Private schools in the United Arab Emirates expedite requests for in-person return to classes from March 30

Private educational institutions in the Emirados Árabes Unidos are in an accelerated movement to reestablish face-to-face activities, following the recent authorization from local authorities that paved the way for the submission of applications for the return to classrooms. One of the largest educational groups in the country, Taaleem, which runs 37 schools in several emirates, promptly began the formal request process to reopen its campuses, aiming to welcome students from Monday, March 30, marking a significant step in the normalization of the academic calendar after a period of distance learning.

This initiative comes in a context of careful planning and assessment of sanitary and pedagogical conditions, where the Emirati government established clear guidelines so that schools could request the resumption of physical classes. The decision to allow the submission of requests reflects a consideration of the operational and educational needs of the institutions, with analysis and approval coordinated between the various competent authorities.

Previously, Ministério of Educação of The Taaleem measure and the positive sign for the return in person accompany a regional movement, with the Catar, for example, also announcing the gradual resumption of face-to-face classes, which would culminate in fully face-to-face classes from March 29th.

Official authorization and first initiatives

The green light from the Emirados Árabes Unidos authorities allowed private schools, daycare centers and universities to file requests to return to in-person classes. Essa permission is based on operational and pedagogical criteria, with each request being carefully evaluated in conjunction with regulatory bodies. The announcement reflects a coordinated effort to balance safety and the need for in-person education.

Taaleem stood out for being one of the first groups to formalize its interest, demonstrating proactivity in relation to the new scenario. Alan Williamson, CEO of Taaleem, informed employees that the application process had already begun, awaiting approval from Autoridade of Educação.

The role of Taaleem in the transition

As revealed in an internal communication, the CEO of Esta date marks a turning point for many families and educators who longed to return to the traditional school routine, albeit with the necessary adaptations.

The Taaleem group, with its vast network of institutions, is committed to ensuring that the transition occurs in an organized and safe manner, following all health guidelines. The initiative not only demonstrates the network’s ability to adapt, but also its confidence in the security measures that will be implemented to protect the entire school community.

Furthermore, the management of Taaleem recognized that this represents another moment of transition and is attentive to the adjustments that the change may require. Agradecimentos were deeply expressed to the staff’s flexibility, professionalism and continued focus on students, highlighting the importance of collaboration to the success of this process.

Employee Feedback and Parent Survey

As part of the reopening plan, all Taaleem employees have been asked to return to campuses starting March 30. The group reported that additional operational details and specific guidance for each campus would be shared as soon as formal approvals were confirmed by the competent authorities, aiming for a coordinated and effective resumption of activities.

In an effort to understand the school community’s perception, Taaleem conducted a comprehensive survey of parents regarding school reopening. The results of this consultation presented a mixed but overwhelmingly favorable picture, indicating that many families express confidence in returning to the physical campus environment, while others still prefer a more cautious approach. Esse feedback was crucial in shaping the group’s planning.

Security measures and ongoing support

With regard to preparation for any eventualities, Alan Williamson stated that schools in the Taaleem group have broad and well-established emergency procedures. Isso includes implementing clear protocols for a variety of scenarios, ranging from the ability to react quickly to changing circumstances to communicating effectively with families. The top priority in all situations is to ensure the integrity and well-being of students and employees.

The protocols also address the ability to seamlessly transition back to distance learning if necessary, ensuring that education is not interrupted. Security is a central pillar of the reopening strategy, supported by coordinated and transparent actions, which aim to provide peace of mind for everyone involved.

Focus on well-being and mental health

The mental health and wellbeing of students and staff is prioritized by Taaleem, which has implemented additional actions to strengthen the care and support offered across its schools. Isso includes regular monitoring, dedicated wellbeing support, and creating clear structures that help students maintain a sense of routine and connection, essential elements of a healthy learning environment.

Coordinated industry approach

The CEO of Taaleem emphasized that decisions about reopening schools are not taken in isolation, but are part of a unified and strategic movement across the private education sector of Emirados Árabes Unidos. Há close collaboration between the country’s main school groups, which forward their requests for reopening in accordance with the guidelines established by educational authorities.

This coordinated approach ensures that any transition to in-person teaching is fully aligned with the direction and approval of KHDA, ADEK and Ministério of Educação, reinforcing the seriousness and planning behind the measures. The group’s priority has always been to provide security, clarity and flexibility, ensuring the well-being of the entire school community at each stage of the process.

Recently, parents confirmed to Gulf News that several schools have already started sending questionnaires to collect their opinions about students’ return to in-person classes. Yara Bou Hadir, a Lebanese mother of two children living in Dubai, for example, reported receiving a questionnaire from a French curriculum school in

Community reactions and benefits of the routine

Yara Bou Hadir expressed confidence in the authorities’ guidance and stated that her family, which is currently in Dubai, would feel comfortable returning to in-person classes. Ela highlighted that if schools are allowed to reopen, she would feel safe sending her children back as they are already moving around the city and monitoring official updates.

Bou Hadir also highlighted the importance of the classroom routine for the well-being of children. Apesar the school’s excellent work with remote teaching, she believes that in-person education offers a more balanced and effective experience, contributing to restoring a sense of normality, which is fundamental for child development.