UAE schools to resume face-to-face learning from April 20, with hybrid options for private institutions | World News

Classrooms across the UAE are set to reopen, with authorities confirming that all students and staff will return to face-to-face learning from April 20, while private schools retain the option of adopting a hybrid model if required. The Ministry of Education has announced that from Monday, April 20, 2026, all registered children, students, staff and administrative staff in public and private nurseries, kindergartens and schools will resume face-to-face learning. The decision comes after the school completes necessary preparedness measures, including facility preparations, staff training and updated safety and security procedures, designed to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and their families. The Ministry of Education said that if necessary, private schools will flexibly implement the hybrid rotation model in accordance with approved regulations and under the supervision of local education departments. The approach is designed to reflect individual institutions’ readiness and support smooth implementation. It added that schools opting for a hybrid model must carefully plan staff deployment to maintain continuity of learning. Faculty should not be required to teach simultaneously and remotely to protect the quality of education and manage workload effectively. The authorities also stated that all educational institutions will stand ready to shift to alternative learning models when necessary to ensure continuity and flexibility of education. Announcing the news, the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority said that private schools in the emirate will resume in-person learning based on their preparedness and in full compliance with the health and safety measures set by the relevant authorities.