Students across the UAE will temporarily return to distance learning from May 5 to May 8, as authorities take precautionary steps to ensure safety and continuity in education.

In Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that all private schools, nurseries and universities will switch to online learning during this period.

The move aligns with a nationwide directive from the Ministry of Education, which applies to both public and private institutions across the country.

Schools have been instructed to activate their remote learning plans, ensuring that classes, assignments and administrative operations continue without disruption.

What about universities?

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research also confirmed that higher education institutions will follow the same approach.

However, some programmes will continue on campus, particularly those that require:

• Clinical training
• Laboratory work
• Practical or field-based learning
• In-person examinations

Why the shift?

Officials said the decision is part of precautionary measures to safeguard students, staff and the wider community, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely.

The move follows a statement from the Ministry of Defence regarding the interception of aerial threats, after which authorities emphasised that safety systems responded effectively.

What parents and students should expect

For families, this means a short return to online classes, similar to previous remote learning setups. Schools are expected to provide schedules and guidance directly to parents and students.

Authorities said the situation will be reviewed on May 8, with the possibility of extending remote learning if required.

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.