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Inclusive Education in the GCC

Inclusive Education in the UAE: Comprehensive Inclusion and Student Rights

The UAE has adopted a comprehensive inclusion policy based on not excluding any student because of their disability, but the quality of implementation remains a shared responsibility between the school and the family.

By Dr. Osama Juma — PhD in Special Education, The University of Jordan · Published: September 6, 2026 · 5 min read

What Does the Comprehensive Inclusion Policy Mean in Practice?

The comprehensive inclusion policy is based on the principle that no student can be turned away because of their disability, and requires the school to provide an individual support plan and reasonable accommodations. This doesn't automatically mean every school is equipped with the same level of specialized support.

When communicating with the school, ask specifically about its People of Determination team, and whether there's a dedicated inclusion specialist or only partial support.

How Is the Individual Support Plan Followed Up?

The family has the right to review the individual support plan and discuss it before signing. Ask for every goal to be linked to a clear daily example, not a general wording that's hard to measure.

Review the plan at least once every term, and make sure the written accommodations are actually implemented in the classroom, not just on paper.

What Do You Do If There's a Disagreement With the School?

If you feel the student's right to inclusion isn't being applied, start by documenting correspondence with the school in writing before escalating to any higher authority; documentation protects the student's right and makes any later follow-up easier.

A calm escalation based on documented facts is more effective than a general complaint without specific details.

Note: Implementation details may vary between schools; check with the official bodies responsible for People of Determination to confirm the latest updates.

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