Some UAE Schools Will Not Return to In-Person Learning on Monday

As UAE schools prepare for the gradual return to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, several institutions have informed parents they will not be reopening their campuses on that date. While the UAE Ministry of Education announced a phased return to physical classrooms, some schools require additional time to meet regulatory standards before resuming on-site operations.

Leams Education, which operates multiple schools across the UAE, confirmed it will not resume on-campus learning on Monday. The company stated that its schools need additional time to complete final-stage staff training, safety drills, emergency preparedness protocols, and full compliance documentation before the Knowledge and Human Development Authority can grant formal approval to reopen.

Distance learning will continue for the coming week to ensure a safe, fully compliant, and well-coordinated reopening. Once KHDA approval is secured, a carefully phased transition to hybrid learning will follow, featuring rotational attendance, reduced on-campus density, and clearly defined timetables. The schools have established contingency plans to switch back to full remote learning if circumstances change, with trained staff and structured online platforms ready to ensure continuity without disruption.

Dubai Scholars also notified parents in a circular that it will not reopen physically on Monday and will continue online learning until further notice, citing pending KHDA approval. The approval process requires several days as multiple compliance requirements must be met.

Many Dubai schools have echoed similar positions, with some indicating they will continue distance education for at least one week while others will operate remotely until further notice. Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills expressed hope to reopen at the earliest opportunity, likely Monday or Tuesday, though this remains subject to successful on-site KHDA inspection.

JSS Private School in Dubai confirmed that online classes will continue until further notice while working to fulfill all mandatory KHDA requirements. Cognita UAE stated it had completed all necessary preparations but was still awaiting completion of a regulatory inspection before reopening its campuses.

All schools confirmed there would be no bus services available, in line with government directives. The UAE Ministry of Education announced that school bus operations would be postponed for all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the country during the current phase to allow time for operational readiness.

In Sharjah, at least one school has taken a stricter approach, requiring students who travel by private car to attend school in person with no option for remote learning. Students who normally use school buses would be given a choice between in-person and remote learning, though once a learning method is selected, it cannot be changed.