In a proactive move to support student well-being and ensure uninterrupted education, the UAE has announced a two-week extension of distance learning across nurseries, schools, and higher education institutions.

The decision, led by the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, reflects a balanced approach, prioritising safety while maintaining academic continuity for students nationwide.

All public and private institutions will continue remote learning, with the situation subject to weekly review. Officials stressed that updates will be communicated through official channels, ensuring transparency and clarity for families.

To accommodate varying institutional needs, a flexible mechanism will allow private schools and universities to apply for a return to in-person learning when necessary, based on operational and academic requirements.

Supporting families further, flexible remote work arrangements will be introduced for federal government employees who are caregivers of children from nursery through Grade 8—reinforcing the UAE’s broader commitment to family wellbeing.

Schools outline clear learning roadmaps

As the extended distance learning period begins, GEMS Education has provided parents with a detailed roadmap outlining how learning will continue across its network.

In a communication, the group confirmed staggered timelines based on curricula and emirate-specific regulations:

• International curriculum schools will shift to online learning from March 23
• Indian curriculum schools (CBSE, ICSE, ISC):
  • In Sharjah (SPEA) and Abu Dhabi (ADEK): online learning from March 30 to April 6
• Dubai schools under the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will begin the new academic year on April 6

All GEMS schools are expected to return to in-person learning from April 6, in line with regulatory guidance.

Seamless learning experience

During the remote learning period:

• Students will follow regular timetables
• Attendance and engagement will continue as normal
• Assessments and academic progress will remain on track

Schools will share detailed schedules and access instructions directly with families.

With strong coordination between authorities, schools, and families, the UAE continues to demonstrate a forward-thinking, resilient approach, ensuring education remains uninterrupted while prioritising safety and wellbeing.

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has officially cancelled the 2026 ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) board examinations for all centres in the UAE, according to a circular sent to school principals on Thursday.

The announcement follows earlier notices issued on March 1, March 3, and March 6, 2026, which had already postponed the exams scheduled between March 2 and March 14 for CISCE-affiliated schools across the UAE.

After conducting a thorough review of the situation, CISCE said the decision was made in consultation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. The board confirmed that both the previously postponed exams and all remaining papers scheduled from March 16 to April 6 have now been cancelled.

Authorities stated that the move was taken due to the security situation in the region, prioritising the safety and well-being of students, exam staff, and school communities.

For students in the UAE, results will now be prepared using an alternative assessment mechanism. CISCE said detailed guidelines on how marks will be calculated will be announced soon.

The board also clarified that students who are not satisfied with their marks under the alternative assessment system will have the option to appear for a 2026 Improvement Examination after results are declared.

School principals across the UAE have been instructed to inform students, parents, and staff about the exam cancellation and the upcoming assessment process.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced that the start of the 2026–2027 academic year for private schools following Indian and Pakistani curricula in Sharjah has been postponed.

According to a circular issued to schools on Thursday, students will now begin classes on March 30, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled March 23.

Remote exams scheduled

SPEA said students may sit for examinations remotely between March 9 and March 12.

The authority explained that the decision came after requests from schools submitted through the Council of School Principals, and after reviewing the justifications provided by school administrations.

Temporary guidelines for schools

The authority also issued new instructions regarding school access for staff and parents.

Some administrative and teaching staff may be present on campus, but their number must not exceed 15 employees and should be limited to operational needs.

Parents will also be allowed to visit schools to collect uniforms and books, but only according to numbers and schedules set by the school administrations.

Schools asked to update parents

SPEA has asked school administrations to make the necessary internal arrangements and inform students and parents about the revised schedule.

The move aims to ensure smooth preparations before the start of the new academic year.