Northern Emirates Extend Distance Learning
Distance learning will be extended for a further week at government schools and universities in the UAE, the authorities said on Wednesday. Private schools directly following the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) guidelines will also be affected.
Emirates setting their own guidelines, notably Dubai and Sharjah, have allowed private schools to return to in-school classes. In Dubai, school leaders have the discretionary power to move to distance learning for 48 hours, without prior consultation with the KHDA.
Abu Dhabi authorities have approved a blanket extension for its schools to "enable all education facilities to be fully prepared for a safe return for students".
"The decision applies to all public and private schools in the emirate, as well as universities, colleges and training institutes."
Hazza Al Mansouri, spokesman for the education sector, said pupils would continue to study remotely until Friday, January 21. Exams requiring attendance for schools and universities would be postponed until after Friday January 28.
The authorities previously announced public schools would switch to remote learning for the first two weeks of term.
