Why are exams cancelled UAE 2026? Parents and students across the Emirates are asking this because multiple UK boards have signalled that the usual May/June exam hall sittings may not run as normal, with schools moving toward evidence-based routes instead. Below we explain the most common, verified reasons and what that means for IGCSE and International A Level learners—always alongside your school’s official instructions.

This article explains the most common, verified reasons behind the cancellation decisions and what it typically means for your child’s IGCSE and A Level route. For the exact evidence requirements (what your school must submit and when), always follow your school’s exam officer instructions.

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Verified resources referenced (board-first):

• Cambridge portfolio of evidence (June 2026): https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/cambridge-exams-officers-guide/portfolio-of-evidence/june-2026/
• Pearson May/June 2026 arrangements (International GCSE + International A Level, contingency + evidence): https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/campaigns/support-for-centres-affected-by-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east/arrangements-for-international-gcse-and-international-a-level-exams.html
• OxfordAQA support for Gulf & Middle East centres (contingency + evidence submission windows): https://www.oxfordaqa.com/news/gulf-and-middle-east-region-support/

UAE news confirmations used for context (what happened in the Emirates):

• Cambridge announcement reporting (portfolio of evidence route in UAE): https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/cambridge-cancels-june-2026-exams-in-uae-for-igcse-o-level-as-a-level-and-ipq-students-1.500494562
• OxfordAQA cancellation reporting (May/June 2026 UAE): https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/uks-oxfordaqa-cancels-igcse-and-a-level-exams-in-uae-for-mayjune-2026-series-1.500494701

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Why are exams cancelled UAE 2026? UAE exam cancellation reasons, explained clearly

Across the UK boards involved in UAE schools, the explanations usually cluster around three verified drivers:

• Ongoing regional disruption and conflict impacts: OxfordAQA explicitly frames its guidance as support for schools affected by conflict in the Gulf and Middle East, with contingency plans if exams cannot go ahead.
• Safety and progression priorities: UAE reporting around Cambridge decisions repeatedly highlights safety and “progression” as the reason schools shift away from standard paper-based sittings.
• Operational reality (schools may be unable to run exam procedures as planned): Pearson’s arrangements page discusses how exams may not be able to proceed in some countries and focuses on contingency options early, including evidence-based assessment approaches when normal routes are disrupted.

In other words: the cancellation is not about changing long-term qualification value; it is about keeping candidates on a path to certification when normal exam logistics and conditions are not workable.

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IGCSE cancelled UAE explanation: what “evidence-based certification” is trying to achieve

When an IGCSE route cannot run in the usual way, the goal for Cambridge-type systems is typically the same:

• preserve learning evidence that already exists in school-based work (coursework, internal assessments, teacher-reviewed learning artefacts)
• have examiners review that evidence so students still receive recognised certification

Cambridge’s Portfolio of Evidence resources for June 2026 are the official starting point for how schools must prepare and submit materials for review: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/cambridge-exams-officers-guide/portfolio-of-evidence/june-2026/

UAE reporting tied to this process also notes that the portfolio route replaces sitting papers at school for the affected June 2026 series in the Emirates: https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/cambridge-cancels-june-2026-exams-in-uae-for-igcse-o-level-as-a-level-and-ipq-students-1.500494562

Practical takeaway for parents:

If you keep asking, “What exactly should we prepare?” the answer is usually “what your school can collect and submit as evidence.” That often means maintaining a steady study routine that supports completion of school tasks and teacher-directed evidence requirements.

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A Level cancellation UAE reasons: why assessment shifts to contingency grading

For International A Level (and International GCSE routes tied to the same schools), the board-level approach is similar: if exams cannot proceed, contingency options kick in.

Pearson Edexcel publishes contingency arrangements for International GCSE and International A Level for May/June 2026, including how schools should prepare evidence for review when students are unable to transfer and normal exams cannot happen:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/campaigns/support-for-centres-affected-by-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east/arrangements-for-international-gcse-and-international-a-level-exams.html

OxfordAQA’s Gulf and Middle East support page explains contingency arrangements in a parent-friendly but operationally specific way: it covers certifying vs non-certifying students, evidence of performance, and timing expectations for evidence submission (plus a Head of Centre declaration process).
https://www.oxfordaqa.com/news/gulf-and-middle-east-region-support/

UAE news reporting for OxfordAQA confirms the UAE cancellation for May/June 2026 and describes grading based on evidence of performance and previously banked results where applicable:
https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/uks-oxfordaqa-cancels-igcse-and-a-level-exams-in-uae-for-mayjune-2026-series-1.500494701

Practical takeaway for parents:

Instead of preparing for paper dates only, you should focus on:

• keeping track of what has already been completed
• ensuring the school has the pieces they need for the evidence package
• replying quickly when exam officers request specific evidence formats or submission steps

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Cambridge International exam update UAE: why “portfolio” is used (and what it means for students)

Cambridge’s official Portfolio of Evidence guidance is designed for exam officers and schools, but the underlying purpose is easy to summarise:

• When standard exam papers cannot be run, candidates still need a fair way to demonstrate performance.
• Evidence gathered through school-based learning is reviewed so students are certificated and can continue education.

This is why you will see language about “evidence” and “review” rather than classic “sit papers.” Start with Cambridge’s official hub for the June 2026 portfolio route:
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/cambridge-exams-officers-guide/portfolio-of-evidence/june-2026/

If your child feels uncertain, one helpful approach is to ask your school’s exams office for:

• the evidence checklist (per subject)
• the submission timeline
• what students should do at home vs what the school will organise

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Frequently asked questions

Is the cancellation only for the UAE?

Boards can apply different contingency arrangements depending on how safe and workable it is to run exams in each country. OxfordAQA and Pearson both structure their guidance around “affected regions,” while UAE reporting provides the specific confirmation for UAE schools.

Does my child lose a year because exams were cancelled?

The intention across the board guidance referenced here is that students can still receive certification and progress. The exact outcome depends on whether the qualification is certifying vs non-certifying in that series and how your school prepares the evidence package.

If exams are cancelled, should my child stop studying?

No. Even when exams are replaced by evidence or contingency routes, students still need performance evidence. Keep working steadily on school tasks so your child’s evidence is ready when the school requests it.

What is the difference between “portfolio of evidence” and “contingency grading”?

“Portfolio” usually refers to how schools compile candidate work for review (Cambridge’s approach). “Contingency grading” is the broader Pearson framing for how grading decisions are made when exams cannot run normally, including evidence submission and examiner review.

Will predicted grades be used?

Some board processes allow predicted grades to be included as context within the wider evidence package. For your child, the definitive information is what your exams officer tells you to submit.

How do I know what my school has to submit?

Ask your school for the exam officer / assessments timeline and any subject evidence checklist. Cambridge, Pearson and OxfordAQA all provide official guidance pages for schools and centres, but the “what to submit” list is usually centre-specific.

What about students who are missing coursework or internal assessments?

Inform your child’s teachers and exams office as early as possible. Boards anticipate that disruption affects completion and provide frameworks for contextualising evidence and supporting affected students.

Can students transfer to another country to sit exams?

Pearson’s contingency guidance highlights transfer as a preferred option where possible. OxfordAQA also discusses transfer mechanics. Whether it is feasible depends on availability and centre/banking rules for your child’s qualification.

Will the cancelled series affect university admissions?

Most families worry about this. Your school should be able to explain how certification outcomes will be communicated. In general, boards are aiming to preserve certification so universities still receive recognised grades.

How can parents stay updated without misinformation?

Use board support pages first, then rely on your school’s direct exam officer communications. If you want a board-by-board monitor list, use our guide: Where to find official exam board updates (Middle East).

Where can I read the official board pages?

Start here:

• Cambridge portfolio of evidence (June 2026): https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/cambridge-exams-officers-guide/portfolio-of-evidence/june-2026/
• Pearson May/June 2026 arrangements: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/campaigns/support-for-centres-affected-by-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east/arrangements-for-international-gcse-and-international-a-level-exams.html
• OxfordAQA Gulf & Middle East support: https://www.oxfordaqa.com/news/gulf-and-middle-east-region-support/

What should I do if my child is anxious?

Aim for calm structure: keep daily learning routines, focus on evidence-ready tasks, and ask teachers what “good progress” looks like for the evidence package. If needed, request pastoral support from the school.

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Last reviewed: 3 April 2026. This explanation is based on official board guidance and UAE reporting available at the time of writing; policies can change. Always follow your school and the relevant awarding body for your child’s specific entries.

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