Authorities in Abu Dhabi are reminding motorists to exercise extra caution when driving near schools, highlighting the risks posed by distractions and heavy traffic during peak hours.

Abu Dhabi Police stressed the importance of staying fully focused on the road, particularly during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups, when congestion and pedestrian activity increase significantly.

Drivers have been advised to reduce speed, respect pedestrian crossings and come to a complete stop when school bus stop signs are displayed. Officials warned that using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions while driving can pose serious dangers to students and other road users.

Police also emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility, calling on parents and the wider community to support safe driving practices and help create a secure environment around schools.

Authorities added that awareness and enforcement campaigns will continue as part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and community wellbeing across the emirate.

Parents in Dubai may still have to pay full school fees, even if their children are learning from home.

That’s the key takeaway from new guidelines issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which clarify how tuition fees and refunds work in private schools.

No discounts for online learning

Even when classes are delivered remotely, schools are not required to reduce or waive fees. If learning is available, online or in person, fees must be paid in full.

Skipping classes doesn’t stop fees

Thinking of opting out of distance learning? That won’t reduce your bill. Parents who choose not to participate must formally withdraw their child and settle all outstanding payments.

When can you get a refund?

Refunds are only possible if the school cannot provide education at all. If that happens, parents may receive a credit note for future fees, a transfer to a sibling’s account or a full refund.

Parents can raise concerns about online learning, but fees must still be paid while complaints are being reviewed.

Fees stop only in one case

Tuition fees continue as long as the school is offering classes. They stop only from the day education is no longer delivered.

Registrations still allowed

Schools can continue to accept registrations, collect deposits, and communicate with parents even during closures, using digital channels.

Dubai’s private education sector has begun a full return to in-person learning, with schools, early childhood centres and universities reopening from April 20.

The phased move comes after strict safety preparations, with more than 200 early childhood centres already welcoming children back in recent days. In total, nearly 600 private institutions are now preparing to resume on-campus learning.

The reopening is being overseen by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, which has worked closely with schools to ensure all health and safety measures are in place.

Officials say student and staff wellbeing remains the top priority, with extensive readiness checks, staff training and clear communication with parents carried out ahead of reopening.

Schools are also required to meet strict compliance standards, with ongoing inspections to ensure safety protocols are followed.

As students return, many institutions will run orientation and wellbeing sessions during the first week to help ease the transition back to classroom learning.

Families are being offered flexible options, including in-person classes, phased returns or continued distance learning where needed.

Authorities say the goal is to maintain high education standards while ensuring a safe, supportive environment for both students and teachers.