Schools across the United Arab Emirates are reopening on Monday (April 20) with strengthened safety systems, revised routines and structured emergency procedures in place. Following weeks of remote learning due to regional conflict developments, schools are prioritising reassurance, clarity and preparedness for students, staff and families.
Focus on Safety and Structured Reopening
Across Dubai and other emirates, schools have worked closely with regulatory authorities to complete readiness checks, staff training and emergency planning before reopening.
Leaders emphasise that the priority is not only reopening campuses, but rebuilding routine in a controlled and supportive environment where student wellbeing remains central.
Emergency Protocols and Safe Zones
Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, outlined the scale of preparation across campuses.
“Standardised procedures are in place across all campuses, including shelter-in-place, reverse evacuation, and evacuation protocols, with designated safe zones and assembly points. These are supported by real-time student accountability through register checks, controlled campus movement, and continuous supervision, ensuring that communication with parents remains clear and wellbeing support is embedded throughout the day.”
Clear Procedures for Emergencies
Schools have reinforced structured response systems to ensure calm and coordinated action during any alert.
Lisa Johnson, principal of American Academy for Girls, explained:
“We have clear protocols in place. Students and staff will move immediately to designated safe zones, with teachers completing a rapid check-in process and trained wing leaders supporting each area. At dismissal, if an alert is issued, students will remain in school and shelter in place until the official all-clear is given, it is very important for parents to understand they will not be able to collect their children during an alert. We kindly ask that parents do not call the school during an active alert, as staff will be fully focused on ensuring student safety. Families can feel confident that their children are supervised, accounted for, and cared for at all times.”
Adjusted School Routines and Daily Operations
Matthew Barrett, principal of Raffles International School, highlighted operational adjustments designed to maintain both safety and continuity.
“Extensive planning and preparation have been undertaken to fulfil the KHDA requirements.”
He added that while “assemblies and outdoor activities are not permitted”, schools are ensuring “students return to an environment that is as close to usual processes as possible.”
Students will be gradually introduced to safety procedures, including short orientations and walkthroughs during the first days of term, with formal drills aligned to official guidance.
Shelter-in-Place Procedures During School Hours
Schools are also focusing on calm and coordinated emergency responses.
Simon Jodrell, principal of Jebel Ali School, described the process:
“In the event of an emergency alert during the school day, we would immediately initiate what is known as a ‘shelter in place’ procedure… all students are calmly guided to designated indoor safe areas, movement across the school stops, registers are taken, and leadership, medical and safeguarding teams oversee the process,” he said.
He added that communication remains ongoing with authorities until an official “all clear” is issued.
People First Safety Approach
Large education groups are reinforcing a strong safety-first message across campuses.sss
In internal guidance shared by GEMS Education, schools emphasised:
- People First: Students and staff safety come first always. Lives take priority over belongings. In an emergency, never go back for bags, phones or possessions. They can be replaced; lives cannot.
- Stay Indoors: All learning and activities happen indoors. Morning assemblies and outdoor activities remain suspended. Students must not gather in courtyards, open areas or near windows.
- Safe Zones: Every classroom and common area has a designated safe zone reachable within one minute. Students must learn these locations during the first days of school.
- Official Alerts Only: Follow official alerts from school management and UAE authorities. Do not rely on social media, forwarded messages or WhatsApp groups. Rumours create panic.
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Further Reading:
- UAE School Transport Safety Rules Ahead of Reopening
- Midad Initiative Opens New Pathway into Teaching in Abu Dhabi