When people think of Dubai, they often picture skyscrapers, luxury malls, and desert safaris. But behind the glitz is a society that holds deep cultural and religious values-especially when it comes to how young people learn about their bodies, relationships, and sexuality. Sex education in Dubai’s schools isn’t like what you’d find in many Western countries. It’s not about explicit diagrams or open discussions about contraception. Instead, it’s woven into broader lessons on morality, family, and Islamic principles. And that makes it one of the most misunderstood topics about education in the UAE.
What sex education actually looks like in Dubai schools
Sex education in Dubai’s public schools is part of the National Curriculum Framework, which is overseen by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). It’s not a standalone subject. You won’t find a class called ‘Sex Ed.’ Instead, topics related to reproduction, puberty, and personal boundaries are taught within subjects like Science and Islamic Studies.
In Grade 5, students learn basic human biology-how the body changes during puberty, the functions of reproductive organs, and the importance of hygiene. By Grade 8, they study human reproduction in more detail, but always through the lens of marriage and family. Teachers use terms like ‘natural process’ and ‘God’s design’ instead of clinical language. The focus isn’t on sexual behavior; it’s on respect, modesty, and responsibility.
For example, when teaching about menstruation, teachers explain it as a sign of maturity and a natural part of life, but they avoid discussing sexual activity. Contraception, abortion, and LGBTQ+ identities are not mentioned. The curriculum follows the values of Islam, which is the foundation of the UAE’s legal and social systems. This approach isn’t meant to hide information-it’s meant to frame it within a cultural context that families expect and support.
Why the approach is shaped by culture and religion
Dubai is part of a country where public behavior is regulated by Islamic law and social norms. Public displays of affection are restricted. Extramarital sex is illegal. And discussions about sex outside of marriage are considered inappropriate. These aren’t just laws-they’re deeply held beliefs passed down through generations.
Parents in Dubai overwhelmingly support this model. A 2023 survey by the Dubai Health Authority found that 89% of Emirati parents believe sex education should be taught in schools, but only if it aligns with Islamic teachings. Many fear that Western-style sex education-focused on consent, sexual diversity, or safe sex practices-could confuse children or encourage early experimentation.
Teachers are trained to handle questions carefully. If a student asks about condoms or same-sex relationships, the response is typically: ‘That’s not part of our curriculum. Focus on what’s taught in class.’ This isn’t censorship-it’s consistency. The system is designed to reflect the values of the community, not to challenge them.
What students are missing
While this model keeps education culturally aligned, it leaves gaps. Many teenagers in Dubai don’t know how to recognize signs of abuse, how to seek help if they’re in danger, or how to protect themselves from online predators. They learn about biology, but not about boundaries, consent, or emotional health.
There’s also little to no discussion about mental health, sexual identity, or the risks of pornography. With 97% of Emirati youth aged 15-19 using the internet daily (according to the UAE’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority), kids are exposed to content schools don’t address. Without proper guidance, they turn to YouTube, TikTok, or friends for answers-and those sources aren’t always accurate or safe.
Some private international schools in Dubai offer more comprehensive programs. British and American curricula include lessons on consent, healthy relationships, and reproductive rights. But these are exceptions. In public schools, the message is clear: sex is a private matter, and it belongs in marriage.
How families and communities fill the gaps
Because schools don’t cover everything, families play a huge role. Many parents wait until their children reach puberty to have ‘the talk.’ Others rely on religious leaders, extended family, or community events to guide their children. In some homes, mothers teach daughters about menstruation. Fathers talk to sons about responsibility and modesty.
But not all families feel comfortable having these conversations. Some parents grew up with silence around sex themselves. Others fear saying the wrong thing. As a result, many teens grow up with confusion, shame, or misinformation.
Non-governmental organizations like the Dubai Women’s Association and the UAE Family Development Foundation have started running workshops for parents and teens. These programs focus on communication, emotional well-being, and personal safety-without violating cultural norms. They’re small but growing. And they’re one of the few places where young people can ask real questions in a safe space.
The future of sex education in Dubai
Change is slow, but it’s happening. The UAE government has started investing more in adolescent health. In 2024, the Ministry of Education launched a pilot program in five public schools to train teachers on how to answer sensitive questions without breaking cultural boundaries. The goal? To give students the facts they need while keeping the message respectful.
Some educators are pushing for more. They argue that teaching about consent, online safety, and emotional health doesn’t contradict Islamic values-it supports them. Protecting children from harm, promoting dignity, and encouraging responsibility are all part of Islam.
There’s also growing pressure from young Emiratis themselves. Social media influencers, university students, and even some school clubs are quietly starting conversations about mental health and personal boundaries. They’re not demanding Western-style sex ed. They’re asking for honesty, clarity, and access to reliable information.
The challenge isn’t whether Dubai should have sex education. It’s how to make it work within its own cultural framework. The country doesn’t need to copy another nation’s model. It needs to build its own-based on science, faith, and the real needs of its youth.
What parents and students can do now
If you’re a parent in Dubai, don’t wait for the school to teach everything. Start talking early. Use age-appropriate books written in Arabic or English that align with Islamic values. The book My Body Is Mine by a UAE-based pediatrician is used in some homes and schools as a gentle introduction to personal boundaries.
If you’re a student, know that it’s okay to ask questions. Talk to a trusted teacher, school counselor, or family member. If you’re unsure where to turn, reach out to the Dubai Health Authority’s youth helpline. It’s confidential, free, and staffed by professionals who understand local culture.
Sex education in Dubai isn’t about promoting sex. It’s about protecting kids. And that’s something every community, no matter how traditional, should want.
Is sex education taught in Dubai public schools?
Yes, but not as a separate subject. Basic topics like puberty, reproduction, and personal hygiene are covered in Science and Islamic Studies classes, always framed within Islamic values and the context of marriage and family. Explicit content, contraception, and LGBTQ+ topics are not included.
Why doesn’t Dubai teach about contraception or safe sex?
Because the UAE’s legal and cultural framework is based on Islamic principles, where sexual activity outside of marriage is prohibited. Teaching about contraception could be seen as encouraging behavior that’s against the law and religious beliefs. The focus remains on abstinence until marriage and personal responsibility.
Are there any alternatives for students who want more information?
Yes. Some private international schools offer broader health education. Additionally, the Dubai Health Authority runs confidential youth helplines and workshops with NGOs like the UAE Family Development Foundation. These provide factual, culturally sensitive information on health, safety, and emotional well-being.
Do Emirati parents support sex education in schools?
According to a 2023 Dubai Health Authority survey, 89% of Emirati parents support sex education in schools-but only if it follows Islamic values. Most oppose Western-style curricula that include topics like sexual diversity or contraception.
Is there a plan to change how sex education is taught in Dubai?
In 2024, the Ministry of Education began a pilot program in five public schools to train teachers on handling sensitive questions more effectively. The goal is to improve communication without changing the cultural framework. There’s also growing demand from youth for more honest, practical guidance on safety and mental health.
