Pupils at government schools in the UAE will continue learning online for the first two weeks of the term starting January 3, 2021.
The Ministry of Education on Tuesday said public schools across the country would continue with study from home measures for the period and until further notice.
It said a return to in-person classes would be announced following an assessment of “the health situation and developments”.
Only half of teachers and administrative staff can attend school next week while the rest should work from home.
The ministry said it would be up to each school to draw up its operation plans and schedules for pupils when in-person classes resume to ensure safety measures are being observed amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Private school pupils across the country will return in-person classes next week.
Principals said they expected a major increase in pupils returning to classrooms, after many opted for distance learning during the first term of the academic year. They said the introduction of a Covid-19 vaccine was giving a much-needed boost to parents' confidence.
Abu Dhabi institutions are also set for changes because all pupils, including those with chronic health conditions, can return to in-person lessons next month.
Pupils attending private schools in Years 7 to 9, or between the ages around 11 to 14, will return to their classrooms in January after a 10-month gap.
