What is the school age cut-off in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for 2026–27?

The Ministry of Education moved the cut-off from 31 August to 31 December for schools and kindergartens whose year starts in August or September, beginning with 2026–27. It applies to new admissions. It does not move a child who is already on a roll.

By 31 December of the admission year, the ages are three for Pre-KG or FS1, four for KG1 or FS2, five for KG2 or Year 1, and six for Grade 1 or Year 2. Schools that start in April, including many Indian-curriculum schools, still use 31 March.

In Dubai, KHDA applies this to children registering in its system for the first time in 2026–27. A transfer between Dubai schools is not re-cut. The year is transitional: from 2027–28 the new date stands without this year’s extra flexibility. Children born from 1 September to 31 December 2022 who are not yet enrolled may be placed in FS1 or FS2 after the school checks readiness with the parents. That decision belongs to the school, not the chat.

Abu Dhabi is not a Dubai screenshot. ADEK British schools use the same 31 December ages for new FS1 to Year 2 admissions. Ministry public schools use the birth-year bands announced for 2026–27, including KG1 for children born in 2022. Open the regulator for the emirate and the curriculum of the campus, then the school’s own note. This page does not place your child.