Distance learning in place for UAE schools as return to classrooms remains under review
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]For thousands of families across the UAE, the school week has begun with a familiar routine today— 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.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.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 update reflects a wider trend across Dubai, where major school groups have been actively exploring a return to in-person learning.While several major school groups, including GEMS Education and Taaleem, had applied for permission to resume face-to-face learning — some targeting as early as March 30 — approvals have not yet been granted, underscoring the cautious approach being taken by regulators.Regulators to approve campus returns case by caseThe Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has consistently signalled that while schools may apply to reopen, any return will be tightly controlled and carefully reviewed.In an earlier statement, a KHDA spokesperson said, “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,” the spokesperson said, adding that approvals would be handled cautiously.“These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be 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.”Nationwide, authorities have confirmed that the situation will be reviewed weekly, with decisions guided by regional developments linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.Behind the scenes, schools are already preparing for that possibility. Many have begun tightening health and safety measures, working on staggered schedules, and refining supervision and operational plans to align with regulatory expectations.Education leaders say the uncertainty has not shifted their core focus — student wellbeing.Taaleem CEO Alan Williamson had earlier stressed the importance of balancing 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 schools are ready — but waiting for the green light. “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.”UAE universities gradually reopen for practical courses: What you need to knowDistance learning in the UAE will be different this time than it was during Covid
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
For thousands of families across the UAE, the school week has begun with a familiar routine today— 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.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
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 update reflects a wider trend across Dubai, where major school groups have been actively exploring a return to in-person learning.
While several major school groups, including GEMS Education and Taaleem, had applied for permission to resume face-to-face learning — some targeting as early as March 30 — approvals have not yet been granted, underscoring the cautious approach being taken by regulators.
Regulators to approve campus returns case by case
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has consistently signalled that while schools may apply to reopen, any return will be tightly controlled and carefully reviewed.
In an earlier statement, a KHDA spokesperson said, “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,” the spokesperson said, adding that approvals would be handled cautiously.
“These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be 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.”
Nationwide, authorities have confirmed that the situation will be reviewed weekly, with decisions guided by regional developments linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Behind the scenes, schools are already preparing for that possibility. Many have begun tightening health and safety measures, working on staggered schedules, and refining supervision and operational plans to align with regulatory expectations.
Education leaders say the uncertainty has not shifted their core focus — student wellbeing.
Taaleem CEO Alan Williamson had earlier stressed the importance of balancing 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 schools are ready — but waiting for the green light. “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.”
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