UAE school reopening remains uncertain as distance learning continues until April 17

Uncertainty continues to surround school reopening plans in the UAE, with authorities yet to confirm whether students will return to classrooms after April 17.

The UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) has dismissed circulating claims that distance learning will be extended until May 1, calling them “inaccurate” and urging families to rely only on official sources for updates.

For now, remote learning remains in place for students, teachers, and administrative staff across all educational institutions until April 17. The measure was initially introduced on March 2 as a precaution amid regional security concerns linked to the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict.

Since then, authorities have extended distance learning in stages while closely monitoring the situation. No official decision has been made regarding reopening schools on Monday, April 20, leaving families awaiting further clarity.

Based on previous patterns, any extension or return to in-person classes is likely to be announced closer to the end of the current remote learning period. Officials continue to review developments on a weekly basis.

In Dubai, nurseries remain closed, though the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced temporary alternatives. These include allowing regulated nursery-style services to operate from homes for small groups of up to eight children, as well as one-on-one or small-group sessions within households.

Meanwhile, questions remain over whether distance learning could continue for the rest of the academic term. While no such decision has been announced, a longer extension could help reduce uncertainty for families and schools.

There have also been no indications of further changes to the academic calendar, although adjustments remain possible depending on developments.

For students in exam years, the situation has shifted significantly. Major international examination boards, including CBSE, ISC, IBDP, Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, and OxfordAQA, have cancelled their external exams in the UAE for 2026. Alternative assessment methods are being introduced in their place.

Authorities are expected to provide the next update closer to April 17. Until then, parents are advised to prepare for multiple scenarios, including a possible extension of distance learning, hybrid models, or a full return to classrooms if conditions allow.