The UAE has announced two weeks of distance learning for all schools and universities at the start of the third academic term, with weekly reviews to assess the situation.
Sharjah News – Source: Gulf Today
ABU DHABI — The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council has announced the continuation of distance learning for two weeks across schools, nurseries, and higher education institutions nationwide, beginning at the start of the third academic term.
According to the council, the measure aims to ensure the continuity of education while safeguarding the well-being of students, teachers, and staff.
Under the decision, distance learning will apply to all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools across the country for an initial period of two weeks. The situation will be reviewed weekly in coordination with the Ministry of Education.
Universities also shift online
The decision also applies to students at higher education institutions, where distance learning will continue for two weeks after the spring break.
Authorities said universities will assess the situation weekly in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, while institutions may decide the most suitable arrangements for academic and administrative staff to maintain educational quality.
Flexible work for parents
To support families during the distance-learning period, flexible remote work arrangements will be available for caregivers among federal government employees.
The initiative allows fathers or mothers whose roles permit remote work to work from home while supervising children studying remotely from kindergarten to Grade 8 or those enrolled in nurseries. The measure will be coordinated with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.
Officials said the step aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Family initiatives aimed at supporting family wellbeing and the education process.
Option for in-person learning requests
Authorities added that private educational institutions — including schools, nurseries and universities — may submit requests to return to in-person learning if necessary.
Such requests will be reviewed by relevant authorities before any approvals are granted.
Further updates, officials said, will be communicated through the official channels of the ministries, relevant authorities and educational institutions.
