Dubai’s private schools, nurseries and universities will continue with distance learning until Friday, April 3, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed today.
KHDA has also announced that any Dubai school planning to return to on-campus learning must submit a formal request “outlining clear and detailed justifications”. Final decisions will be made by the Ministry of Education, with safety as the priority.
For now, however, distance learning continues across Dubai and any return to classrooms will depend on approvals from the KHDA and MOE.
Applications Submitted but No Approval Yet
Taaleem, responsible for a portfolio of 37 schools across the UAE, has submitted an application to return to the classroom. As it stands, no approval has been granted for a return to on-site learning. And, if approval were to be granted, parents would still have the option of distance and hybrid learning if they’re not comfortable with a return to class.
Ongoing Disruption to Schooling
Private school, public school and advanced education students and staff across the UAE have not physically been to class since the end of February, as the UAE has been affected by the ongoing regional situation.
The spring break holiday for schools came a week early in the UAE following the first week of distance learning in the country.
Approval Process and Safety Priorities
Any request to return to in-person classes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Ministry of Education after going through the KHDA.
The safety and well-being of students, staff and the wider community remains the key factor in the Ministry’s final decision.
The announcement of an extension of distance learning after the Eid Al Fitr break stated that the situation will be reviewed weekly by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
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Further Reading:
- How Schools Can Support Students and Families During Periods of Remote Learning
- Collective Anxiety, Why Communities Feel It Together