UAE school news, 28 September to 4 October 2026

Between Monday 28 September and Sunday 4 October 2026, 15 private schools across the UAE announced 15 verifiable developments on their own websites and social channels.

This week in brief: 15 awards and competition results. By emirate: Dubai 11, Abu Dhabi 4.

Awards and competitions

Pristine Private School (Dubai): At the Curtin University Sports Fest 2026-2027, Pristine Private School's secondary teams won the Basketball Boys U17 and Basketball Girls U15 titles. The Volleyball Girls U17 team finished as runners-up. The school competed against schools from across the UAE. (Instagram post, 3 October)
BC Academy International School (Dubai): The school announced it has won the School Team of the Year title at the Education Achievement Awards 2026. The award recognises the whole school team, including teachers, teaching assistants, leaders, administration, operations and support staff. (Instagram post, 2 October)
Wales International School (Abu Dhabi): The school announced that its head teacher won the Head Teacher of the Year Award at the Education Achievement Awards 2026, recognising her leadership, dedication and commitment to education. (Instagram post, 2 October)
Greenfield International School (Dubai): The school announced that its Physical Education Department won the Physical Education Department of the Year title at the Stratos Pulse Education Achievement Awards, recognising the PE teachers' dedication to inspiring students to be more active and confident. (Instagram post, 2 October)
Deira International School (Dubai): Deira International School received three honours at the Education Achievement Awards 2026: Primary School Team of the Year, plus individual awards for science teacher Susan Blomley and librarian Michaela Magdolenova. (Instagram post, 2 October)
Al Mawakeb School Al Khawaneej (Dubai): Over three days at Ru'ya Careers 2026, students took part in the Space Race: SATKIT Edition 2026, working on hands-on challenges, teamwork, problem-solving and space-focused innovation. The event concluded with the school receiving the Stand Out School Award in recognition of its students' involvement throughout the event. (Instagram post, 1 October)
The Millenium School (Dubai): The school's Under-19 Kabaddi Team emerged as champions of the UAE CBSE Cluster Under-19 Kabaddi Championship 2026. The school credits the victory to the team's determination, discipline, teamwork and never-give-up spirit, and also thanks the coach and parents for their support. (Instagram post, 1 October)
Dubai National School (Dubai): A boys team from Dubai National School, Al Barsha took first place in the Green Innovators competition held at Roya, praised for their sustainable ideas and environmental passion. (Instagram post, 30 September)
Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills (Dubai): In their first appearance at the annual GIS pre-season tournament, the school's U19 Girls' Basketball team finished as champions. The players were praised for their commitment, teamwork and composure, with thanks given to the participating teams, coaches and to GIS for organising and hosting the event. (Instagram post, 30 September)
Arcadia British School (Dubai): Arcadia British School was selected among 270 distinguished schools, out of more than 1,400 taking part in the ABT International Standardized Assessments, for recognition this year. It will be awarded the ABT Excellence Trophy and the ABT Values Trophy in both Arabic and Islamic. (Instagram post, 30 September)
Mayoor Private School (Abu Dhabi): The school received the Roots & Shoots Award 2026 for the sixth year in a row at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. The award celebrates young changemakers inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall's legacy. Students accepted it on behalf of the school. (Instagram post, 29 September)
GEMS World Academy (Dubai): The school announced it has achieved the Optimus Wellbeing Award, recognising its initiatives that support mental health and emotional wellbeing and its commitment to a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued, confident and cared for. (Instagram post, 29 September)
American International School in Abu Dhabi (AISA) (Abu Dhabi): The school's Arabic programme received the ABT Excellence Trophy in recognition of outstanding student performance in the ABT International Standardized Assessments for Arabic Language, with AISA recognised among 270 distinguished schools out of more than 1,400 participating schools. (Instagram post, 29 September)
Amity School (Dubai): A group of Amity School Dubai students earned medals at the Mental Math World Cup 2026, putting their mental maths skills to the test. The school congratulated everyone who took part and worked hard to prepare for the competition. (Instagram post, 28 September)
The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy of Girls (Abu Dhabi): The academy announced it has achieved the Inclusive Attendance Bronze Award, recognising its commitment to a welcoming school environment where every student feels valued, and to promoting positive attendance and meaningful engagement in learning. (Instagram post, 28 September)

Previous edition: UAE school news, 21 to 27 September 2026.