Launched in the Year of the Family, it will be rolled out from the 2026-27 academic year

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai has directed the launch of a new initiative that’s set to introduce life skills into Dubai schools.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will introduce ‘Skills for Life’ from the 2026-27 academic year, which is designed to ensure children are equipped with the knowledge and understanding that will allow them to thrive and prosper into adulthood.

Launched in the Year of the Family, the new initiative will support the journey of learners across Dubai from early childhood through adulthood, helping them develop the practical, personal, and social skills they need to thrive in life, learning, and work.

What will Skills of Life look like?

The new initiative will integrate life skills into the wider curriculum and will be tailored to the needs of learners at every age.

From healthy lifestyles and nutrition to financial and consumer literacy, social and relationship skills, sustainability and mental resilience, Skills for Life is designed to respond to a world that is becoming increasingly connected, complex and technology-driven.

Equipping the next generation for the future

Beyond the core classes taught in schools, Skills for Life will tackle important global concerns, like wellbeing and sustainability, putting these in focus from childhood to help equip the next generation to make informed decisions and contribute positively into adulthood.