The UAE marked the start of the new academic year on August 28, 2023. EXPAT MEDIA

Students and teachers from private and government schools across the UAE returned to classes on the first day of school on Monday (August 28) to mark the start of the new academic year. The Federal Traffic Council also launched Accident-Free Day, allowing motorists who signed up for the initiative to cancel four black points from their traffic file if they drive safely and avoid any accidents or traffic violations on August 28. In the UAE’s public schools, more than 290,000 students and 23,492 educational professionals began classes on Monday. In a statement, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and the Chairwomen of the Emirates Schools Establishment, congratulated both the students and educators on the start of the new academic year, wishing them “a distinguished start to a year full of accomplishments and excellence.” “The UAE bets on all of you while sparing no efforts to deliver the future,” she addressed the students, while hailing the essential role played by the parents, being a vital partner in supporting country-level efforts to sustain the development of the public education sector. Meanwhile, traffic was exceptionally busy on Monday as school buses returned to the roads and parents drove their children to school. UAE traffic authorities were hoping that the newly launched initiative Accident-Free Day will help the country achieve a day without a single traffic accident or traffic violation. The initiative is available on the Ministry of Interior website (click here to participate). To qualify for the black point deduction, individuals must sign a pledge related to the initiative, which include giving way to pedestrians, using a seatbelt, respecting the speed limit, avoiding tailgating, not using a mobile phone while driving, and giving way to emergency vehicles, official convoys and public service vehicles. Motorists who follow these rules will have their black points automatically deducted. Participating individuals will also receive a certificate via email. ICA/Expat Media
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