Play is central to healthy childhood and adolescent development. Decades of interdisciplinary research demonstrate that unstructured, child-led play strengthens cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Despite this, changes in schooling, family life, technology use, and safety concerns have contributed to a decline in unstructured, child-led play globally. This is further applicable to the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, where schools face additional pressures stemming from limited play spaces, heightened academic expectations, safety concerns, and parental perceptions. Based on observations across a range of schools in Ras Al Khaimah, this policy paper aims to present implementation strategies for unstructured play across primary, intermediate, and secondary levels. It concludes with a series of recommendations based on low-cost, successful examples from regional and international contexts to support the implementation of unstructured play across schools in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond.
Recommended citation: Oliveira, J., & Farhat, J. (2026). Reclaiming Play: Low-Cost Strategies to Support Student Well-being and Learning in Ras Al Khaimah Schools (Policy Paper No. 94). Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.