Navigating Disruptions: UAE Higher Education's Reliance on Continuous Assessment

In light of recent regional tensions prompting extended remote learning and an early spring break, UAE universities and colleges have leaned heavily into their established continuous assessment models for Term 2 evaluations. The joint announcement from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) regarding schedule adjustments has highlighted the resilience of higher education institutions (HEIs) across the United Arab Emirates. From March 2 to 6, 2026, classes shifted online as a precautionary measure amid escalating conflicts involving Iranian missile strikes, affecting campuses nationwide. This was followed by an advanced spring break from March 9 to 22, with in-person sessions resuming on March 23.

This adaptation underscores a broader trend in UAE higher education, where continuous assessment—defined as ongoing evaluation through coursework, projects, quizzes, participation, and assignments rather than relying solely on final exams—has become a cornerstone. Unlike traditional end-of-term testing, continuous assessment (often abbreviated as CA) provides a holistic view of student progress, aligning with the UAE's vision for skill-based, future-ready graduates.

Background on Schedule Changes and Their HE Impact

The disruptions stem from security concerns following Iranian offensives starting late February 2026, leading to 78 reported injuries in the UAE. Both ministries directed all educational levels to remote modalities until March 6, ensuring safety while maintaining academic continuity. For universities, this meant leveraging digital platforms like learning management systems (LMS) for virtual classes, group work, and submissions.

HEIs such as United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Khalifa University, and NYU Abu Dhabi swiftly communicated updates via emails and portals, emphasizing project deadlines and assignment submissions. The MoHESR-approved 2026-2029 academic calendar originally scheduled spring break later (April for some), but the adjustment mirrors school calendars to support family planning. This synchronization benefits prospective university applicants transitioning from schools now emphasizing similar CA methods.

How Continuous Assessment Works in UAE Universities

Continuous assessment in UAE HEIs typically comprises 40-70% of final grades, with the balance from midterms or finals. At UAEU, for instance, CA includes quizzes (10-20%), assignments (20-30%), projects (20%), and participation (10%), fostering consistent engagement. Abu Dhabi University employs a mix of oral tests, reports, and group tasks, evaluated via rubrics aligned with Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) standards.

The process is step-by-step: instructors outline criteria in syllabi (e.g., Bloom's taxonomy levels), students submit via LMS like Blackboard or Moodle, feedback is provided weekly, and grades accumulate. Amid remote shifts, tools like Zoom for presentations and Turnitin for plagiarism checks ensure integrity. This model reduces exam stress—common in high-stakes cultures—and promotes skills like time management and collaboration, vital for UAE's knowledge economy.

Case Studies: University Adaptations to Recent Disruptions

NYU Abu Dhabi transitioned seamlessly to remote, prioritizing ongoing projects; faculty extended deadlines for group assignments affected by connectivity issues. Khalifa University, a leader in STEM, used its advanced LMS for virtual labs and simulations, maintaining CA weightings unchanged.

• American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK): Extended distance learning, focusing on submitted assignments for Term 2 closure.
• Zayed University: Emphasized digital portfolios and peer reviews during remote period.
• University of Dubai: Integrated AI tools for automated feedback on essays and coding projects.

These examples illustrate proactive planning, drawing from COVID-era experiences where CA proved effective.

Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash

Benefits of Continuous Assessment in UAE HE Context

CA aligns with UAE's National Agenda 2021 (extended), promoting 21st-century skills. Statistics show improved retention: a UAEU study noted 15% higher pass rates with CA-heavy courses. It reduces cramming, encourages deep learning, and accommodates diverse learners, including Emirati students balancing cultural commitments.

• Real-time feedback accelerates improvement.
• Projects mirror workplace scenarios, boosting employability—for UAE grads averaging AED 15,000 starting salaries in tech/engineering.
• Equity: Lessens disadvantage from single-exam failures.

For international students (35% of enrollment), it eases adaptation. Link to higher ed jobs where such skills are prized.

Challenges and Stakeholder Perspectives

Critics note workload: faculty grading burden rises, with some reporting 20% more time. Students may face procrastination risks, though rubrics mitigate. Parents of transitioning high-schoolers worry about grade inflation, but CAA's Outcomes-Based Framework (OBF) ensures rigor.

Expert view: Dr. Ayman Hefnawi (researcher) advocates CA for incremental progress. University leaders praise flexibility amid disruptions. Explore career advice for faculty navigating these systems.

Alignment with School Reforms and University Admissions

Schools' CA shift prepares students for HE: Emiri applicants now showcase portfolios alongside EmSAT scores. Admissions at Khalifa prioritize project work. This continuity enhances transition, with 2025 data showing 85% school-to-uni readiness improvement.

UAE unis like AUS value holistic profiles. Check UAE academic jobs for admissions roles.

Technological Enablers and Future Innovations

LMS adoption surged 40% post-COVID; AI proctoring and analytics now standard. MoHESR's digital push supports CA via platforms tracking progress. Future: VR projects, blockchain credentials.

Photo by Eriksson Luo on Unsplash

• Steps: Integrate AI feedback → Personalized learning paths → Outcome mapping per OBF.

Implications for Students and Career Prospects

CA builds resumes: portfolios aid internships. UAE grads with strong CA records secure roles faster. Actionable: Track submissions, seek feedback. Visit rate my professor for course insights.

Looking Ahead: Resilient UAE Higher Education

As classes resume March 23, UAE HEIs exemplify adaptability. With CA entrenched, future disruptions pose less threat. Explore opportunities at higher ed jobs, university jobs, higher ed career advice, or post via recruitment. The UAE's blend of tradition and innovation positions it as a HE leader.