Dubai: Dubai's private education sector is taking a confident step forward with the safe and gradual resumption of on-site learning across schools, early childhood centres, and higher education institutions in the emirate, effective Monday, 20th April, in full compliance with comprehensive health and safety protocols issued by the relevant authorities.
According to Emirates News Agency, more than 200 early childhood centres have already resumed on-site learning from 16th April, reflecting the agility and resilience of Dubai's education sector. These efforts, supported by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and coordinated with relevant authorities, ensure that nearly 600 private education institutions are prepared to provide a safe, supportive, and reassuring environment for children, students, and staff.
Aisha Miran, Director-General of KHDA, stated that the safety and wellbeing of students, educators, and the wider community remain the highest priority. As institutions resume on-site learning, KHDA continues to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and confident return. Miran emphasized the preparation of every institution, from facilities to staff readiness, while maintaining continuity of learning for all students and aligning with all safety requirements and guidelines.
She expressed appreciation to the UAE leadership for their guidance, and to the armed forces and frontline teams for their service. Miran highlighted Dubai's education community's resilience, adaptability, and collaboration, reinforcing the emirate's position as a global hub for high-quality education.
In recent weeks, KHDA has engaged extensively with early childhood centres, schools, and higher education institutions through consultations and listening sessions. Comprehensive readiness assessments have been conducted, and reopening applications reviewed to ensure full preparedness.
KHDA delivered mandatory in-person training sessions for academic and administrative staff, focusing on safety protocols, operational procedures, and emergency preparedness. Reopening protocols are designed to ensure safe daily operations, strengthen emergency response, and define roles and responsibilities within each institution. Institutions are required to cascade this training internally and ensure all staff are fully prepared.
As part of the return, institutions will deliver age-appropriate sessions during the first week of in-person learning, focusing on UAE values, wellbeing, and safety awareness. To support families and ensure continuity of learning, institutions can adopt either full on-site learning or a phased return by grade level. Distance learning options remain available for students unable to attend on-site, maintaining learning quality while supporting teachers' wellbeing and managing workloads effectively.