Remote learning to continue for Dubai schools until April 3, KHDA clarifies

Private schools and early learning centres in Dubai will continue remote learning until April 3, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed on Friday.

Speaking to Dubai Eye 103.8’s The Agenda on Friday, Fatma Belrehif - CEO of Quality Assurance and Compliance Agency at KHDA, said “any updates beyond April 3 will be communicated through official channels”.

For now, distance learning will remain in place as the decision was "made as part of a coordinated government-wide approach with authorities across the UAE, closely monitoring the situation.

Belrehif reassured the parent community that "the safety and well-being of their children remains the top priority in every decision being made".

She added that schools across Dubai have "managed the transition to distance learning effectively and with a high level of readiness".

The KHDA, she added, has also issued schools with "quality expectations for effective distance learning, which provides schools with clear guidance and guidelines on maintaining continuity, engagement, and effectiveness of teaching and learning".

Belrehif added that the KHDA understands that there isn’t "a one-size-fits-all approach".

"We fully understand that distance learning may not feel ideal for every child or every family and that many households are managing different challenges. It's important to remember that this is temporary and a precautionary measure," she added.

The Ministry of Education had earlier announced its decision to extend distance learning until April 3 for nurseries, public and private schools, adding that the decision will be reviewed weekly.

All updates, it said, will be communicated through official channels.

The authority has also put in place a mechanism for private educational institutions to submit requests to return to in-person learning when needed, in a manner that takes into account their operational circumstances and educational requirements.