UAE schools reopen after weeks of distance learning

DUBAI — More than one million students across the United Arab Emirates returned to classrooms on Monday after weeks of distance learning, as schools reopened following a period of remote education linked to regional tensions.The return marked a major step toward restoring normal routines after students had been studying online since early March.Yellow school buses were back on the roads early Monday as campuses welcomed students for the first time in weeks.For many families, the reopening brought relief and optimism.“I’m overjoyed to have them back,” Dubai parent Karen Fathallah said. “It feels like life is finally getting back on track.”Schools said the first day focused not only on academics but also on helping students readjust to campus life.Erin Nelson, a deputy headteacher in Dubai, said teachers were prioritizing student well-being by allowing time for reflection and a gradual return to normal schedules.The reopening was accompanied by enhanced safety measures, including designated safe zones, emergency drills and increased supervision across campuses.Some schools in Dubai temporarily paused outdoor activities and canteen services while students were introduced to updated procedures.“We are fully aligned with official guidance and have strengthened internal procedures to ensure student safety,” a school operations manager said.Authorities also allowed flexibility for students unable to return immediately, enabling them to continue lessons online.The reopening followed government approval as part of broader efforts to restore daily life while maintaining precautionary measures.Officials highlighted the resilience of the education sector, noting that learning continued throughout the disruption.Attendance levels on the first day exceeded expectations, with many schools reporting more than 80 percent of students back on campus, reflecting growing confidence in the safety arrangements.For many parents and students, the reopening represented more than a return to classrooms.“It’s not just the classrooms reopening, it’s a sense of normal life coming back,” one parent said.