UAE’s public schools and colleges are all set to resume in-person education after three weeks of distance education from tomorrow, January 24, in two groups. Campus learning is also resuming in private and public schools starting tomorrow in Abu Dhabi.

The learning was to resume 100 per cent in-person from the new term that started on January 3. However, classes went online as a safety measure citing high Covid-19 case load.

In the UAE, every Emirate has its own disaster management committee that lays out crisis plans at their individual local level. Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah had allowed in-campus learning in schools with additional Covid-19 safety rules from the new term. But many schools, including in Dubai, switched to distant learning model due to positive Covid-19 cases among students as well as staff.

Most of them have returned to in-person learning, with remote classes being offered only in some cases.

Are all students returning to campus from tomorrow?

Students in Abu Dhabi and public education facilities are returning to campus in two groups. KG 1 – Grade 5/FS1 – Year 6 students, as well as Grade12/ Year 13 and students who are appearing in board and high stakes exams can resume in-classroom education from January 24. All other students can come back to campus on January 31.

Can parents who are concerned about the Covid situation opt for e-schooling?

Abu Dhabi: Distance learning is an option for all parents for the rest of term one. But parents are required to inform schools about their preferred learning model before January 31. This model must be followed for the remainder of the term.

Dubai: Remote learning can be offered only in three cases - when students test Covid positive; if they have Covid symptoms; or if they are close contacts to someone tested positive.

Are PCR tests compulsory for students to return to campus?

In Abu Dhabi, all students of ages three years and above - regardless of status of vaccination and inclusive of Students of Determination – are required to produce a negative nasal PCR or saliva test result that has been issued within 96 hours in order to resume in-person classes. The same procedure is applicable on teachers, administrative staff and third-party contractors.

How often must students take PCR tests after resuming in-person classes?

In Abu Dhabi and public schools across the UAE, all students who are returning to campus are required to take a PCR test every 14 days during the entire new term.

Is Covid testing available for free to students in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi students are able to take free-of-charge PCR tests at any private or public clinic, hospital, or drive-through test centre. Students are required to present a valid Emirates ID or passport. Students under the age of 12 years can opt for a saliva test at multiple test centres across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

Which school activities have been suspended?

In Abu Dhabi and public schools, all external trips and activities have been suspended until further notice. Sports and cultural activities will be allowed with full adherence to Covid related health and safety precautionary measures.

In Dubai, all trips, events and internal gatherings – like assemblies and performances – and PE lessons have been paused. Cafeterias and canteens will also remain closed.