Abu Dhabi schools set for full return of pupils on Monday as Dubai eases restrictions

Schools in Dubai can resume PE lessons and extracurricular activities

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

All year groups will resume in-person learning at Abu Dhabi schools on Monday, while further Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted in Dubai.

Only pupils whose parents opt for them to continue distance learning will remain off campus for the rest of the first term of the academic year.

The move comes after all schools in the capital reverted to online education at the start of January as a precautionary measure, amid a surge in Covid-19 infections.

On Friday, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority – which administers private education in the emirate – announced that schools there could resume extracurricular activities from Monday.

They had been suspended since the start of term.

“Thanks to the support and co-operation of parents, educators and [pupils], PE lessons, gatherings, trips and extracurricular activities can resume from Jan 31,” the authority said.

“Canteens and eating areas can reopen. This applies to all private schools, early childhood centres and universities in Dubai.”

Earlier this month, authorities announced a phased return of pupils at all government-run schools nationwide and private schools in Abu Dhabi would take place on January 24 and 31.

No substitute for in-person learning

Speaking before all pupils return to school on Monday, Helen Wilkinson, head teacher at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, said it has been a long time coming.

“We are looking forward to a full return on Monday. The beginning and end of day will be staggered, carefully supervised and controlled,” she said.

“We are delighted that our full Brighton community can come back together again.

“Distance learning has come on in leaps and bounds since the start of the pandemic, but there is no substitute for the buzz that is felt when we are all in the building together.

“That is what schools are made for.”

To prepare for the full return of all year groups on Monday, Ms Wilkinson said the school will be checking that all PCR test results fall within the 96-hour remit.

They will also scan pupils and staff with thermal equipment to take their temperature on arrival.

Michael Wilson, Principal at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi said the return of its prep and senior pupils next week is a highlight.

"As with the junior part of the school, our team is focused on ensuring the campus is well prepared as a safe learning environment on all levels," he said.

"The premises has been deep cleaned and our strict staggered entry and exit policies and one way systems ensure no bubble crossing.

"The Cranleigh campus is spacious enough to accommodate all pupils on site with stipulated distancing in place and children learn better when they learn together."

Earlier this week, a large number of pupils in government and private schools in Abu Dhabi returned to the classroom for the first time since the start of the new term.

Over the past few weeks, as schools across the country prepared to reopen to pupils in phases, PCR test centres have recorded high volumes of weekend visits, as parents rushed to have their children tested.

Many schools in the UAE require a negative PCR result within 96 hours before pupils are permitted to return.

A customer service agent with test provider Rizek said on Friday the company had seen a small surge in bookings for home PCR tests for Friday evening and Saturday.

Many of the bookings were for multiple people in the same household.

He said this trend has been recorded since the start of January.

In pictures – PCR testing

Back-to-school PCR testing gets under way at Biogenix Labs by G42 Healthcare, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. All Photos: Victor Besa / The National

Biogenix Labs staff are ready and waiting for the mass testing as schools reopen in the capital.

Children queue to be tested.

Sultan Al Marzooqi, five, gets his back to school PCR test.

The Solitario family get their PCR tests.

Biogenix Labs staff are ready to help in the fight against Covid-19.

Sarah Ahmad, 17, is tested before heading back to school.

A father takes his daughter for testing.

The Aragon family get their PCR tests.

Khamis Al Balooshi, 10, waits for his turn.

The Williams family get their PCR tests.

The youngest Al Marzooqi family member is all smiles after his test.

Mohamed Al Zahri, eight, is swabbed.