Unified Arabic language examinations for grade 11 and 12 students of expatriate private schools are no longer compulsory from the current academic year.
Islamic education is also not compulsory for non-Muslim students, according to a Education and Social Affairs circular sent to schools.
However, Arabic language is mandatory for students who wish to pursue higher studies in the UAE.
The ministry has also done away with the internal Arabic language examinations for grade 11 and grade 12.
According to the amendments made to the private education law, Arabic language studies will now be an optional subject in grades 11 and 12.
The compulsory unified education law had been in effect since April 2001.
The ministry said then that it would not attest either the certificates of high school students or their transfer certificates if they failed to do the Arabic language examinations.
Students and parents immediately welcomed the new move.
Teachers said the ministry had shown considerable understanding.
"It has lifted the pressure from students who are preparing for their final board examinations," one teacher said.
Madhav Rao, principal of Our Own English High School, Dubai said: "Internal Arabic language examination is still compulsory until grade 10. I received the circular when the school reopened after the summer break. The students of grade 11 and grade 12 are very happy that the ministry has heard their request."
Suma Krishnan, a parent, said that the news comes as a great relief for her daughter who is in grade 12.
"It has taken a great load from my daughter's shoulders. The grade 12 syllabus is already loaded. Students here have to compete with their counterparts in India. The competition is stiff and a student could miss getting a seat in college by just one per cent."
Cathrine Thomas, a grade 12 student, said that she was worried all the time whether she would pass the Arabic language examinations.
"It is a great relief," she said. "Now I need not take Arabic language tuition anymore."
A principal of a British curriculum school who did not wish to be identified, said, while learning a second language was good for the students, it was stressful for those who did not wish to pursue the language further.
