Distance learning in place at Sharjah private schools as Dubai's offers hybrid system

The option is to accommodate families with 'ongoing logistical challenges' due to the storm

Persistent flooding along the D65 exit from Sheikh Zayed road leading into Al Quoz. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said delays were expected as work continues 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 more rain this week 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

Clear skies were recorded the day after the storm. 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

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.