In a move to protect family well-being and clarify the boundaries of home-based education, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has launched a comprehensive new manual: The Parent Guide to Supporting Your Child During Distance Learning.

The core message of the guide is a massive relief for parents: You are not expected to be the teacher.  The Responsibility Split: Who Does What?

The KHDA is drawing a firm line in the sand to prevent parental burnout.

• The school’s job: Teaching, planning lessons, delivering content, monitoring progress, and providing academic support.
• The parents’ job: Providing a calm environment, maintaining consistent routines, and keeping the lines of communication open with the school.

Five priorities for success

The guide outlines five key pillars to help caregivers manage learning without feeling overwhelmed. While the full document is on the KHDA website, the strategy focuses on progress over perfection.

Tailored advice by age group

The KHDA recognises that a five-year-old and a 15-year-old have vastly different needs:

Early years and primary students: Younger children require hands-on support. The KHDA recommends focusing on short, simple activities rather than long blocks of screen time. Consistent routines and frequent, reassuring breaks are essential to prevent overstimulation.

Secondary and senior students: While older students are more independent, they are susceptible to “engagement fatigue.” They still require a clear daily structure and regular check-ins from parents to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed or losing focus on advanced coursework.

Students of determination: The guide provides targeted advice for students with additional learning needs, focusing on managing anxiety and behavioural barriers. It emphasises the need for a direct, transparent link between parents and the school’s inclusion team to ensure IEP (Individual Education Plan) goals are met at home.

The wellness check

A significant portion of the 2026 guide is dedicated to mental health. It provides practical steps to identify if a child is struggling with “engagement fatigue” or family pressures, offering a roadmap for parents to seek help from the school early, before the student falls behind.

How parents can access the guide

Dubai parents are encouraged to download the digital handbook directly from the KHDA website (https://web.khda.gov.ae). It serves as a living document that will be updated as distance learning technologies continue to evolve through 2026.

Applying to school in the UAE just got a major tech upgrade, and parents are loving the convenience.

Private schools across the United Arab Emirates have confirmed that enrolment for the upcoming academic year is running smoothly through fully digital systems, allowing families to complete everything, from applications to assessments, without stepping on campus.

From application to admission, all online

School officials say parents can now submit student details via official portals, book interviews, and even complete placement tests online.

• Younger children typically attend virtual interviews via platforms like Google Meet or Zoom
• Students applying for higher grades must pass online placement tests under strictly monitored conditions

If accepted, seat reservation fees can be paid digitally and later adjusted against tuition costs.

Virtual tours replace campus visits

To help families make informed decisions, many schools are offering virtual tours, showcasing facilities like sports fields, science labs, art rooms, and more, bringing the campus experience straight to your screen.

Strict rules still apply

Despite the convenience, schools are keeping standards tight. Admissions depend on:

• Assessment performance
• Age requirements
• Availability of seats
• Complete and accurate documentation

Parents are also required to authorise schools to verify academic records from previous institutions. Missing or incorrect information—especially regarding special educational needs—could lead to delays or even rejection.

Direct support for parents

Schools have also introduced dedicated online communication channels to guide parents through the process, making it easier to resolve queries quickly.

Why it matters

With everything moving online, the UAE’s education sector is embracing a more flexible, efficient, and accessible future, saving time for parents while maintaining strict admission standards.

But one thing hasn’t changed: applying early and accurately still makes all the difference.

Several UK education boards have announced the cancellation of IGCSE and International A Level exams in the UAE that were scheduled for May and June, citing the current situation and prioritising student safety.

The decision affects thousands of students across the country preparing for key international assessments.

Major boards confirm cancellations

Exam board OxfordAQA informed UAE schools via email that exams have been cancelled following consultations with the Ministry of Education, schools, and other boards.

Subjects impacted include IGCSE English as a Second Language, along with other OxfordAQA-assessed papers.

Meanwhile, Pearson Edexcel confirmed that IGCSE, International A Level, and iPLS exams have been cancelled not only in the UAE but also in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

Regional impact and safety focus

The move comes in response to the current situation across the region, with student and staff safety as the top priority.

Emma Whale, Vice President for International Schools, noted that the board has well-established contingency measures to handle disruptions and ensure students can still progress and receive grades that reflect their performance.

Part of a wider trend

This latest announcement follows earlier decisions by other education systems, including:

• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

Both had already cancelled exams in the region under similar circumstances.