Abu Dhabi and government schools to return in phases from next week

Pupils prepare for return to in-person learning

Parents, pupils and staff arrive at the Greenfield International School in Dubai Investments Park for the start of a new term after the winter break. Antonie Robertson / The National

January marked the first day of the new term and the start of the four-and-half-day week. Antonie Robertson / The National

Hundreds of schools in Dubai and Sharjah have received the green light to reopen for in-person classes. Antonie Robertson / The National

Regulators across the UAE have announced measures to ensure the safety of pupils. Antonie Robertson / The National

A sign shows Covid-19 safety rules at Greenfield International School. Antonie Robertson / The National

A school crossing guard controls traffic. Antonie Robertson / The National

Authorities recently announced that masks were now optional in outdoor areas of school. Antonie Robertson / The National

A child is dropped off at Greenfield International School. Antonie Robertson / The National

For those returning from overseas trips, some school management boards have also advised parents to book fit-to-fly PCR tests. Antonie Robertson / The National

Students arrive at the Jumeira Baccalaureate School in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Masks must still be worn indoors except for when sat down to eat. Pawan Singh / The National

It is expected that face masks will be mandatory in the classroom for the foreseeable future. Pawan Singh / The National

A member of staff at Jumeira Baccalaureate School. Pawan Singh / The National

Parents, pupils and staff arrive at Jumeira Baccalaureate School. Pawan Singh / The National

Pupils in government-run schools nationwide will return to in-person learning in phases from next week.

Children will attend classrooms for the first time this term from Monday, January 24 and Monday, January 31, depending on their year group.

All private schools in Abu Dhabi will also begin a return to in-person lessons from January 24.

The two phases are as follows:

Return to school

Monday, January 24:

First to return on January 24 will be kindergarten/foundation stage, grades 1-5/years 2-6 and grade 12/year 13, university students and anyone preparing for international exams.

Monday, January 31:

Remote learning for grades 6-11/years 7-12 to continue until January 31, when all years return.

At a televised briefing on Wednesday evening, officials said all pupils would require a PCR test, taken in the past 96 hours, to enter school buildings. They will further require a test every two weeks.

Any parent wishing to enter school premises would require the same.

Hazza Al Mansouri, federal government education spokesman, said: “We advise all parents and pupils to plan ahead to avoid overcrowding at PCR test centres.”

Universities will begin a return to classes and lecture halls and will use Al Hosn’s green pass system to show vaccination status and recent swab tests.

Private schools in the Northern Emirates are regulated separately but normally follow suit.

Dubai and Sharjah’s private schools, which are regulated separately, brought pupils back early this month. Some schools there have returned to distance learning, owing to people testing positive, but most remain open.

Be tested for Covid-19 if you have flu symptoms

At the same briefing, Dr Farida Al Hosani, federal government health spokeswoman, urged people to get a booster shot if they are eligible, and particularly if they are elderly or have chronic illness.

She urged people to be screened if they have seasonal flu symptoms.

“Respiratory symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu. We emphasise that PCR tests are necessary,” she said.

Addressing the recent rise in cases, Dr Al Hosani said: “Hospitals are at the highest level of readiness to provide provide high levels of healthcare to citizens, residents and visitors.”

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Zara Harrington, head of Safa British School in Dubai, was named best school principal in the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National

American School of Dubai was declared the UAE's best school at the Which School Advisor awards. Photo: American School of Dubai

Dino Varkey, chief executive of Gems Education, receives outstanding contribution award. Photo: Gems Education

Charlotte Abbott, director of English at Dubai English Speaking College, centre, was named best secondary school teacher. She is flanked by Eimear McKenna Singh, from Which Media, left, and Andrew Gibbs, principal of Dubai English Speaking College. Photo: Which Media

Abu Dhabi's British School Al Khubairat (Bsak), pictured, was jointly named best school for post-16 education with Dubai English Speaking College. Victor Besa / The National

Greenfield International School was named best international baccalaureate curriculum school. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai College, in black at the Rugby Sevens on December 2, 2021, was named best British curriculum school. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Indian High School Dubai was named best Indian curriculum school. Antonie Robertson / The National