We asked school leaders across the UAE how they are holding their communities together. What they shared was honest, moving and full of the quiet strength that defines this education community.
Rachael Wilding, Education Lead, Quantum Media
At Education UAE, we are keen to shine a spotlight on the leadership within the education community as they navigate this chapter. This week, we have seen that education remains online for the time being, and while disruption can bring a range of challenges and differing opinions, one thing continues to stand out clearly: the resilience of our education community.
It is a privilege to call the United Arab Emirates my home. After nearly three decades living and working here, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what the word United truly means. It is more than a name; it reflects a spirit that runs through the country’s communities, institutions, and daily life.
Within the education sector, that sense of unity goes even deeper. The UAE’s education community is defined by resilience, grit, and a quiet determination to continue providing world-class learning opportunities for children, whatever the circumstances. School leaders, teachers, support staff, and education providers share a collective responsibility that always places students and families at the heart of every decision.
The years of COVID and the safe return to schools demonstrated this strength in remarkable ways. Across the UAE and around the world, educators adapted at speed, supported one another, and worked collaboratively with education resource providers and organisations to ensure that learning continued. It was a period that revealed the profession’s true character, one grounded in care, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to young people and the staff in their settings.
The current regional situation represents another chapter in the evolving story of the UAE. Time and again, the country has shown its ability to respond with calm, purpose, and unity. Once again, the education community is rising to the moment, maintaining standards, protecting stability for students and families, and showing empathy and understanding for the many different circumstances faced across our diverse school communities.
When things do not go to plan, schools often become safe havens for conversation, places where people can ask questions, share concerns, or simply take a moment to breathe. In times like these, educational leadership shifts slightly in focus. While the day-to-day responsibility of maintaining learning continues, leaders also step into a wider role of compassionate support for parents, teachers, and students. There is rarely a perfect answer to every challenge, but careful planning, thoughtful communication, and preparing for multiple possibilities become essential. Never has having a supportive team been more important, with the true character of a workplace becoming ever more visible in moments like these.
In this extended feature, we hear from leaders across many areas of the education world, individuals who continue to guide their communities with professionalism, compassion, and a shared belief in the transformative power of education and the resilience within us all.
“It is difficult not to feel empathy for educational leaders, but equally a sense of pride in witnessing leaders and school communities come together to demonstrate resilience and innovation, ensuring continuity of education in all circumstances.”
— Rachael Wilding, Education Lead, Quantum Media
Abigail Fishbourne, Principal, Ash Mount School, Dubai
At Ash Mount, we believe wellbeing sits at the heart of a strong school community. During this time, we have focused on keeping our connections with staff and families strong, even when we are not always together in person. Regular digital communication has been an important part of this. We have increased our online meetings with staff and families so that people feel informed, supported and able to ask questions. Maintaining those open lines of communication helps everyone feel part of the same community, even at a distance.
Small gestures also matter. We recently arranged for cakes to be delivered to staff as a simple way of saying thank you and reminding everyone that they are appreciated.
We have also accelerated the launch of our new digital wellbeing platform. Originally planned for later in Term 3, we decided to introduce it at the start of the term so families could access wellbeing resources, guidance and support sooner. For us, wellbeing is not a single initiative but an ongoing commitment. It is about staying connected, supporting one another and making sure every member of the community feels valued and cared for.
One of the most important things for parents to remember is that children of different ages understand and process information in different ways. Younger children may only need simple reassurance and basic explanations, while older children may be hearing information from friends, the internet or social media and may need a little more context.
Before starting a difficult conversation, it can help parents to take a moment to calm themselves first. Children are very sensitive to adult emotions, and when parents approach conversations in a calm and steady way, it helps children feel safe and supported. It is also important for parents to try to guide the conversation rather than letting children’s understanding be shaped by outside information. This is particularly relevant for older children who may already be seeing things online or on social media. Creating space for open conversation at home helps ensure children are getting balanced and reassuring information. A helpful approach is to lead with questions rather than long explanations.
Ask children what they have heard, what they think and how they feel. Give them time to talk, listen carefully and reassure them.
One simple but powerful technique is to repeat back part of what your child has said and then pause. Often, that pause encourages them to continue speaking and share more of their thoughts.
Above all, the goal is to keep communication open. When children feel listened to and supported, even difficult conversations can strengthen trust and understanding within the family.
“The UAE continues to show the strength of its community in moments like this. We are fortunate to live in a country where leaders act with courage and care, always placing the well-being of the community at the centre of their decisions. Our role in return is to pull together, support one another, and trust the leadership that supports us. And that is exactly what we continue to see across the UAE, communities responding with resilience, cooperation, and kindness. It is this sense of unity and shared responsibility that reminds many of us why we are proud to call the UAE home.”
— Abigail Fishbourne, Principal, Ash Mount School, Dubai
Arogya Reddy Peddireddy, Principal, Ambassador School, Sharjah
We have been supporting our community through regular online services, including counselling sessions for the CBSE Board Examinations students. Assisting parents who need help. Staff wellbeing sessions through communication tree channels across different phases. It has been important to prioritise communication. Sharing news and updates from official websites, news agencies, embassies, and regulatory bodies.
When having conversations about what is happening with children, Parents should explain the causes, reasons, implications, and impacts of the issue after paying attentive listening to their children rather than just dismissing the concern.
“We are safe, secure, and resilient. The UAE is strong, and it has proven time and again during global disasters and the pandemic. Let’s stand united and pray for peace to prevail in the region.”
— Arogya Reddy Peddireddy, Principal, Ambassador School, Sharjah
Ben Rothwell, Principal, Victory Heights Primary School, City of Arabia, Dubai
From day one, it has been our number one priority across all parts of the organisation. Giving children dedicated connectivity so they can remain in touch with their teachers and peers and providing a calm and safe space to discuss fears about the ongoing situation. We held a CPD across all staff to enhance their ability to support this.
Recognising too that staff were carrying their own fears, we supported them, giving them a safe space to talk, as well as assigning members of the leadership team to check in regularly with our colleagues. We are also quite clear to protect staff’s holiday, recognising the ability to work remotely should the situation develop, as it has now done.
We developed an in-house app (which we then shared with the wider community) called Whereabouts, which let us track both staff and students’ locations, allowing us to tailor our support accordingly. In week 1, we had daily Zoom connections with all students, and as the principal, I sent regular updates to the community. We also held two live online assemblies that reinforced our school values in a fun way and gave some breathing space away from the challenges we all faced.
The challenges we faced as a community during COVID-19 showed us that if we come together, we can come back stronger.
When talking to children, I think it’s important to recognise the situation and its seriousness, whilst also ensuring that you reinforce that adults are doing everything in their power to protect them and reminding them of how successful the UAE has been at that.
“My positive message to the UAE is that the UAE has never been so prosperous since Covid-19, and that’s in no small part due to its extraordinary resilience and strong leadership.”
— Ben Rothwell, Principal, Victory Heights Primary School, City of Arabia, Dubai
Candice Combrinck, Principal, Dubai International Academy, Town Square, Dubai
As a new school community that is still taking shape, one of our priorities has been to reach out to families who have already connected with us to ensure that everyone is safe and well. Even though the school has not yet opened, we believe that building relationships early is an important part of creating a supportive community. We are keeping in touch through direct communication with families and updates through our admissions channels.
As our community continues to grow, we want families to know that they can reach out to us at any time and that open communication will always be an important part of the culture we are building. Children are very perceptive. Even when we try to shield them, they often sense from our tone, body language or conversations around them that something is happening. Because of this, it is usually better to acknowledge their questions rather than avoid them.
The key is to keep explanations age-appropriate. Younger children often only need simple reassurance that the adults around them are aware of what is happening and are there to keep them safe. Older children may ask more questions and may benefit from a slightly deeper conversation that helps them understand the situation without creating unnecessary worry.
It is also important for parents to listen carefully. Sometimes children are not looking for detailed answers. They simply want reassurance that things are being managed.
Maintaining normal routines and a calm approach helps children feel secure, even during uncertain moments. The UAE has long been a place where people from many different countries live, work and raise their families together. One of the reassuring aspects of living here is the strong systems in place to keep residents informed and safe.
For many of us who are far from our home countries, the UAE has truly become a home away from home.
During these uncertain times, the country’s leadership and authorities are very proactive in providing clear guidance and updates. Families feel confident that information is shared quickly and responsibly and that the well-being of residents remains a priority.
“There is a strong sense of community here, and that collective spirit of looking out for one another is something that helps families feel supported even during challenging moments. What continues to stand out in the UAE is the strong sense of community and the reassurance that families and residents are kept informed, supported and safe.”
— Candice Combrinck, Principal, Dubai International Academy, Town Square, Dubai
Fiona Cottam, Principal, Hartland International School, Dubai
Support is very much happening, I suppose, from a distance as you might expect, but we’re keeping in constant email and phone calls as appropriate. In relation to our staff, we are in constant contact, giving regular updates and regular reassurances to make sure that everybody is OK.
We’re obviously also working very closely with BSME, COBIS and other organisations so that we can better advise examination students who are probably the most anxious group of young people as exam season draws close.
In terms of ongoing communication, letters from the principal, from postal teams, class, teachers, and other members of the leadership team, regular emails and phone calls.
The KHDA published some very good guidance about how to have difficult conversations with young people regarding some of the experiences that they might be facing at this time, and there are also some other support agencies that work with schools, which have also published some clear guidance.
No one has to do all of this alone, and there are no perfect answers, but we do know that together, we are all the stronger.
Parents will know best how to advise their own children, and I don’t think it’s a one-size-fits-all. Each family will have to approach questions and challenges in their own unique way, but schools and our school counsellors are also here to support should families need.
“We are certainly not complacent and recognise that we are in incredibly challenging and worrying times. However, we also know that the government and the authorities here are taking the best form of action to safeguard all citizens in this country, and ultimately, we need to try to stay strong together and support each other. Keep connected with people, whether that be friends, work colleagues, or family overseas – no one has to do all of this alone, and there are no perfect answers, but we do know that together, we are all the stronger.”
— Fiona Cottam, Principal, Hartland International School, Dubai
Joanna Povall, Principal, Wales International School, Abu Dhabi
I am so proud of our entire school community for the support they have provided for one another during this unforeseen time. There has been a mix of structured systems and personalised support. We are keeping in touch with our community. We have been using email, WhatsApp, Class Dojo, and telephone calls.
When it comes to having sensitive conversations with children, please follow the advice provided by the government in a leaflet for parents, available in both Arabic and English. The advice given is excellent.
“As our Founding Father, HH Sheikh Zayed, so profoundly stated: The UAE is a country built on kindness and tolerance. A place where people live together in union, with mutual respect. By continuing to support one another, we help ensure the UAE remains a place of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Our beautiful country. Ishy Bilady…(Long live my country).”
— Joanna Povall, Principal, Wales International School, Abu Dhabi
Nataliia Svetenok, Principal, Woodlem British School, Ajman
Our school still places a lot of emphasis on community health. We work to help kids, families, and staff by staying in touch, providing pastoral care, and running wellness programs that build emotional strength.
Our instructors include social-emotional development in their courses every day, and our counselling team is there to help children and parents. We also plan community events, workshops, and well-being check-ins that help people feel more connected and safer. When things are unclear, schools are highly important for making things stable, trustworthy, and helpful, so that everyone in the community feels noticed, supported, and appreciated.
We keep families up to date through newsletters, online platforms, and direct connection with teachers and school officials. We also promote open communication by holding parent meetings, webinars, and community events where families may ask questions and give comments.
We desire to inform families not only about everything going on at the school but also to ensure they are connected to the school’s mission and know their children are receiving the academic and emotional support they require. When talking to kids about something sensitive, it is essential to connect with them. This means that before kids are ready to listen to their parents or respond to their queries about what they are being talked about, they must first feel safe and comfortable.
Kids will always learn to trust and feel comfortable around their parents when they know they are being listened to and cared for.
I would tell parents to talk to their children in a calm, honest, and age-appropriate way. It is always better to listen to a child’s queries about something rather than give them a quick response.
“The UAE is a great example of a strong, united community that shares responsibilities. We are reminded of how strong we are when we help each other through tough situations. Families, teachers, and community leaders have a big part to play in giving our kids hope and stability. We can keep building communities where every child grows up in a safe, hopeful, and full-of-opportunities society.”
— Nataliia Svetenok, Principal, Woodlem British School, Ajman
Nicola Lavis, Head of School, SZPAB, Abu Dhabi
When it comes to supporting our staff and the community, not having huge expectations of work submitted, maintaining connection, and ensuring the mental health and well-being of everyone are a priority.
When talking with children about the current situation, explain it in developmentally appropriate terms, use analogies they can understand, and reassure them that they are in the best country and that they will protect and keep them safe.
“My positive message to the UAE is…You’ve got this, we’ve got you. Thank you for all that you are doing. This too soon will pass. We love the UAE.”
— Nicola Lavis, Head of School, SZPAB, Abu Dhabi
Patrick Affley, Director, Ajman Academy School, Ajman
Ajman Academy has supported the well-being of our community by maintaining clear communication and a sense of normality for families and students. School leaders have also taken time to check in with teachers to ensure staff feel supported during this period. We have encouraged our community to use the holiday period to relax and rest, especially as it is still Ramadan, a time for reflection, peace, and togetherness.
We are aiming to keep things as normal as possible for our community by continuing to share our Term 2 highlights and looking ahead to Term 3. In the coming days, we will provide more detailed communication as we approach the resumption of learning in Term 3, once we have further guidance and information from APEA.
Children are often more resilient than we think and can handle difficult conversations when they are approached with honesty and reassurance.
Parents should keep explanations simple and age-appropriate, listen to their children’s questions, and maintain normal routines where possible to provide a sense of stability. While it is natural for adults to feel worried, remaining calm and composed during these conversations helps children feel safe and supported, as they often take their emotional cues from the adults around them.
“The UAE is our home, and it is a country that has always shown strength, unity, and resilience. Our leaders and defence services have been outstanding in how they support and protect the nation. If we continue to stay positive, support one another, and stand together as a community, the UAE will come through this and bounce back even stronger.”
— Patrick Affley, Director, Ajman Academy School, Ajman
Shujahat Munir, VP and Deputy CEO, GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah
We are supporting our community with continuous check-ins with stakeholders, well-being support from corporate teams, and counsellor support sessions for students, parents, and teachers. We are using a variety of tools for communication, both formally and informally, using Email, social media, and Teams meetings. When children hear worrying news, they often look to their parents for cues on how to feel. The most helpful approach is to stay calm, listen to their questions, and answer honestly in simple, reassuring terms. Children don’t need every detail; they need to know that the adults around them are informed, thoughtful, and focused on keeping them safe.
Children don’t need every detail; they need to know that the adults around them are informed, thoughtful, and focused on keeping them safe.
Remind them that the UAE is a place where safety and stability are taken seriously, and that many people work every day to protect the community. Above all, let them feel heard, supported, and reassured. Sometimes it helps to pause and remember where we are.
“The UAE has always shown steady, thoughtful leadership that places safety and stability first. For those of us living here with our families, that brings a great deal of reassurance. Our experience has taught us that perspective matters. When we stay informed, avoid speculation, and trust the systems around us, we help keep our communities calm and safe. This country has always moved forward with unity and resilience, and that is something worth remembering.”
— Shujahat Munir, VP and Deputy CEO, GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah
Simon O’Connor, Head Master, Harrow International School, Dubai
Harrow has yet to open, but we are regularly communicating with our community, providing updates and reassurance.
“The UAE education system is both resilient and experienced in adapting to unusual contexts. School leaders are also experts at working together with both the authorities and each other to find common solutions. Parents should have confidence that education standards will be maintained despite the challenges currently being faced.”
— Simon O’Connor, Head Master, Harrow International School, Dubai
Zara Harrington, Principal, BC Academy International School, Dubai
Community wellbeing is key; we have been connecting as much as we can. Fun daily quizzes for the community to engage with, along with all our regular tools for communication. We try to limit communication to avoid overwhelming parents and staff. Messages simple and factual.
We advise parents to use a factual but positive tone when having difficult or sensitive conversations with their children.
“My positive message to the UAE is, at moments like these, our strength comes from community. This is a time we show our values that define us. Belong, Challenge, Achieve. We belong to a strong community, we face challenges with courage, and together we will continue to achieve for our children.”
— Zara Harrington, Principal, BC Academy International School, Dubai