Dubai's private schools, universities and nurseries can offer remote learning on Monday to pupils who cannot make it on-site.
Despite many roads and businesses reopening, flooding remains a problem for residents who could struggle to reach their child's school or who may be left without transport.
On Sunday, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority informed educational bodies “to remain flexible and accommodating to the needs of students, teachers and staff, and continue offering distance learning for those facing ongoing logistical challenges after the severe weather”.
Private educational establishments in Sharjah have been instructed to continue distance learning for Monday, said the Sharjah Private Education Authority.
From Tuesday onwards a hybrid model combining in-person and online learning can be offered.
The announcement follows previous instructions to offer distance learning during the storm and the subsequent days.
Most schools have said they are preparing to open on Monday however it will be up to parents to decide whether it is feasible for their child to attend.
In a letter sent to parents of pupils at Jumeirah English Speaking School, which has sites in both Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches, it was clarified that barring any closing of roads both schools would be open on Monday.
“As you know, Jumeirah was hit quite hard. The clean-up effort has been remarkable though. Jumeirah teachers are in today (Sunday) getting classrooms sparkling, ready for tomorrow, with the help of parent volunteers,” the letter said.
Gems Education group chief executive, Dino Varkey, also reassured parents saying they have “successfully completed” their clean-up and repair efforts at many of their schools.
“Work continues around the clock to prepare our remaining schools for reopening and each has informed its parent community of its situation, to give them as much time as possible to prepare for either continued remote learning or return to the classroom, as the case may be,” he said.
Emirates International School Meadows said they were looking forward to reopening but advised parents that activities would be available online for pupils unable to attend.
“Our teams have done a fantastic job getting everything ready for our students. We are however aware that some families are still unable to travel outside of their particular areas due to roads still not being open, therefore we will post learning activities online,” a letter to parents said.
Despite the bad weather ending on Tuesday night, the subsequent days of sunny skies have done little to alleviate the damage to roads and people's homes, leaving much of the work to be done by water pumps.
A record amount of rainfall fell on the UAE during the storm at the start of this week, leaving many without power or access to food and medicine.
Residents took to social media to show flooded houses, parking garages, and cars submerged in water.
On Sunday, Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, issued a directive to provide free assistance to residents left without a habitable home, as well as offering food, cleaning, damage assessment and pest control services.
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre
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