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.

The UAE has introduced a new national guide aimed at improving the quality of food and beverages available in schools.

The National Guide for Food and Beverages in the School Environment is designed to help schools, suppliers, and service providers offer healthier and more nutritious options to students throughout the day.

Officials say the guide focuses on building healthy eating habits among students while ensuring they receive the energy needed for academic performance. It promotes balanced, age-appropriate meals that support physical growth, improve concentration, and boost overall learning outcomes.

The framework also sets clear standards for food safety, preparation, and storage, while defining responsibilities for schools, local authorities, and food suppliers. It applies to all educational institutions, including public and private schools, as well as centres for People of Determination.

Schools to keep watch

Under the new rules, schools must ensure full compliance with nutrition and hygiene standards, while suppliers are required to meet strict guidelines and maintain valid permits. Parents will also have access to canteen menus, and schools must track and address any food-related complaints.

The guide introduces a structured system for monitoring and enforcement, with local authorities responsible for inspections, compliance checks, and reporting.

A list of banned items has also been outlined to encourage healthier choices. These include sugary drinks, fried foods, chocolates, processed meats, and products containing nuts.

Authorities say the initiative marks a major step toward creating a healthier school environment and supporting long-term student well-being across the UAE.

The UAE Ministry of Education has just announced the news that all parents and students have been waiting for. Schools across the country are set to open on Monday, April, 20.

After more than a month of distance learning, nurseries, schools, and universities are reopening. Sharjah teaching staff are already back on campus getting things ready, and word from Dubai principals is that parents are happy with the announcement.

What’s the plan?

• Safety first: Authorities are doing a full preparedness programme, including operational checks and staff training to make sure everything is in order.
• Field checks: Regulators are on the ground conducting evaluation visits to ensure the transition is smooth.
• Flexibility: There’s a new framework in place to switch between in-person and remote learning if things change, so the joy of learning will never stop.

In another announcement, the Ministry of Education has announced that universities across the country will also resume in-person learning from Monday, April 20.

Distance learning first kicked off on March 2 after things got tense regionally. It was only supposed to be for a few days, but with the situation still tense, the spring break was brought forward, and remote learning kept getting extended to keep everyone safe.

 “Following the latest updates issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, private schools and higher education institutions in Dubai will resume on-site learning from April 20,” the Ministry said on its social media channel.

With the situation now stabilising, students and parents are expressing relief and happiness as schools reopen. The return to in-person learning marks an important step toward normalcy.