Dubai schools urged to continue to offer distance learning

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has urged educational establishments to continue to accommodate the needs of pupils, teachers and other staff as they prepare to reopen following the severe weather.

In a post on X, the authority requested all Dubai private schools, universities, and nurseries to remain flexible and continue to offer distance learning for those still facing challenges from the storms.

Meanwhile, Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer, GEMS Education, said in a statement on Sunday afternoon that they have completed their clean-up and repair efforts in many of their schools for the safe return of students and teachers, providing road access is also clear.

‘Work continues around the clock to prepare our remaining schools for reopening and each has informed its parent community of its situation, to give them as much time as possible to prepare for either continued remote learning or return to the classroom, as the case may be.

"As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our top priority...and we are in close contact with the regulators in each emirate, following their guidance as always."

GEMS Our Own Indian School and GEMS Wellington Academy Al Khail will continue to be only distance learning on Monday.

The Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management team in Sharjah on Sunday said it was extending distance learning for private schools in the emirate on Monday to ensure the readiness of schools and surrounding areas to receive students and teaching staff.

The decision, it said, is in order to maintain public safety and preparedness to tackle the effects of the weather.