
whether government or private, in private higher education institutions. |
Resident students: Register directly in private higher education institutions |
Help us improve Ministry of Education website
Give us your feedback so we can improve your experience
Thank you for your feedback
