International curricula schools across the UAE have begun the third academic term online, with distance learning continuing amid a cautious approach by authorities to reopening campuses. Education regulators prioritise UAE students’ and staff safety and have made clear that any return to in-person classes will be gradual and subject to strict controls.
While lessons continue remotely, schools are preparing for a possible phased reopening and have begun submitting applications to regulators for on-site learning. Approvals will be granted case-by-case, depending on each school’s readiness to meet safety requirements. With decisions under weekly review, timelines remain uncertain.
Here’s a detailed look at what has been confirmed so far, what remains uncertain, and what parents can expect in the coming days:
What is the current status of schooling across the UAE?
In line with the announcement by the Education, Human Development and Community Council, all private educational institutions in the UAE will continue distance learning until Friday, April 3, 2026.
Why is the situation still fluid?
The situation will be reviewed weekly, with authorities closely monitoring regional developments related to the US-Israel-Iran conflict before making changes. Updates will be communicated through official school channels, ensuring parents and students receive timely, accurate information while prioritising the safety of students and staff.
Who decides when schools return to in-person learning?
Decisions on reopening are taken at the highest levels of the education system. The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council announced three regulatory measures to ensure continuity of education across the country while safeguarding students and the wider educational community, in coordination with relevant entities within the national education system and federal government work ecosystem.
What have authorities officially said so far?
The Ministry of Education announced that distance learning would continue from March 23, the start of the third academic term for international curriculum schools, for two weeks. The measure applies to students, teaching, and administrative staff across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools nationwide.
Meanwhile, Asian curricula schools await the start of the new academic term, which resumes on 6 April.
Is there a confirmed date for returning to classrooms?
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that all private educational institutions in Dubai will continue distance learning until Friday, April 3, 2026. However, Dubai’s education regulator allows schools to apply for in-person reopening if they meet strict requirements, signalling a cautious return to campuses.
In a statement to Khaleej Times on Tuesday, a KHDA spokesperson said, “These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be reviewed by the Ministry of Education in accordance with the approved regulations and procedures. The safety and well-being of students, staff, and the wider community will be the key factor.”
Will decisions vary by emirate, curriculum, or school operator?
It is not clear if decisions will vary by emirate, curriculum, or school operator. Authorities have indicated that reopening requests will be assessed individually, with the Ministry of Education reviewing each application according to approved regulations and procedures.
What should parents expect in the coming days or weeks?
Parents should expect clear, step-by-step communication from schools once decisions are finalised. Confirmed updates will come through official directives from the relevant emirate’s education regulator and the Ministry of Education.
As schools receive approvals or guidance, they will share detailed instructions with families to help them prepare for the next steps and ensure a smooth transition back to in-person learning when it is deemed safe.
How are major school groups planning for the transition?
Several major school groups in Dubai have applied to KHDA for approval to resume face-to-face learning, with some targeting as early as March 30, 2026. This reflects broader readiness among schools to reopen, provided they meet all safety requirements.
However, on Tuesday evening, KHDA reiterated that all private educational institutions in Dubai will continue distance learning until Friday, April 3, 2026, with applications being reviewed individually by the Ministry of Education in line with approved regulations and procedures.
What is the impact on exams, assessments, and academic calendars?
Schools following international curricula began their third academic term online on March 23, aligning with nationwide directives. The distance learning model blends live virtual lessons with independent study, offline tasks, and recorded content, allowing students to stay engaged while reducing prolonged screen time.
For Indian curriculum schools, academic calendars are adjusted to balance safety with continuity. With many exams already completed, schools conducted remaining assessments online, and teachers are finalising results remotely. Despite scheduling changes, institutions work to ensure smooth progression into the next academic year while maintaining academic standards.
For high-stakes external exams, Indian curriculum schools saw major changes. The Central Board of Secondary Education cancelled remaining Class 10 and 12 board exams across the Middle East—including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran—citing student safety amid ongoing regional conflict.
Similarly, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations scrapped all ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) exams in the UAE and wider region due to security concerns.
How are students coping with extended distance learning?
Students continue with structured online schedules, with attendance and participation monitored as usual. Schools have strengthened digital systems and teacher training to maintain a consistent learning experience.
Parents and students are encouraged to stay in close contact with schools for updated timetables and guidance, ensuring learners remain engaged and supported throughout the extended distance learning period.
What support is available for working parents?
Working parents are supported through flexible arrangements as they balance professional responsibilities with supervising children at home. With remote learning in place, many employers offer options such as working from home, flexible hours, adjusted deadlines, or leave in urgent situations.
These measures aim to ease pressure on families while ensuring children’s safety, educational continuity, and overall well-being during a period of heightened uncertainty.
Are schools and transport systems ready for a quick return?
While there is limited clarity around transport operations, some parents have begun receiving messages from bus providers asking them to register in advance to retain their seats.
Communications in some cases indicate that failure to confirm transport arrangements could result in losing a place, suggesting operators are preparing for a potential return to in-person schooling at short notice.
© Khaleej Times
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