Educators priority is not just on logistics but on the wellbeing of students grappling with a news environment dominated by complex geopolitical events
Educational leaders across the UAE highlight that they are maintaining ongoing pastoral care, open lines of communication, and reassurance about safety measures to help students and families navigate this period with calm confidence.
As the wider conflict involving the United States and Iran continues to unfold in the Middle East, schools across the UAE have shifted to distance learning this week in a carefully managed effort to prioritise student safety while maintaining academic continuity.
The move by educational authorities from March 2 to March 4 comes as part of precautionary measures in response to regional developments that have led to heightened security alerts and temporary changes to learning routines across the country.
At the heart of the response from educators is a focus not just on logistics but on the wellbeing of students grappling with a news environment dominated by complex geopolitical events.
A few UAE schools are particularly supporting their youngest learners, those in KG to Grade 5, recognising that children in this age group may struggle to process news about regional tensions.
Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, said educators are deliberately beginning their online classes with words of reassurance.
“Teachers are starting the online classes, assuring students that children are safe and they have nothing to worry about,” he said, adding that emotional wellbeing is being prioritised alongside academics.
He noted that the school psychologist has also prepared a guidance document for parents. “Our school psychologist has also created a document for parents where certain dos and don’ts have been laid out.”
“The advisory encourages parents not to allow children to watch television programmes related to the war, to gently monitor behavioural changes such as unusual crying or repeated talk about war and missile interceptions, and to consistently reinforce calm and reassurance at home,” he added.
Nicholas Brain, Deputy Executive Vice President and Principal/CEO of Jumeirah College – Dubai, also emphasised how schools are approaching the situation thoughtfully.
“We continue to monitor developments closely, with safety and wellbeing at the forefront of all decisions. Parents and students will be kept informed of any updates that affect school operations or learning schedules… Our priority is to minimise anxiety, reinforce a sense of security, and ensure students feel supported both academically and emotionally.”
Brain emphasised that continuity of learning is a key goal, with schools adjusting assessment timelines where needed to avoid disruption.
“Learning continuity and ongoing evaluation will continue in accordance with curriculum requirements,” he said, noting that schools are communicating directly with families about specific schedules, formats, and considerations.
For many families, the shift to online classes has been practical as well as reassuring. GEMS Education, one of the UAE’s largest private school groups, highlighted its preparedness, saying that its existing digital platforms and emergency response protocols allow a smooth transition between in-person and remote learning when required.
Teachers have been given guidance on how to discuss the situation with students in age-appropriate ways.
Brain added, “The message to children is: adults are in control, safety is the priority, and learning continues.”
Seema Umar, Principal of Dewvale School in Dubai, shared how teachers are keeping pupils engaged during the distance-learning period.
“Distance learning is being delivered primarily through live online sessions to maintain structure, engagement, and connection with teachers. These are supported by asynchronous resources such as recorded explanations, assignments, and practice tasks to provide flexibility for families if needed.”
Umar noted that the situation continues to be monitored closely and that the school will adapt its approach in line with official guidance while ensuring learning continues in “a safe and supportive environment”.
© Khaleej Times
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