A robust inoculation drive and testing campaign along with COVID-19 vaccination for children from the age of three have proved crucial in promoting a safe and healthy return of students to schools across the UAE.

Recently, the UAE authorities announced full face-to-face learning in schools from the second term beginning in January 2022 (for a majority of schools). According to experts, full return to physical learning in schools will help in mitigating education loss.

Ben Cooper, primary principal at GEMS Wellington Academy-Al Khail, welcomed. full return of normalcy in the education community as restrictions are lifted across several regions. Celebrating the learning cultures in the UAE community, Cooper ensured to provide more opportunities to enhance creativity and learning for students.

“The future is bright. As restrictions are lifted and we welcome the full community back to school, we can do what schools do best, which is celebrate the learning cultures as one community together. We can provide more opportunities for creativity and for individuals to express themselves through any medium they wish to do so," Cooper said.

He added that the shift to online learning was rapid and reactional to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. However, the road to recovery has been highly strategic and careful to maintain the safety and wellbeing of the entire education community. He affirmed that teachers worked tirelessly during the lockdown period to ensure that no child is left behind in the process of education.

“We have carefully listened to the needs of our students and our families – ensuring they are safe, happy and transitioning back to normal school life successfully. We have carefully considered recovery plans and personalised teaching programmes have been put in place, and our students are now performing at the same level academically as they were prior to the pandemic," he added.

Simon Herbert, principal/CEO at GEMS International School-Al Khail, said a renewed air of optimism is being witnessed around the educational ecosystem after months of pandemic repercussions. UAE authorities are promoting a rational and cautious opening and return to normalcy in the country.

"UAE schools have proven themselves to be safety-conscious while also dedicated to enhancing the well-being of students, and the government has clearly recognised this success through further latitude on regulations," he said.

After the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE, schools swiftly transitioned to online learning with the strong support of parents and teachers.

Herbert underlined that such adjustments were made along the journey. He further hailed the creativity and flexibility of teachers during the extraordinary year.

"This attitude among educational staff in UAE schools prevented too much learning loss and in some ways allowed technological gains, which are now part and parcel of our practice. But the swift and clear return to face-to-face learning, as guided by the government, is truly welcomed by all," Herbert added.

Reportedly, schools across Dubai and Sharjah are already working at 100 per cent capacity. In the coming term, institutions across all Emirates will reopen to all students.

Seema Umar, vice-principal, The Central School Dubai, commended the efforts of the UAE education sector that continuously provided a solution to address the issues of students and teachers alike.

"With its fool proof plan, the UAE has set the global benchmark for the reopening of schools. I see a bright future for the UAE’s education sector," Umar said.

Meanwhile, officials have urged all educational facilities to continuously monitor compliance with all COVID-19 safety measures.

Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-principal, Credence High School, hailed the UAE leadership and frontline workers who have successfully controlled the pandemic. "It is heartening to see students back in school. The UAE education sector is booming and progressive, be it in the field of early years, K-12 schools, or universities. The UAE has become an educational hub and has earned an important place in the global map," she said.