Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Students across the UAE will return to in-person learning on Monday (April 20), following a directive from the Ministry of Education. The move applies to all children, students, and both educational and administrative staff in public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the country. “The Ministry of Education announces the resumption of in-person learning for all enrolled children, students, educational staff, and administrative staff in public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools effective Monday, 20 April 2026,” according to the ministry. The decision marks the end of more than a month of distance learning, which was introduced in early March amid regional developments. According to authorities, the return to classrooms comes after schools completed comprehensive readiness and safety preparations. “This follows schools’ completion of the necessary readiness and preparation plans, including facility preparedness, training of educational and administrative staff, and updating safety and security procedures, thereby reinforcing a safe and reassuring learning environment for students and their families,” the ministry said. In Dubai, private early childhood centres will begin a phased return to in-person learning from Thursday (April 16), following approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). “The safety and wellbeing of students, staff and the wider community remain our top priority,” KHDA said. Authorities added that alternative learning options, such as small supervised home-based groups and personalised learning with qualified teachers, will remain available during officially mandated distance learning periods. The nationwide effort is part of a broader initiative led by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council to ensure safe learning conditions while maintaining education continuity. Measures included staff training on safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and evacuation plans, as well as strengthened psychological support systems for students and educators.

Flexible learning options remain

While full in-person learning will resume, private schools will be allowed to adopt hybrid models if needed. “Private schools will have the flexibility to implement the hybrid rotational model when needed, in accordance with approved regulations and under the supervision of local education authorities,” the ministry said. However, officials stressed that education quality must not be compromised. “Private schools implementing the hybrid rotational model must organise staff deployment in a manner that supports continuity of learning and does not require assigning the same teacher to deliver both in-person and remote instruction simultaneously,” the ministry added. Authorities also said schools must remain ready to switch back to alternative learning modes if necessary. “Educational institutions will remain prepared to transition to alternative learning modes when needed, ensuring continuity of education with flexibility and smooth implementation,” according to the ministry. ICA/Expat Media
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