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 on whether a closure would be required. Which schools have closed and which have embraced these unusual weather conditions?
Heavy Rain: Which UAE Schools Have Closed?
By Susan Roberts
Do your children attend a UAE school? Take our survey and help other parents.
WhichSchoolAdvisor's annual school survey.
LET'S GO

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. 

undefined
Children at Bloom World Academy enjoy a rainy day at school

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!"

undefined
A KG1 student in Dubai International Academy Al Barsha shows he is ready for the UAE's unusual weather conditions, in his best waterproof jacket

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. 

undefined
A Fairgreen student enjoys splashing in puddles in the school grounds

Comments
Latest UAE articles
Choosing A School

A Look Inside the New Redwood Montessori Al Furjan

With the huge influx of families moving into the Al Furjan residential community in recent…

University

Record Number of Students Get University Place Via Clearing

A record number of UK 18-year-olds have secured a place at a UK university using Clearing.…

School Performance

Top UK Boarding Schools for A Level Results

The top five boarding schools in the UK for A Levels results in 2023 are Oxford Internatio…

Society

New Parents & Kids Book Club Launches This Week

Looking for a monthly book club for you and your little ones to attend together? Then look…

Choosing A School

Is It Too Late to Find an FS1 School Space?

The start of the new school year has come and gone, the youngest children in FS1 and Pre-K…

Parenting

Why Should I Join My School’s Parent Association?

In the UAE, most private schools will have an active parent association or group. These de…

Best School

Inside Redwood Montessori Al Bateen

Conveniently situated in the commercial and residential area of Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, is R…

Exam Preparation

What Does It Cost To Take I/GCSEs and A Levels in the UAE?

If you have a child who is sitting their GCSEs or A Levels next year, have you considered …

0 Schools Selected
keyboard_arrow_down keyboard_arrow_up
Your selection Clear All