Students returned to campuses across the UAE today after nearly 50 days of distance learning, triggered by regional tensions linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. School buses were back on the roads, and the mood was one of unmistakable joy: flowers for teachers, stickers and chocolates for students, emotional parents, and hallways buzzing with energy once again. Schools reopened with strict safety measures in place: designated safe zones, suspended outdoor activities, closed canteens, and emergency drills. Attendance at several schools exceeded expectations. However, not all returned. Some institutions extended distance learning by another week, and nurseries adopted a phased approach. Here’s how schools welcomed students while some continued online…
UAE schools reopen after nearly 50 days: How the morning unfolded
UAE students returned to campuses today after nearly 50 days of distance learning, with schools reopening under strict safety measures, strong attendance and phased returns in some institutions.
Exemplary approach to reopening
School principals have hailed the UAE’s approach to school reopening as exemplary.
“The KHDA framework gave schools like Sunmarke the confidence and clarity to act decisively. It is a framework that reflects genuine care for children and for the professionals who support them. Sunmarke is proud to be part of an education sector that takes the welfare of young people so seriously. Our students have risen to every challenge placed in front of them throughout this challenging period. That, above everything else, is what gives us the greatest confidence in everything that lies ahead,” Nicholas Rickford, Principal, Sunmarke School, Dubai, told Gulf News.
~ Sajila Saseendran
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A warm welcome to campus
Watch David Williams, Principal, Regent International School, Dubai, opening gates to students and welcoming them. “It was amazing to see and hear the excitement from the students and the families, too, all happy to be back and looking forward to some amazing opportunities ahead,” he said.
~ Sajila Saseendran
UAE’s Got Talent winner performs at school assembly
Aarush Nithin Rajan, Grade 2 – I of Delhi Private School who won UAE’s Got Talent in 2025, singing a song for the morning assembly.
~ Areeba Hashmi reporting from Delhi Private School, Sharjah
‘Grateful to be back,’ says student
Watch Krish TG, Year 13 Student at Sunmarke School, Dubai sharing excitement and gratitude as he returns to campus.
~ Sajila Saseendran
Tribute to UAE leadership
Nav Iqbal, Principal, CEO and Brand Ambassador, expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership, the Ministry of Education and KHDA for their strong guidance, support and proactive steps during this period, praising their commitment to safeguarding the community’s safety and wellbeing.
“I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the UAE leadership, the Ministry of Education, and KHDA for their unwavering guidance, support, and proactive measures during this time. Their dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the community has been truly commendable.”
We are incredibly proud to be part of the UAE community – a nation that consistently prioritises safety, unity, and resilience. It is this strong sense of leadership and collective responsibility that gives us confidence as we look ahead.Nav Iqbal
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Bundles of joy return to nurseries
Nurseries that reopened on Monday welcomed little ones arriving in strollers and clutching their parents’ hands, marking a warm and emotional return to campus life.
At Jumeirah International Nurseries, young learners trickled in under a staggered schedule, including siblings starting the day together.
“We are delighted to open our doors once again with readiness, reassurance and purpose,” Samina Khanyari, general manager, told Gulf News. She said the reopening has been guided by the highest standards of safety, professionalism and care, ensuring children and families feel confident.
Khanyari said the focus is not only on welcoming children back, but doing so with calm confidence, strong preparation and a continued commitment to safety and operational excellence.
~ Sajila Saseendran
‘Happy to be back,’ say student
Students at GEMS Metropole School say they are thrilled to be back in the classroom after weeks of distance learning, with many highlighting the joy of reconnecting with friends and teachers.
Isla, Year 6, said being at school feels far better than online learning. “You can see your friends, work together and talk to your teachers. It’s much more exciting.”
Albie, Year 7, said the return to campus was something he had been looking forward to. “It’s really exciting to be back. I was most looking forward to seeing my friends again.”
Thomas, Year 6, also said being back in school is more enjoyable. “It’s more fun being at school. I’m really happy to be back in class with my teachers and friends.”
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Safety and trust in focus as schools reopen
“For the first day, our priority is to ensure that both staff and students feel safe and welcomed. It’s about rebuilding that sense of trust and continuing the progress we’ve made during online learning,” said Lucy Nicholls, Deputy Headteacher – Primary at GEMS Metropole School.
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
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‘Build confidence and belonging,’ says educator
“Right now, as teachers, it’s important for us to help students feel confident as they return to school, build a sense of belonging, and ensure their learning journey continues smoothly after the online period,” said Mohamed Wasel Al Wafaee, Deputy Head of Arabic & Islamic Studies at GEMS Metropole School.
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
‘Excited to be back at school,’ says student
“I’m excited to be back at school, to go outside and play with my friends, and to see my favourite teacher Ms Jessica and my favourite class – PE,” said Kareem, an FS2 student at GEMS Metropole School.
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Gentle return for youngest learners as school prioritises calm start
For the youngest learners at GEMS Metropole School, the focus is on a calm and gradual transition back into school life.
Katy Anderson, Head of Foundation Stage 2, which caters to around 420 FS1 and FS2 children, said the return is carefully paced rather than a typical first day back.
“It’s not a typical back-to-school day, but we are prepared and ready to get started. We’ll be settling our youngest learners back in gently, as it can be a challenge at this age, so it’s all about going at their pace today.
We are a play-based setting, so having them back for hands-on learning is a great opportunity for them to feel a sense of calm and begin to process the emotions they may be experiencing as they return.”
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Still online, but eager to return to campus
Twin brothers—Prabhnoor Singh and Harnoor Singh—are among the students continuing studies online this week. The grade 8 students at Bright Riders School, Dubai told Gulf News they are eagerly looking forward to going back to the campus from next week.
~ Sajila Saseendran
Wellbeing takes centre stage
A strong focus on wellbeing is shaping the return to campus as students settle back into school life. At Repton Abu Dhabi, classrooms have been prepared in advance, with safety measures in place in line with guidance from the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities. Students were welcomed with the “I Love Repton” stickers on their hands.
Interim Principal Stephen Davis told Gulf News: “It has been wonderful to welcome our students back and to see the school filled with smiles and energy once again. Our focus is on ensuring every child feels safe, supported and ready, and we are taking a gentle, considered approach to help them ease back into school life. We are helping students settle back comfortably into routine with a calm, wellbeing-focused approach, including extended tutor time, wellbeing activities and additional pastoral support.”
~ Sajila Saseendran
Joy returns to classrooms as students and teachers reunite
“You can really see the joy on the children’s faces, how happy and excited they are to be back in the classroom with their friends and teachers. It’s clearly visible in the way they’re laughing and interacting again,” said Andrew Hyland, Media Studies teacher at GEMS Metropole School.
“It’s the same for us as teachers too. We’re happier having the students back, and it feels good to return to our routines and the rhythm of school life.
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Is distance learning still ongoing?
At GEMS Metropole School, a parent survey conducted ahead of reopening showed that around 80 per cent of families were eager for students to return to campus.
According to Nav Iqbal – Principal, CEO, Brand Ambassador at Gems Metropole School, early indications suggest attendance may be higher than initially expected, with most students back in school.
“It’s a little too early to give final numbers, as we only confirm attendance at the end of the school day,” the principal said.
“We had anticipated around 80 per cent on campus and 20 per cent on distance learning, but it feels higher than that. We will publish the official figures later today on our social media channels, but it was great to see more students back across the school than before.
Parents who are unable to attend, whether due to travel or other reasons – have been informed that learning support will be provided. That group is generally less than 10 per cent.”
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
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‘Excited to bring the kids back,’ says parent
Reem Odeh, a mother of a FS2 student at GEMS Metropole School, said that while it was good to have the children at home, being back in school with friends and teachers is far more beneficial for them.
“We were very excited to bring the kids back. We prepared everything, and they woke up early this morning, really looking forward to returning to school.”
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
‘Overjoyed to have children back in school,’ says parent
Karen Fathallah, a parent of two children in FS1 and Year 2 at Gems Metropole School said she is overjoyed to have them back in school and to see teachers and staff again.
~ Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Excitement as students reunite with friends and teachers
“School online is definitely not the same. I’m excited to be back in a proper routine, to have structure again, and to see my friends and teachers in person,” Neeti, Grade 11 student and prefect and Gems Metropole School.
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Some schools extend distance learning for one week
“As per the direction from APEA, the school has been granted approval to continue with distance learning for one week. During this time, we will be conducting comprehensive training for teachers, leaders, administrative staff, as well as transport teams including bus drivers and conductors. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that all safety protocols and operational measures are thoroughly understood and implemented. We remain committed to prioritising the well-being and safety of our entire school community, and we look forward to being fully prepared to resume on-site classes from Monday, April 27,” Shiny Davison, Principal, Woodlem Park school, Ajman, told Gulf News.
Teachers focus on reflection and readjustment
Erin Nelson, Deputy Headteacher of Primary at GEMS Metropole School, said the focus on the first day back is to recognise students’ progress during online learning, give them space to reflect on the past seven weeks, and support a gradual return to normal school routines.
On the first day back, our focus as teachers is to recognise the progress and achievements students have made during online learning, give them space to reflect on what they’ve covered over the past seven weeks, and help them gradually readjust to the school routine.Erin Nelson
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
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Hallways come alive as students head to classes
Students at GEMS Metropole School in Motor City are seen moving through the hallways between classes as the school day gets underway.
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Safe zones and tighter protocols as Dubai schools reopen
Schools across Dubai are a little different as campuses reopen with enhanced safety measures in place, including designated safe zones and updated emergency procedures in line with guidance from the KHDA.
At GEMS Metropole School, staff say preparations have focused on both classroom safety and wider campus operations from emergency readiness to traffic flow and student movement.
Overseeing these measures is Nizar Mahmoud Mourad, Manager of School Operations at the school.
“Student safety remains our top priority, and we are fully aligned with the instructions issued by the relevant authorities. We have also introduced additional internal procedures to strengthen preparedness across the campus.
“This includes designated safe zones and shelter areas, along with comprehensive training for staff so students know exactly what to do before, during and after any emergency.”
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
‘Provision remains flexible,’ says school principal
“Students have returned to campus following KHDA approval. Students who are out of the country are being supported online. As always, our provision remains flexible and in line with KHDA recommendations,” Jonathan Cox, Principal Collegiate International School, told Gulf News.
– Sajila Saseendran
Back to class: Teachers prioritise routine and rebuilding momentum
“For me, the first day back is about re-establishing a clear routine and creating a positive classroom environment. It’s also about helping students get back on track and start making progress again,” says Jennifer Elliot, Grade 4 teacher at Gems Metropole School.
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Campus buzz returns across UAE schools today
We are now face-to-face!
The buzz of young students has returned to campuses, with both teachers and pupils excited for in-person learning. Sharjah Indian School Director and Principal Pramod Mahajan welcomed students back, saying: “Dear students, good morning and welcome! Now we are face-to-face.”
He also expressed thanks to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his support.
‘A real relief to be back,’ says Grade 11 student
Jood, a Year 11 student at GEMS Metropole School, said it was a “real relief” to return to campus after weeks of online learning.
“Online learning was quite challenging, but being able to see friends and teachers again — that sense of human connection — makes a big difference,” she said.
Jood, who is in an exam year, added that the transition back to in-person learning has been made easier with support from teachers.
“I’m in Grade 11, which is an exam year, but our teachers have helped make this transition much easier to manage,” she said.
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed highlights student resilience on return
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said students across the UAE have resumed in-person learning in all universities and schools, after the country’s education system demonstrated exceptional resilience and full continuity amid recent regional challenges.
Writing on his X account, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Our sons and daughters, the students, resume in-person classes today across all our universities and schools, after our education system proved its exceptional ability to maintain full continuity under the circumstances the region has experienced,” he said.
Addressing students, he added: “We are a nation that does not stop at challenges. We are a nation that never stops learning and teaching. We are a nation whose progress does not pause and whose development does not stall.
The Vice President added: “We are a nation that believes in you, and builds its future through you, with you, and for you.
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‘Safety remains top priority,’ says school CEO
Nav Iqbal, Principal, CEO and Brand Ambassador at GEMS Metropole School, said the school had clearly communicated key messages to parents, along with training sessions and feedback surveys ahead of reopening.
He said student attendance was higher than expected, with more than 80 per cent of students returning to campus this morning.
“Seeing that level of attendance reassures us that parents trust the safety measures and procedures we have put in place. Their children’s safety and security remain our top priority,” he said.
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Schools brief parents on KHDA emergency procedures
Dr Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Principal of Al Khaleej International School, said the school held sessions with parents to explain expectations during alerts and emergencies in line with KHDA protocols.
She said parents were briefed on what actions to take if they are on the way to school during an emergency, stressing that it is the school’s role to educate families on the procedures to follow. The information was shared before reopening, she added.
“Feedback from parents is that they feel hard work is happening and they are comfortable sending their children to school,” she said, noting that there were no major concerns except for a small number of families abroad. “Only around 6 per cent of students are currently outside the country.”
Speaking as a parent herself, she added: “As a mother who just dropped off her child to school, I feel comfortable and confident in the country’s leadership and safety protocols. Students should be prepared for all scenarios; in case of any emergency, they need to know what to do. This is part of life skills and survival skills.”
– Lakshana N Palat reporting from Al Khaleej International School, Dubai
‘Positive response,’ says Sharjah school principal
Principal and Director Vandana Marwaha of Delhi Private School Sharjah tells us about the parents and students’ positive reaction on coming back to school.
– Areeba Hashmi reporting from Delhi Private School, Sharjah
Dubai school balances in-person and remote learning options
Timothy Roberts, Principal, Raffles world Academy, told Gulf News: “We will implement a hybrid model where designated teachers are assigned to deliver distance learning for students who are unable to attend in person.”
We have restructured school timetables and staff deployment to ensure that all students continue to receive high-quality learning. In addition, asynchronous learning options will be available for certain students, depending on subject choices or time zone differences.Timothy Roberts, Principal, Raffles world Academy
‘Eager to reopen,’ says Delhi Private School principal
Vandana Marwaha, Principal and Director of Delhi Private School, spoke about why CBSE schools in Sharjah have been eager to resume in-person learning, highlighting strong readiness and enthusiasm for students’ return to campus.
“We are truly excited to welcome our students back to campus, it’s a different kind of excitement,” said Vandana Marwaha.
“Our students, teachers, and parents adapted remarkably well during online learning, and that resilience made the transition smooth. Now, with students back in person, we can implement the holistic development initiatives expected by SPEA and CBSE with far greater depth, and that’s something we’ve all been looking forward to.”
Photos: School begins new term with opening assembly
Senior class returns to school after remote learning
Senior sociology students at Al Khaleej International School said they are happy to be back on campus and reunited with friends as schools across the UAE resume in-person learning.
– Lakshana N Palat reporting from Al Khaleej International School, Dubai
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‘Lovely seeing everyone,’ says principal on school reopening
Sarah Isberg, Principal, and Tammy Elimlahi, Head of Primary, welcome students at Noya British School in Abu Dhabi. “It’s been lovely seeing everybody this morning, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the day,” said Isberg.
– Afra Al Nofeli reporting from Tammy Elimlahi, Abu Dhabi
‘100% in-person learning resumes,’ says school principal
Sharjah Indian School Director and Principal Dr Pramod Mahajan greets students as they arrive for in-person learning on the campus in the Girls’ Branch in Ghubaiba.
“Today, we are welcoming students back 100% in person, from KG1 to Grade 12. We’re grateful to the UAE and Sharjah leadership, as well as the Sharjah Private Education Authority, for their continued support. Around 10,000 students are on campus today, and we’re fully back to face-to-face learning. Across both branches, the school has nearly 16,000 students. It’s encouraging to see that all students have returned to campus, with none opting for online learning. The enthusiasm is very high,” he told Gulf News.
– Sajila Saseendran
Outdoor activities suspended as schools tighten safety rules
The school canteen at Delhi Private School, Sharjah is closed as part of the new safety measures.
DPS Sharjah Principal Vandana Marwaha told Gulf News that the canteen and the school grounds will remain closed for at least one week. Physical education classes and all other outdoor activities have also been suspended. “This is also aimed at training students and getting them accustomed to the safety protocols and drills,” she said.
– Areeba Hashmi reporting from Delhi Private School, Sharjah
No assemblies, indoor-only plans as schools prioritise safety
Mai Yaghmour, Associate Principal, said it was “so exciting to be back,” adding that the return to campus has been highly anticipated by staff and students alike.
“I was just telling my colleagues I couldn’t sleep last night. You really miss that social interaction. There are so many things you can do online, which is teaching basics, but coming to school, being with students and collaborating is just so different,” she said.
She noted that while online learning had been maintained at a high standard, especially drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 period, many students—particularly younger ones—had missed their friends and school environment.
“We did our best to make learning interactive, but we felt they miss their friends and school, especially the little ones,” she added.
Yaghmour also highlighted the range of safety measures in place as students return. “We have prepared training today, including first aid refresher training for teachers. There is also emergency training at the end of the day, as notified by KHDA,” she said.
She confirmed that safety zones have been marked across campus for use in case of alerts, while outdoor activities, gatherings, and morning assemblies have been suspended as precautionary measures.
We have prepared training today, and that includes our first aid training as a refresher today for our teachers. There is emergency training at the end of the day, too as notified by KHDA. There are marked safety zones where to gather in the case of alerts. No outdoor activities, lessons, no gatherings, so we cancelled the morning assemblyMai Yaghmour
– Lakshana N Palat reporting from Al Khaleej International School, Dubai
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Young learners take part in safety drill at school
Pre-KG students took part in safety drills as schools reopened, helping young learners understand basic safety procedures during their return to campus.
Canteens closed, outdoor activities suspended
In some schools, canteens are closed while outdoor activities are suspended in all schools as part of safety measures, school principals told Gulf News
Campus buzz returns as students head back to school
Students arrive at Al Khaleej International School in Dubai on Monday, April 20, as schools across the UAE welcome students back for face-to-face learning after weeks of remote education.
Joyful return for KG pupils in Sharjah classroom
KG students at Delhi Private School Sharjah expressed excitement as they returned to school, marking a joyful start to in-person learning after weeks of remote classes.
“Feels so good to be back,” say senior students
“We are seniors and it feels so long since we haven’t been to school. It feels so good to be back. Being around friends is what makes school good for us.As seniors, this is our last year to experience school, so the more around we are here, it is just better,” say Arad Tehrani and Radin Kazemkhani.
– Lakshana N Palat reporting from Al Khaleej International School, Dubai
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‘We missed school life,’ says 18-year-old student
Latefa Al Marzooqi, 18 years old, “We are very happy that we get to spend our senior year in school. It feels so good to be back with my friends. We feel better when we are around people. It gets boring at home with jus4 screens. So good to be back and connect again.”
– Lakshana N Palat reporting from Al Khaleej International School, Dubai
School buses arrive as students return to campus
School buses arrive at Noya British School in Abu Dhabi as students return to campus following the resumption of in-person learning.
Student shows gratitude with flowers on school return
A student brought flowers for teachers at Al Khaleej International School in Dubai, as schools across the UAE welcomed students back for face-to-face learning.
– Lakshana N Palat reporting from Al Khaleej International School, Dubai
Photos: Emotional welcome as students return with roses
Students return to classrooms as schools reopen across Dubai, marking the resumption of in-person learning after weeks of remote education.
91% of students prefer classroom learning, says principal
Dr Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Principal says it is great to be back. “We have worked very hard for the past 48 hours, ensuring safety protocols. The students are very happy to be back, spoke to them for a bit even if they are very sleepy. We did a survey to see whether they prefer in person learning or home and 91 per cent chose in person. We have also put several safety precautions in place, no outdoor activities, physical education is indoors and we have marked safe zones in the school in case of any alerts, we will keep evaluating by the week.”.
– Lakshana N Palat reporting from Al Khaleej International School, Dubai
“We have worked very hard for the past 48 hours, ensuring safety protocols. We have also put several safety precautions in place, no outdoor activities, physical education is indoors and we have marked safe zones in the school in case of any alerts, we will keep evaluating by the week.Dr Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Al Khaleej International School
‘Happy to get back to normal,’ says parent
Mariam Ghaznavi Sheikh, a parent dropping off her child Sophie on the first day back, says she is relieved to see a return to routine. “We are just happy to get back to normal, finally, that was the dream,” she said.
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Roses and cards greet students on campus return
Students are streaming back into classrooms this morning as teachers and staff prepare to welcome them after weeks of remote learning, with a warm reception that includes roses and handwritten cards.
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Police step up school zone safety in Sharjah
Sharjah Police have deployed traffic personnel to school zones, ensuring safe and smooth movement during drop-off and pick-up hours. Officers are stationed at key points to manage congestion and protect young students as they navigate busy roads.
– Areeba Hashmi reporting from Delhi Private School, Sharjah
Look: School buses return to UAE roads
Yellow school buses are back on UAE roads as students return to classrooms across the country, marking the resumption of in-person learning nationwide.
UAE schools roll out safety measures
Schools across the UAE are reopening with enhanced safety protocols in place after more than 40 days of online learning.
In Dubai, institutions have been implementing measures in line with guidance from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, with staff trained on updated safety and operational procedures ahead of students’ return.
At GEMS Metropole School, designated “safe zones” have been introduced across the campus. Marked with blue stickers in corridors, these areas are positioned away from windows as part of the school’s precautionary planning.
– Zainab Husain reporting from GEMS Metropole School, Dubai
Stop for school buses or face Dh1,000 fine
Abu Dhabi Police have urged drivers to fully stop when a school bus extends its “STOP” sign, warning that non-compliance endangers students and carries strict penalties.
Motorists must halt in both directions and maintain at least a five-metre distance to allow safe boarding and crossing. Authorities said violations will result in a Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points.
The renewed warning comes as schools across the UAE resume in-person learning, with increased traffic expected around school zones during peak hours.
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Nurseries expand home-based options
Early childhood centres in Dubai are adopting a phased approach to reopening, with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) allowing private nurseries to resume in-person operations gradually, subject to approval.
At the same time, nurseries are expanding home-based learning services, including centre-led home-based learning (CLHL) groups and supervised home tutoring for children up to six years old.
Nearly 100 CLHL hubs are currently operating across communities, supported by more than 74 educators providing home-based learning assistance.
Flexible learning models remain in place
As schools reopen today, flexibility remains a key part of the transition. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai said the return to in-person learning is being carefully managed, with approvals granted only after institutions meet strict health and safety requirements.
Schools and universities may continue to offer a mix of in-person and distance learning to support their communities. However, KHDA has clarified that teachers will not be required to deliver both formats at the same time.
Several schools postpone in-person classes
Despite the broader reopening, several schools have informed parents that they will not resume on-campus learning immediately.
Leams Education, which operates multiple schools across the UAE, has confirmed a delay in reopening as it completes final-stage staff training, safety drills, and compliance procedures required for KHDA approval.
Other Dubai schools are taking a similar approach, with some continuing distance learning for at least another week and others extending remote learning until further notice.
Also Read: UAE schools to reopen: Everything parents need to know
Why UAE schools shifted to distance learning
Distance learning was introduced in the UAE on March 2, 2026 as a precautionary measure amid regional security concerns linked to ongoing conflict in the region following reported attacks involving Iran and Gulf countries, including the UAE.
The initial remote learning period was scheduled until March 6, before the spring break was brought forward. Authorities later extended online learning in stages while closely monitoring the situation and prioritising the safety of students and school staff.
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UAE sets traffic plan as students return to schools
The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that in-person classes will resume across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools on Monday, ending days of uncertainty over the duration of distance learning.
Separately, the Ministry of Interior, through the Federal Traffic Council, has announced a nationwide traffic plan to ensure a safe return to schools. The measures include increased police presence near schools and key roads, enhanced traffic management during peak hours, and steps to support safe movement of school buses and pedestrians.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, reduce speed near schools, and strictly follow traffic rules, including stopping when a school bus “STOP” sign is extended.
