Dubai schools have begun restoring outdoor activities following a seven week pause, with playgrounds and sports fields gradually coming back to life. Institutions are moving quickly to implement phased reopenings, bringing back football matches, fitness clubs, assemblies and outdoor learning as part of a broader return to normal school routines.
The resumption follows the reopening of in person classes on April 20, marking a significant step in rebuilding a balanced school experience. Approvals were granted in line with directives from the Ministry of Education UAE and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, allowing schools to begin rolling out activities earlier this week.
A Gradual But Confident Return
For many institutions, the return of outdoor activities represents more than just physical movement, it signals a restoration of student life and engagement.
At Raffles World Academy, Principal Timothy Roberts said a full programme is already being reintroduced.
“By Wednesday this week, we will have resumed our full range of CCAs, including our sports programme. We have already introduced online academic help desks, and this marks a broader return to a more balanced school experience. All activities continue to run in line with current guidance and are kept under regular review. Student safety remains central. We have introduced a reverse evacuation protocol, which ensures that if students are engaged in outdoor activities, they can be swiftly and safely moved into designated indoor safe spaces when required.”
Across the GEMS Education network, outdoor learning and enrichment activities are also being reintroduced in phases.
Matthew Burfield, Executive Vice President, Education, confirmed that schools are quickly returning to planned schedules.
“CCAs have already resumed across our cluster of schools in Dubai and will be embedded into the weekly provision as per our previous term 3 plans. Schools, including GEMS Founders School, Dubai (GFS), and Metropole School, Motor City (MTS), resumed activities from 27th April, once KHDA approval was granted over the weekend. All schools will be offering a full programme of ECAs, with outdoor activities fully operational during this week following the approval provided to do so over the weekend.”
He added that schools are making the most of the current weather window, expanding sports, creative and leadership activities ahead of the summer months.
Safety and Well Being in Focus
While outdoor activities resume, safety protocols remain firmly embedded in daily operations. Schools continue to implement risk assessments, staff supervision and emergency preparedness measures.
Burfield emphasised that “safety remains a clear priority,” highlighting activity specific risk assessments, trained supervision and regular drills.
“Full practice of our safe zone drills puts us in a strong position for the next step, now approved to move outside with our activities. Schools have embedded these measures into daily operations, ensuring consistency through staff training and shared expectations.”
At Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Principal Richard John Drew outlined how outdoor play is returning alongside preparedness training.
“We are pleased to confirm that outdoor play will resume from tomorrow (Tuesday). This includes outdoor break times, Physical Education lessons, and Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs). Certain activities will continue to be adapted where necessary, but students will once again benefit from structured and unstructured outdoor experiences as part of the school day. Teachers and activity leaders have been trained and reminded of the correct procedures to follow should an alert occur during outdoor play, PE, or ECAs.”
At Jebel Ali School, Principal Simon Jodrell described a noticeable improvement in student morale.
“The impact on our students has been immediate and incredibly positive. Being outdoors, engaging in sport and reconnecting socially play a vital role in both physical health and emotional wellbeing. It brings energy back into the school day, supports friendships and restores a sense of normality that is so important for young people. Safety, of course, remains our absolute priority. It is this balance, between opportunity and responsibility, that ensures our students can enjoy these experiences safely and confidently.”
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Further Reading:
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