Heavy Rain: Which UAE Schools Have Closed?

With heavy rain in Dubai and the northern emirates on Wednesday, and more falling Thursday, parents and school staff awaited announcements from KHDA, SPEA, Ministry of Education and school leadership on whether a closure would be required for their child's school. 

Schools in the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah have been directed to close on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th January due to unpredictable weather, while many Sharjah schools have elected to close also.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team issued an announcement that students are to switch to a home-based programme of study for the remainder of the week.  Fujairah authorities likewise announced that students are to remain home, and many Sharjah schools have likewise moved to online learning. 

The majority of Dubai’s private schools have remained open today and are expected to continue to operate as normal tomorrow. Dubai’s KHDA made the announcement Wednesday evening that “yes, there’s school tomorrow”, however the authority does allow Dubai’s private schools to make individual assessments, allowing closures where necessary for student and staff safety. 

A GEMS Education spokesperson said:

“Three GEMS Education schools have switched to online learning today [Thursday] – GEMS Wellington International School, GEMS Winchester School – Fujairah and GEMS Westminster School – Ras Al Khaimah. This is due to the unstable weather conditions, with the latter two schools following the directives of the Ministry of Education. All other schools are open as usual.”

Dunecrest American School, while remaining open, announced the cancelation of extra-curricular activities for the remainder of the week, due to weather conditions. 

Like most schools, Dubai’s Bloom World Academy has remained open, taking the opportunity to enjoy the novelty of the weather. Children donned waterproof clothing this morning and embraced the wet weather conditions in school grounds. 

Dubai International Academy Al Barsha shared an image of a KG1 student ready for the weather, with the message:

"In DIA KG1, we love school so much not even rain can stop us getting here…although it would be much easier if it would go away!"

Students in Fairgreen International School are also enjoying the wet weather, with staff encouraging the fun and novelty of puddle jumping in the school grounds.