UAE students have ranked first among Arab countries participating in the PISA 2025 assessment for science, mathematics and reading, with the country also recording improvements across all three subjects.
The results show UAE scores rising by 26 points in science to 458, 21 points in mathematics to 453, and 15 points in reading to 433, compared with PISA 2022.
The UAE was also one of only eight of 91 participating countries and economies to improve in all three subjects, at a time when average OECD performance declined.
UAE PISA results
The latest results indicate broader improvement in student performance, with fewer students at low-performing levels and more reaching advanced levels.
At emirate level, Dubai recorded the UAE’s highest scores across all three areas:
- Science: 506
- Mathematics: 496
- Reading: 484
Dubai’s scores were 48, 43 and 51 points above the UAE national averages respectively. They were also above the OECD averages by 24 points in science, 33 in mathematics and 23 in reading.
What PISA 2025 says about AI in UAE schools
The assessment also highlighted the UAE’s digital readiness.
Some 81.7% of UAE students said they learned in class how to evaluate AI-generated information, compared with 62.6% across the OECD.
Meanwhile, 96.3% of UAE students attend schools with subject-specific guidelines on digital device use, compared with 71.2% across the OECD.
Education Minister Sarah Al Amiri said the results reflect efforts by schools, teachers and education institutions to strengthen students’ skills and prepare them for the future. She also linked the performance to the UAE’s approach to AI and digital education and the responsible use of technology.
How many UAE students took part?
Around 34,639 students from 1,070 schools across the UAE participated in PISA 2025.
PISA assesses 15-year-old students on their ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations. The results are used as an indicator of how effectively education systems are preparing students for future challenges.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
