The UAE has extended distance learning until Friday, April 17, 2026, for students, teachers and administrative staff across all nurseries, kindergartens and public and private schools nationwide.
The Ministry of Education announced the decision, citing the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff as the primary reason for the extension.
The situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis, signalling that the April 17 date could change depending on developments.
How the Shift to Remote Learning Began
The extension builds on a period of sustained remote learning that began on March 2 and continued into Term 3 on March 23 after the spring break was brought forward due to regional tensions.
Schools adapted quickly during the break to prepare for online learning, with students and some teachers joining classes from different locations and time zones.
Distance learning had previously been extended until April 3, with authorities expected to reassess the situation.
Impact on School Schedules
Indian and Pakistani schools in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the northern emirates began the 2026 to 2027 academic year online, a week later than planned, following directives from the Sharjah Private Education Authority and other regulators.
Hundreds of kindergarten students started school from home for the first time, with institutions organising mock sessions to help pupils and parents adjust to virtual learning.
Dubai’s Asian curriculum schools, which were scheduled to reopen on April 6, will now continue remote learning until at least mid April.
Conditions for Returning to Classrooms
Authorities have allowed private institutions to submit requests to resume in person learning, but approvals remain strict.
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority has stated that schools must provide clear and detailed justifications for reopening, with each request reviewed individually and referred to the Ministry of Education for a final decision.
Universities Adopt Hybrid Approach
Meanwhile, several universities in the UAE have begun a gradual return to campus for selected programmes.
A directive from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research allows phased in person learning for courses that require clinical training, laboratory work or field based applications. It also permits examinations to be conducted on campus.
At the same time, some universities have chosen to remain fully remote. American University of Sharjah will continue online operations until further notice, while American University of Ras Al Khaimah and American University in Dubai have also confirmed ongoing distance learning for the time being.
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Further Reading:
- UAE Schools to Stay Online From March 23 as Distance Learning Extended Nationwide
- Sheikh Mohammed Announces AI as Mandatory Subject in UAE Schools
- Sheikh Hamdan Approves First Dubai Student Council to Empower Youth to Shape the Future of Education