Ministry of Education UAE Endorses the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (IKMC): A National Initiative to Inspire Mathematical Thinking

The International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (IKMC) is now officially supported as a national academic initiative in the United Arab Emirates, following confirmation from the UAE Ministry of Education that the competition will be taken under the Ministry’s umbrella.

As part of this initiative, the Ministry has instructed education authorities across the country—including ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge), KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), and SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority)—to circulate official invitations to schools encouraging participation in the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition 2026.

The competition is organised in the UAE by ThinkTanks Child Skills Development LLC (Kangaroo UAE), the national member organisation responsible for implementing the globally recognised mathematics challenge in coordination with the Association Kangourou Sans Frontières (AKSF).

This marks an important milestone in the UAE’s commitment to STEM education, global academic engagement, and innovative learning experiences for students.

Strengthening STEM Education in the UAE

The Ministry’s support for the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition aligns closely with the UAE’s broader educational vision of strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning.

Through initiatives like IKMC, students are encouraged to develop:

• Logical reasoning

• Problem-solving abilities

• Analytical thinking

• Mathematical creativity

The competition introduces students to mathematics not as a rigid subject, but as a creative intellectual challenge that promotes curiosity and exploration.

By bringing the competition under the Ministry’s umbrella, the UAE is reinforcing its commitment to preparing students for global academic and technological competitiveness.

A Global Mathematics Competition in Over 110 Countries

The International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition is the largest school-based mathematics competition in the world, conducted annually in more than 110 countries and engaging over 7 million students worldwide.

Founded in 1994 in Europe, the competition was designed by mathematicians who believed that mathematics should be:

• Accessible

• Enjoyable

• Challenging

• Inspiring for students of all abilities

Each year, mathematicians and educators from participating countries collaborate to design the competition questions. As a result, students around the world solve the same style of problems on the same day, creating a truly global academic experience.

Students in the UAE will therefore be participating in a competition where millions of students worldwide engage with the same mathematical challenges.

A Unique Competition: No Pass or Fail

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition is that it is not an examination.

There is no pass or fail.

The competition is designed to ignite curiosity and build confidence in mathematical thinking.

Instead of focusing on memorisation or textbook exercises, IKMC problems encourage students to think creatively using:

• Patterns

• Logic

• Visual reasoning

• Strategic thinking

The goal is simple: make mathematics enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

Recognition Through Global Awards

Students who participate in the competition receive internationally recognised awards based on performance thresholds rather than rankings.

Awards include:

• Gold Medals

• Silver Medals

• Bronze Medals

• Achievement Certificates

• Participation Certificates

Because the competition is global, these recognitions are valued across all Kangaroo participating countries, making them meaningful achievements for students.

Importantly, the competition emphasises recognition rather than competition between schools, ensuring that participation remains inclusive and encouraging for students at all levels.

Participation Across All UAE Schools

Following the Ministry’s direction, schools across the UAE—including those under ADEK, KHDA, SPEA, and the Ministry of Education—are being invited to participate.

The competition is open to students in:

Grades 1 through 12

Participation takes place through schools, allowing institutions to conduct the competition within their own premises under standard examination conditions.

This approach ensures that the experience remains accessible, organised, and familiar for students.

Why the Kangaroo Competition Matters

In an era where analytical skills and innovation are essential, the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition provides a powerful platform to encourage young learners to engage deeply with mathematics.

For students, participation offers an opportunity to:

• Develop confidence in mathematical reasoning

• Experience international academic challenges

• Engage in creative problem-solving

• Build curiosity and intellectual resilience

For schools, it provides an opportunity to introduce students to global academic experiences aligned with modern STEM education goals.

For parents, it offers a chance to support children in developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

A National Step Toward Global Academic Engagement

With the UAE Ministry of Education bringing the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition under its umbrella, the initiative represents a significant step toward expanding opportunities for students across the country.

Through collaboration between education authorities, schools, and the national organiser ThinkTanks (Kangaroo UAE), the competition will enable thousands of students to participate in one of the world’s most respected academic challenges.

The initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to nurturing curious, analytical, and globally competitive learners.

Join the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition UAE

Schools across the UAE are invited to participate in the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (IKMC) 2026 and become part of a global educational movement that celebrates logic, creativity, and the joy of mathematics.

For more information about the competition and participation details, visit:

www.kangaroouae.org