After three weeks of mandatory virtual learning, students in Abu Dhabi are all set to begin returning to school and university campuses in phases from Monday, January 24 onwards. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for the COVID-19 Pandemic announced of starting physical learning on Wednesday, in line with directives by the National Crisis, Emergencies and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). The announcement is welcomed by families and educators alike, and students being excited about returning to the classroom.

Winter break

UAE schools and educational institutions began their winter break on December 12. Shortly before beginning of the new term on January 3, authorities announced distance learning will be implemented for the first two weeks. This period was extended for one additional week until January 21 to ensure the safety of all children and educators.

Student requirements

In addition to announcement of resuming in-class learning next week, the NCEMA has also issued requirement of mandatory PCR testing for students and educators. Abu Dhabi emirate’s private and charter schools regulator, the Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), has also issued requirements for students and educators for in-person classes. This includes mandatory PCR testing every two weeks for all school attendees in Abu Dhabi’s 222 private and charter schools, and a temporary suspension of external field trips.

The authority said that distance learning will be an option for the remaining term.

Other precautions

Schools will continue implementing other precautionary measures, including the face masks wearing for children from Grade 1 onwards, regular sanitisation, and organisation of children in macrobubbles. At the same time, the Adek has mandated vaccines for all educators, school staff and third party contractors, and is also encouraging voluntary vaccination of all students in the school.

Distance learning

Will distance learning be an option after school resumes physical classes?

Distance learning will remain an option throughout the term for those who opt it, but the school has to offer this option, and the decision to continue virtual learning must be discussed with the school before-hand. The chosen model of learning will also apply to the child for rest of the term, and cannot be changed after that.

Do I have to submit any documents and forms for my child’s return to school?

Travel declaration form:

 Fill out and sign a travel declaration form, provide details of any international travel undertaken during the winter break. If you have returned from travel, you are required to submit negative PCR test results taken on Day 1 and Day 6 after returning to the UAE.

PCR test:

Ensure child undertakes a PCR test within the 96 hours before the first day of returning to school and submit negative test result to the school. For children returning to school on January 24, the Adek has recommended to test between Thursday and Saturday to ensure test results are available on time.

Do I have to pay for my child’s PCR test?

All Abu Dhabi students get free-of-charge PCR tests at any private or public clinic, hospital, or drive through test center with no need to present a designated school code.

Saliva-based testing is also offered by many centres in the emirate for students less than 12 years of age.

Does my child have to undergo routine testing while attending in-person school?

All children and staff attending in person school who are vaccinated against COVID-19, or are exempt for vaccination, will be required to undertake a PCR test every two weeks.

Will schools organise activities for children apart from regular classes?

Sports and cultural activities in schools will be organised after approval. All school trips will however be suspended.

Can I visit my child’s school or university?

All parents are required to present a green pass on Alhosn, and a negative PCR test result with validity of 96 hours, to be allowed on to school premises.