Dubai sets deadline for private schools to end remote learning

Private schools in Dubai will return to full in-person learning from October 3 for the 2021-22 academic year.

Until then, schools will continue offering remote learning as well as in-person learning options.

The announcement was made by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

The decision adopted today at a Supreme Committee meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum follows the rapid progress achieved by Dubai in its plan to return to normalcy and the high immunisation rates achieved by the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The Committee approved the decision after extensive consultation with parents and school operators.

More than 96 per cent of Dubai's teaching staff and 70 per cent of children aged 12-17 have been vaccinated so far. 

According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), vaccination is not compulsory. Students are not required to submit negative PCR tests as well.

However, eligible school staff who do not wish to have the vaccine must submit a negative PCR test each week.

During Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis & Disaster Management meeting, we approved a gradual return to full in-person learning at private schools for 2021-2022. Remote learning will be allowed until Oct. 3, after which the schools will return fully to in-person learning.

— Mansoor bin Mohammed (@sheikhmansoor) August 23, 2021

The decision falls in line with Dubai’s proactive approach for a safe return to normalcy. The concerted efforts and cooperation of all within the academic ecosystem is critical to ensuring that private schools can offer in-person learning in safe environments.

— Mansoor bin Mohammed (@sheikhmansoor) August 23, 2021

#Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announces gradual return to full in-person learning in private schools in 2021-22 academic year. pic.twitter.com/Korfh51yEe

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 23, 2021

In the new academic year, we’ll be #TogetherAgainDubai! Schools will be offering full-time face-to-face learning, including sports, events and excursions. Parents will have the choice of continuing with distance learning until October 3. More info: https://t.co/RJ0kN86q2y pic.twitter.com/Ew782X1QbV

— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) August 23, 2021

Provided they comply with health and safety protocols, the following activities may also resume:

• Swimming and sports lessons
• School trips, excursions and camps
• After-hours extra-curricular activities
• Performances, assemblies and other events at school or at an external venue

Schools will still follow through Dubai Government health and safety protocols.

Similar to last academic year, these will include guidance on sanitisation, teaching and learning materials, and external visitors to the school.

The full protocols are available here.

The Supreme Committee will continue to evaluate the progress of in-person learning and monitor various COVID-19 related indicators to ensure there is no compromise on the levels of protection provided in schools.