Pupils of schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as government schools across the country, will study from home for the rest of the week as the mammoth clean-up operation from the recent torrential rain continues.
Emirates School Foundation announced on Wednesday afternoon that remote learning would be extended to Thursday and Friday.
The move came after the UAE was hit by more rain since Sunday than it would expect to receive in a year, according to official figures.
“This extension is aimed at ensuring that all public schools and their surrounding areas are fully prepared and safe for the return of pupils and faculty members,” Emirates School Foundation said on social media platform X.
“This measure is part of ongoing efforts to maintain high safety and security standards in educational environments.”
Private and public schools have been operating remotely for the past two days with the UAE experiencing the largest single day of rainfall in 75 years on Tuesday.
“Remote study has been extended for schools in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19,” Abu Media Media Office wrote on X on Wednesday night.
Dubai authorities also confirmed that private schools in the emirate would operate remotely for the remainder of the week.
“In order to ensure the safety of students and educational staff in light of the prevailing weather conditions, it was decided to continue implementing distance education in private schools, early childhood centres and international universities in Dubai on Thursday and Friday,” Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said.
“We hope everyone is safe.”
Authorities in Sharjah also extended remote learning and working to include Thursday.
The move was made by the emirate's Local Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team, along with Sharjah's Private Education Authority.
Schools in the emirate were urged to continue online lessons for the safety of students and staff.
Private sector firms in Sharjah were also asked to keep remote work mandates in place to minimise risks from the dangerous weather.
-
Persistent flooding along the D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed Road in April 16, 2024, leading into Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Delays took place as work continued to clear roads of excess water. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Many drivers had no choice but to abandon their waterlogged vehicles and take their chances on foot due to the record rainfall. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The UAE was hit by unprecedented flooding on April 16, 2024, than it would expect to receive in more than a year, official figures revealed. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Standing water is removed in Dubai after a major storm. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Many cars were abandoned in Dubai due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National -
There was significant damage in parts of Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The aftermath of heavy flooding in Dubai, with debris and abandoned cars on the street. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Some roads remained waterlogged in parts of Dubai after the storm. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Children play with their bicycles along a waterlogged street in Dubai's Al Furjan district. Pawan Singh / The National -
Workers cut a tree uprooted by heavy rains on Tuesday in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Water is drained from a flooded road in Al Furjan after the storm. Pawan Singh / The National -
A flooded street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, after the rain. Victor Besa / The National -
Heavy rain in Dubai made parts of Sheikh Zayed Road impassable. Antonie Robertson/The National -
The storm left cars marooned on flooded streets. Antonie Robertson/ The National -
Many areas became impassable due to the flooding. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Drivers abandoned their cars at the side of roads amid high floodwaters. Antonie Robertson/ The National -
People attempt to navigate the floodwaters in Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National -
A flooded section of road near Sheikh Zayed motorway after heavy rain. Antonie Robertson / The National -
People in Dubai walk from their cars after high floodwaters made the road impassable. Antonie Robertson / The National -
A partially submerged car following the heavy rain. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Recovery work gets under way after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Large puddles and areas of water in Al Bandar in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Work begins after the rain in central Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Recovery work gets under way in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Some minor damage in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
A man washes away debris after the rain in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Work gets under way after heavy rain hit Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Passengers check flight information on screens at the Dubai International Airport. AFP -
A worker cuts through a downed tree with a chainsaw after a major storm in Dubai. AP -
A car drives through floodwaters in Dubai. AP
