Abu Dhabi lights up for new school year with citywide display

The city sets a promising tone for the year ahead with the dazzling display

Last updated: August 21, 2025 | 22:27

1 MIN READ

Abu Dhabi lights up for new school year with citywide display

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Abu Dhabi: The UAE capital is welcoming the 2025–2026 academic year with a citywide celebration, lighting up streets and bridges with glowing geometric designs and the cheerful message, “Happy School Year.”

The decorations, spread across key areas of Abu Dhabi, add a festive touch to mark students’ return to classrooms. The initiative highlights the city’s commitment to spreading optimism among children, parents, and teachers.

As families gear up for the busy school season, the lights serve as both a warm welcome and a reminder of the enduring value of education.

With this dazzling display, Abu Dhabi sets a promising tone for the year ahead.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.