Distance learning to continue in UAE schools as return to classrooms remains under review

Parents receive updates confirming online classes will continue this week, while schools prepare for potential reopening

For thousands of families across the UAE, the new school week began with a familiar routine on Monday—logging in from home.

Distance learning will continue throughout this week, until Friday, 3 April 2026, as schools await further guidance from regulators. Over the weekend, parents received messages from schools confirming that online classes would remain in place, while assuring them that any updates on a return to classrooms would be shared promptly.

At Al Sadiq Islamic English School, parents were sent a circular on Sunday reiterating the plan ahead.

“In accordance with the most recent update from KHDA, Al Sadiq Islamic English School will continue with distance learning until Friday, April 3, 2026. We will share additional information regarding any transition back to on-campus learning as soon as further official guidance is issued by KHDA,” the school stated.

The update reflects a wider trend across Dubai, where major school groups have been actively exploring a return to in-person learning.

Several leading education providers, including GEMS Education and Taaleem, had applied for permission to resume face-to-face lessons—some targeting as early as March 30—but approvals have yet to be granted, highlighting the cautious approach taken by regulators.

Regulators Approve Campus Returns Case by Case

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has emphasized that any return to on-site learning will be tightly controlled and reviewed individually.

A KHDA spokesperson explained:

“Institutions that wish to apply for a return to on-site learning must submit a formal request to KHDA, outlining the specific circumstances and providing clear justification. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and reviewed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in accordance with the approved regulations and procedures. The safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and the wider community will be the key factor.”

Authorities nationwide have confirmed that the situation will be assessed weekly, with decisions guided by regional developments linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Schools Prepare for Reopening

Behind the scenes, schools are already preparing for the possibility of resuming on-campus lessons. Many have begun tightening health and safety measures, designing staggered schedules, and refining supervision and operational plans to meet regulatory expectations.

Education leaders insist that uncertainty has not shifted their core focus—student wellbeing.

Taaleem CEO Alan Williamson emphasized the need to balance continuity with caution:

“Our priority is to ensure that every student continues to learn in a safe, supportive, and stable environment, whether on campus or through distance learning.”

Echoing a similar sentiment, Nauman Ali Khan, chief risk and assurance officer at GEMS Education, said:

“We have already applied to the KHDA to reopen select schools for specific year groups next week, subject to regulatory approval. This reflects our commitment to ensuring continuity of learning within a safe and controlled environment.”

As families continue their routines at home, schools remain on standby, ready to transition smoothly once the green light is given.