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In response to the ongoing heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, education authorities across the UAE have announced that remote learning for government and private schools will be extended for another two days.
The Emirates School Education Foundation has extended remote learning for all government schools in the UAE on Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19.
قررت مؤسسة الإمارات للتعليم المدرسي تمديد نظام التعليم عن بُعد لكافة المدارس الحكومية بالدولة يومي الخميس والجمعة 18 و19 من أبريل 2024 وذلك لضمان جاهزية كافة المدارس الحكومية والمناطق المحيطة بها من ناحية السلامة والأمان لاستقبال الطلبة والهيئة التدريسية. pic.twitter.com/FVTsNd8zrY
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 17, 2024
The announcement said the directive comes as authorities aim to ensure the “readiness of all government schools and their surrounding areas in terms of safety and security to receive students and teaching staff.”
Extension of remote earning for schools
Following this, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has announced the extension of distance learning for all private schools, nurseries, and universities in the emirate.
The KHDA directive mandates that distance learning will continue on April 18 and 19, with no on-site classes being held for the remainder of the week.
This decision aligns with the Emirates School Education Foundation’s directive for government schools across the country to also continue distance learning during this period.
The extension of distance learning aims to ensure the safety and security of students and teaching staff by allowing time for the assessment and preparation of school facilities before resuming regular in-person classes.
Keeping in mind the safety of students and staff, all Dubai private schools, nurseries, and universities must continue to offer distance learning on April 18 & 19. Stay safe everyone.
— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) April 17, 2024
It is part of the broader efforts to mitigate the impact of the ongoing unstable weather conditions on educational institutions and their surrounding areas.
Similarly, in Sharjah, private schools have extended distance learning until the end of the week, with students continuing to study remotely on April 18.
Previous directives
Earlier, all government schools in Dubai were directed to transition to distance learning for April 16 and 17 due to the severe weather conditions.
Nationwide impact
The decision to extend distance learning comes amidst the heaviest rainfall the country has experienced in 75 years, disrupting normal life across the UAE.