Doha, Qatar: Students across Qatar returned to their schools on Sunday, marking the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, as teachers and administrative staff welcomed them back to classrooms and school campuses in a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The first day brought together students and their classmates after the summer break, with schools providing a welcoming environment to help children and young people settle into their new academic routines. Teachers and school staff were on hand to receive students, guide them through the opening-day arrangements and support a smooth transition into the new school year.
The return to school marked a new beginning for students as they reunited with classmates, met their teachers and began preparing for a year focused on learning, skills development, personal growth and achievement.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi welcomed students, teachers and administrative staff on the occasion, describing the start of the academic year as a “new beginning and renewed ambitions.”
In a message on the Ministry account on the X, he encouraged students to approach the new school year with enthusiasm and determination, urging them to make every day an opportunity to learn and develop. “Start your new academic year with passion and ambition, and make every day an opportunity to learn a skill or gain experience,” Al Nuaimi told students.
He stressed that education extends beyond classroom lessons, noting that students can discover and develop their abilities through activities and programmes both inside and outside the classroom. Al Nuaimi expressed the Ministry’s confidence in students and their ability to achieve their ambitions, encouraging them to work hard to build their own futures while contributing to the future of Qatar.
The smooth opening of the academic year follows extensive preparations by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to ensure that schools were ready to receive students. As part of these preparations, six new government schools were opened, strengthening the capacity of the public education system and providing additional educational facilities to meet growing demand.
The expansion of government schools is part of ongoing efforts to provide high-quality learning environments while keeping pace with population growth and Qatar’s evolving educational needs. It also supports the human development objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 through continued investment in education and national capabilities.
Schools across the country cater to students from diverse nationalities and offer a range of curricula, giving families different educational options while maintaining a focus on providing safe and supportive learning environments.
Schools have also put in place arrangements for the opening week to help students and staff gradually adapt to the new academic routine.
Some schools introduced shortened schedules during the first days, while attendance and absence records began from the first day.
With the new academic year beginning during Qatar’s hot summer period, safety and wellbeing have also remained a key consideration. The Ministry of Labour urged families to ensure that children are adequately hydrated before and during their school day and to raise their awareness about avoiding direct exposure to the sun as much as possible.
The Ministry stressed that simple precautions can help reduce heat-related risks and ensure that the return to school remains a positive and energetic experience for students. Safe transportation has also been highlighted as an important part of the return to school. The Ministry of Transport encouraged parents to accompany and guide their children in developing responsible transportation habits, including safe travel practices, journey planning and the appropriate use of school buses and public transport.
The return of students marks the beginning of another academic journey across Qatar.
