The UAE is ready to start the academic year next week. Below are the latest updates from the three major cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. These arrangements will be closely monitored for the first few weeks and cahnges will be made accordingly. Online/blended learning was not an option prior to the pandemic, however the Ministry of Education is offering this now to make sure students' studies during this time are not affected.
Coronavirus: high school pupils in Abu Dhabi must get tested before school term starts
Education authorities in Abu Dhabi have told parents to ensure their children are tested for Covid-19 before they return to school next month. They must share the report with the school, while the use of the Al Hosn smartphone app is recommended but not mandatory, said the Department of Education and Knowledge, the emirate's private school operators. https://www.thenational.ae/uae/education/coronavirus-high-school-pupils-in-abu-dhabi-must-get-tested-before-school-term-starts-1.1067768
Coronavirus: No testing for pupils in Dubai's private schools
Pupils in Dubai’s private schools will not be required to take a Covid-19 test before they return to classrooms next week, the city’s education regulator said. The decision affects almost 300,000 children in the city’s independent education sector. https://www.thenational.ae/uae/education/coronavirus-no-testing-for-pupils-in-dubai-s-private-schools-1.1068166
Sharjah private schools to hold only distance learning for first two weeks of new term
Private schools in Sharjah will adopt distance learning for the first two weeks of the new academic year, which begins on August 30. https://gulfnews.com/uae/education/sharjah-private-schools-to-hold-only-distance-learning-for-first-two-weeks-of-new-term-1.73416020
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact me at dina.kanan@ae.britishcouncil.org
Thank you and stay safe
Dina Kanan
UAE Manager, International Education Services