Here are the Latest Updates About Reopening of Educational Institutions in Dubai and Sharjah

Educational institutions in Dubai and Sharjah are set to begin their phased return to in-person operations this week, with nurseries leading the way in the gradual reopening strategy. The announcements come after weeks of remote learning imposed due to ongoing security concerns following Iranian attacks on the UAE.

In Sharjah, administrative and teaching staff at private schools and nurseries will commence in-person attendance starting Wednesday, April 15, according to the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA). The measure is designed to ensure readiness and provide comprehensive training on emergency and crisis protocols before students return to classrooms.

Following the staff preparation phase, SPEA has announced that nurseries located in government facilities and commercial buildings across the emirate will be ready to receive children from Thursday, April 16. This reopening is contingent upon the completion of mandatory training for nursery administrative and teaching staff, authorities emphasized, to ensure children return to a safe and supportive learning environment.

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that private early childhood centers in the emirate will begin a gradual return to on-site operations from Thursday, April 16, aligning with Sharjah's timeline. Priority will be given to nurseries situated in government buildings and commercial premises, while other facilities may continue providing home-based childcare services under approved regulations.

The KHDA clarified that the reopening of early childhood centers in Dubai will be subject to the authority's approval and must comply with comprehensive safety regulations and procedures. Both educational authorities have stressed that the phased approach prioritizes student safety while working toward normalizing educational operations.

This initial phase of reopening nurseries represents the first step in a broader strategy to restore in-person learning across the UAE education sector. The Ministry of Education, along with relevant higher education authorities, is scheduled to announce a comprehensive decision on the return to in-person classes for schools and universities on Wednesday.

Since the beginning of March, schools and universities across the Emirates have been operating remotely following Iranian missile and drone attacks on UAE territory. The previous announcement indicated that remote learning would continue at least until April 17, with weekly reviews of the situation.

The ongoing security situation has significantly disrupted education beyond the shift to remote learning. International examinations including A-levels and GCSEs have been cancelled, and India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has also scrapped its Grade 12 exams, potentially affecting academic progression for thousands of students.

According to UAE government data, the country's air defenses have intercepted 537 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles, and 2,256 drones since Iran began daily attacks on February 28. The conflict has resulted in the martyrdom of two UAE Armed Forces personnel and one Moroccan civilian contractor, while 10 civilians from various nationalities have been killed and 224 injuries recorded.

Educational authorities are conducting ongoing inspections to ensure full readiness for the eventual return to classroom-based learning. They are also developing guidelines to support flexible transitions between in-person and remote learning as needed, recognizing the potential for continued disruptions during the current security climate.