Celebrations are taking place across the UAE as thousands of students across the country have received their GCSE results.
The qualifications have been overhauled in recent years, leading many experts to claim that they're harder than ever before.
Maryssa O'Connor, Principal of GEMS Wellington International, told ARN News her thoughts on the new system.
One of her pupils, Taejas Venkataraman, who excelled with 9s in the sciences and maths, says the new system suited him.
Dubai public parks, beaches closed for two days
Due to unstable weather conditions, Dubai Municipality has announced the closure of public beaches and parks across the emirate on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, to ensure public safety.
Dubai declares remote work for govt. staff, private sector urged to follow suit
Dubai has declared remote working for all government entities on Friday, December 19, due to the unstable weather forecast across the country, with the private sector urged to do the same.
Dubai Police fully prepared for weather-related emergencies
Dubai Police say they are fully prepared to respond to any emergencies amid unstable weather conditions, with land and marine rescue teams deployed across the emirate.
More rain forecast in Dubai for late Thursday, says NCM
More rainfall has been forecast for Dubai from late Thursday to early Friday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said, warning residents to exercise caution.
UAE issues federal decree-law establishing National Media Authority
The UAE has issued a federal decree-law establishing the National Media Authority as a public federal entity affiliated to the UAE Cabinet.
UAE leaders laud 'deep-rooted partnership' on Qatar's National Day
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led messages congratulating Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the country's National Day, which falls on December 18.
Dubai authorities urge caution amid unstable weather
Dubai authorities are urging the public to take precautions as unstable weather is forecast from Wednesday, December 17, through to Friday, December 19.
UAE steps up Gaza relief efforts as winter storm intensifies
The UAE’s humanitarian mission in the Gaza Strip is stepping up relief efforts as winter storms worsen conditions for displaced families.
UAE, Azerbaijan Presidents strengthen bilateral cooperation
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations with Azerbaijan's leader Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai unveils unified platform to drive future innovation
Dubai is launching a unified platform to advance research, development and innovation across the emirate.
UAE announces new cut-off age for KG, Grade 1 school admissions
Starting the 2026–2027 academic year, the cut-off age for admissions to Kindergarten and Grade 1 will shift to December 31, from the previous date of August 31.
Dubai Police recognised as world’s most agile police force
Dubai Police has been named the world’s most agile police organisation after receiving accreditation from the Business Agility Institute.
UAE honours Professor Majed Chergui with 'Great Arab Minds' award
Professor Majed Chergui has been honoured with the UAE's "Great Arab Minds" award in Natural Sciences for his pioneering contributions to capturing ultrafast motion at the atomic scale.
UAE issues yellow alert as dusty conditions reduce visibility
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution on the road after UAE weather bureau issued a yellow dust alert and warned of visibility dropping to less than 2,000 metres in some parts.
Traffic diversions in Ras Al Khor for Dubai Metro Blue Line works
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has advised motorists of new traffic diversions in Ras Al Khor as construction works continue for the Metro Blue Line project.
UAE set for second phase of single-use plastic ban
The UAE is set to significantly widen its ban on single-use plastics, with the second phase coming into effect on January 1, 2026.
Minor earthquake recorded east of Saudi Arabia
A 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake has been recorded in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday at 2:11 am UAE time, according to weather authorities.
World’s Coolest Winter campaign spotlights UAE entrepreneurs
The UAE has launched the sixth edition of its World’s Coolest Winter campaign, with this year themed 'Our Winter is Entrepreneurial'.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlights social cohesion in 'Dubai Lunch' initiative
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has stressed on social cohesion during a meeting with over 200 local dignitaries and families from Deira as part of the newly launched ‘Dubai Lunch’ initiative.
Dubai tests drones to clean traffic signals
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun a pilot project using drones to clean traffic signals across the city.
Due to unstable weather conditions, Dubai Municipality has announced the closure of public beaches and parks across the emirate on Thursday, December 18, and Friday, December 19, to ensure public safety.
Dubai has declared remote working for all government entities on Friday, December 19, due to the unstable weather forecast across the country, with the private sector urged to do the same.
Dubai Police say they are fully prepared to respond to any emergencies amid unstable weather conditions, with land and marine rescue teams deployed across the emirate.
