The Ministry of Education has rolled out a detailed framework assigning 22 responsibilities to schools, teachers, students and parents, as part of efforts to strengthen distance learning across the country.

The move comes as higher education institutions begin a gradual return to in-person classes for select programmes, marking a transition toward hybrid learning after weeks of remote education.

Meanwhile, several universities resumed on-campus learning on Monday, March 30, following guidance issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in coordination with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.

Phased return for universities

Under Circular No. (2) of 2026, universities are allowed to bring students back to campus for programmes that require:

• Clinical training
• Laboratory work
• Practical or field-based learning

Institutions are also permitted to conduct examinations on campus.

However, the return is subject to strict conditions. Universities must ensure approved evacuation plans are in place, enforce health and safety protocols, and limit all educational activities to indoor settings. Clear communication of these measures to students and staff is mandatory.

Courses that do not require physical attendance will continue online until at least April 3, unless further updates are issued.

Clear roles for distance learning

At the school level, the Ministry of Education’s framework aims to ensure remote learning remains structured and effective.

Responsibilities are divided among stakeholders:

• Schools must manage communication, monitor engagement and support teachers
• Teachers are required to deliver interactive lessons and track progress
• Students must attend classes, complete tasks and follow online etiquette
• Parents are expected to support learning at home and stay connected with schools

Focus on quality and wellbeing

Authorities have emphasised that both remote and in-person learning must maintain high academic standards. Schools are required to monitor student wellbeing, especially those showing signs of low engagement, while continuing to support students of determination through tailored resources.

Universities, meanwhile, are tasked with closely monitoring developments, coordinating with authorities, and ensuring the quality of academic outcomes during the transition period.

The combined approach reflects the UAE’s strategy to balance safety with continuity of education, maintaining remote learning while gradually restoring essential in-person activities.

Officials say the measures are designed to safeguard student progress, maintain learning quality, and ensure a smooth transition back to normal academic operations.

Q Mobility has announced the rollout of a paid parking system in several commercial areas of Mohamed Bin Zayed City, starting April 6.

The initiative is being implemented under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

Where will paid parking apply?

In this phase, the system will cover:

• Commercial sectors ME10 and ME11
• Commercial areas along main streets within villa zones Z17-01, Z19, Z20, and Z27

The move targets areas with high traffic and commercial activity, aiming to improve parking availability and reduce congestion.

What about residential areas?

Parking in nearby villa zones will also be regulated:

• Spaces will be reserved only for permit holders
• Designed to protect residents’ privacy
• Helps prevent misuse of residential parking by visitors

Q Mobility has emphasised that this step is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve parking management and ease traffic flow in Abu Dhabi. 

The plan will:

• Better organise parking in busy districts
• Improve traffic flow
• Ensure fair access to parking for residents and visitors

The rollout is part of broader efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and enhance urban mobility across Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi has introduced a new set of regulations through the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to strengthen oversight of the property market and protect investor interests. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing and why it matters.

What are these new decisions about?

The rules are part of updates to the emirate’s real estate law and aim to:

• Improve transparency
• Protect buyers’ money
• Reduce disputes
• Create a more investor-friendly market

They are being implemented with oversight from the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre.

Stricter rules for escrow accounts

Developers often use escrow accounts to fund construction.

What’s new?

• Withdrawals before 20% project completion are now tightly regulated
• Developers must provide bank guarantees and approved cost plans

Why it matters:
This ensures buyers’ money is not misused and projects stay financially secure.

Clearer rules for jointly owned properties

This applies to buildings, communities, and shared facilities.

What’s new?

• Defined roles for owners, developers, and property managers
• Standardised management of common areas

Why it matters:
Better maintenance, fewer disputes, and clearer accountability.

Owners’ committees get a unified framework

Owners’ committees help manage residential communities.

What’s new?

• Standard bylaws across Abu Dhabi
• Clear rules on how committees are formed and operate

Why it matters:
More organised community management and stronger owner participation.

Compensation and refunds made clearer

Covers situations where:

• Buyers default on payments
• Projects are cancelled and units resold

What’s new?

• Defined compensation percentages for developers
• Clear timelines and procedures for buyer refunds

Why it matters:
Creates a fair balance between developers and buyers while speeding up dispute resolution.

These changes aim to:

• Boost investor confidence
• Strengthen market transparency
• Align Abu Dhabi with global real estate standards

In short, the new framework is designed to make the property market safer, clearer, and more efficient for everyone involved, from first-time buyers to large-scale investors.