Dubai private schools introduce life skills to shape future-ready students

Starting the new academic year of 2026, students in Dubai's private schools will learn a host of life skills, including financial literacy, nutrition, mental resilience and social well-being as the Emirate steps up to help learners adapt to a fast-changing world.

Making the announcement, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said the ‘Skills for Life' initiative will focus on education beyond classrooms and equip learners with the knowledge, skills, mindsets, and values needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Topics like healthy lifestyles, nutrition, financial and consumer literacy, social and relationship skills, mental resilience, digital practices, sustainability, and daily life management, will be integrated into learning environments and curricula to meet the needs of learners from early childhood through adulthood.

It follows the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, as the UAE marks the 'Year of the Family'. 

بتوجيهات حمدان بن محمد، هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية في دبي تُطلق أول منظومة متكاملة لمهارات الحياة في دبي، بهدف تمكين جميع المتعلمين في الإمارة من اكتساب المهارات العملية والشخصية والاجتماعية التي تعزز جاهزيتهم للمستقبل، وتدعم قدرتهم على التعامل بكفاءة مع متطلبات الحياة… pic.twitter.com/GZJ7FQWwAo

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 4, 2026

Skills for Life will also see collaboration between educational institutions, educators, parents, employers, and the wider community.

Skills for Life supports several key Game Changer initiatives under E33 that are designed to develop future-ready skills. These include: Future Astrolabe, which strengthens academic and career guidance in educational institutions; City of Students, which aims to enrich the educational experiences of all learners in Dubai; Life Camps focused on developing life skills; Learn Anywhere, which aims to improve the quality of education across all phases in line with international best practices; and Skills for Tomorrow, which continuously identifies the future skills learners need.