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.

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the temporary postponement of school bus services across the United Arab Emirates as students return to in-person learning.

The decision applies to all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools. Officials said the move is aimed at allowing time to complete operational readiness in coordination with transport authorities and municipalities, ensuring services meet the highest safety standards.

The ministry confirmed that the situation will be reviewed weekly, with updates on the resumption of school transport to be shared through official channels.

The announcement comes shortly after authorities confirmed that in-person classes will resume from April 20, 2026, for students, teachers, and administrative staff across the country. Schools have already completed key preparations, including facility readiness, staff training, and updated safety procedures.

Private schools will also have the option to implement a hybrid learning model if required, depending on their readiness and in line with approved regulations. However, schools must ensure that teachers are not required to handle both in-person and remote classes at the same time, to maintain education quality and manage workloads.

Flexible attendance, transport fees waived

Schools will take a flexible approach to student attendance as transportation challenges continue during the current phase of reopening.

Authorities said schools will assess attendance on a case-by-case basis, considering individual family circumstances while ensuring the smooth functioning of the education system.

In public schools, no transport fees will be charged during this period. For private schools, any arrangements related to school transport fees will be handled by local education authorities in line with approved regulations.

Officials say all measures are aimed at supporting families while maintaining stability in the learning process.

Officials added that schools will remain ready to switch to alternative learning methods if needed, ensuring continuity of education under all circumstances.