UAE issues guidelines on reopening schools, universities in September 2020

The UAE has issued guidelines on the reopening of educational institutions across the country later this year.

Alanoud Alhaj, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education said that the ministry is looking at the possibility of reopening schools in September, subject to precautionary measures, guided by the country’s health authorities.

The plan to resume study will cover government and private educational institutions; nurseries, schools and universities, the spokesperson added. 

“We urge the parents to keep their children at home if they are unwell or if they suspect they were in contact with Covid-19 patients. The family of the child should report the matter to school,” Alhaj added.

Regulations and requirements for the resumption of studies in universities and schools, academic year 2021/2020 pic.twitter.com/ngXZ7JgYqa

— وزارة التربية (@MOEducationUAE) June 22, 2020

For the academic year 2020/21, schools and universities across the country will have to adhere to stringent regulations which include:

• Commitment to monitor the temperature of all staff, teachers, students and others on a daily basis in all educational institutions.
• Sterilisation protocols for educational institutions including classrooms, laboratories and other facilities – ensuring frequent sterilisation.
• Limited gatherings and suspending group activities such as school trips, celebrations, sports events and student camps.
• Maintaining physical distance guidelines as recommended by relevant health authorities  and reducing head-count capacity in classrooms, whether in universities, schools, or nurseries.
• Organising and managing the students’ working day including mealtimes to avoid high concentration of students in one place.
• Reducing bus capacities – which should not exceed 30 per cent to maintain physical distancing protocols, and measuring the temperature of each student before boarding the bus.
• Ensuring the operation and organisation of university housing according to specific precautionary procedures and requirements.

In March, the UAE implemented remote learning programmes across all schools and universities in the country in what was seen as a precautionary measure to combat the spread of the Covid-19 infection.

Read: Private schools in Dubai ready to open campuses in September

The summer vacations for public and private schools that follow that Ministry of Education’s curriculum will begin on July 2.

Read: UAE summer school holidays and reopening dates announced