Abu Dhabi/Dubai — Schools and higher-education institutions across the UAE shifted to distance learning on Monday under a government directive that will see students and staff conduct lessons online from March 2 to 4. During the first day of remote learning, Dubai pupils attended virtual sessions where the UAE flag was displayed on their screens, symbolising continuity of education amid an unprecedented situation.
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Government orders remote learning
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on Saturday that all public and private schools, universities, and higher education institutions nationwide would switch to online lessons from Monday, March 2, until Wednesday, March 4, 2026. “The situation will be continuously assessed during the week, and the period may be extended if required, depending on developments,” the government said.
During the first day of remote lessons, students in Dubai logged on to virtual assemblies in which the UAE flag was shown “fluttering” on screens — a visual symbol used by some schools as classes continued online.
School leadership responses
At The Indian High Group of Schools in Dubai, leaders said contingency plans were activated immediately.
“We are grateful to the leadership of the UAE and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) for their proactive decision to transition all schools to three days of online learning,” said Punit MK Vasu, CEO of the group. He added that schools provided devices to families who were not equipped for online learning and kept parents informed about access and available helplines.
At Delhi Private School Dubai, Principal and Director Rashmi Nandkeolyar said the shift tested the school’s readiness. “However, this muscle was well-honed during the pandemic, and we are able to manage this challenge with skill and dexterity,” she said.
Focus on wellbeing
Beyond logistics, school leaders emphasised support for students’ emotional health. “We are cognisant that this is the end of the term for the Indian curriculum… we need to be optimistic and work on the mental well-being of our community,” Nandkeolyar said, noting the inclusion of yoga, PE, music, and art alongside academic lessons.
At Woodlem British School in Ajman, Principal Natalia Svetenok highlighted pastoral support.
“Our top priority was to make sure everyone was okay, not just systems and schedules. Students need calm voices more than they need perfect schedules,” she said.
Exams and assessment changes
Education regulators postponed in-school assessments scheduled during the distance-learning period. Dubai’s regulator, the KHDA, issued a circular instructing private schools to implement distance learning until March 4 and to reschedule internal and end-of-term exams accordingly. India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also postponed Class 10 and 12 board exams scheduled on March 2 for the Middle East region; new dates will be announced later.
Logistics and technical support
Across the UAE, school IT teams worked over the weekend to ensure secure platforms and remote access. Institutions also communicated access procedures to parents and established helplines for technical issues, ensuring lessons continued smoothly on digital platforms.
School leaders expressed confidence in the UAE’s leadership and the clarity of official guidance. “We are optimistic that the situation will be resolved soon, as we have total confidence in the wise and efficient leadership of the UAE,” one principal said.
