Abu Dhabi schools to implement distance learning for two weeks

All private and public schools, colleges, universities, and training institutes in Abu Dhabi will switch to remote learning for the first two weeks of the new school term which will begin in January.

The announcement was made by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge on Tuesday as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of Covid-19 and maintain low infection rates in the emirate.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved remote learning for first two weeks of new school term, to ensure a safe return to schooling as a precautionary measure. pic.twitter.com/SwfqGakcuk

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) December 28, 2021

During these two weeks of remote learning, ongoing testing campaigns will be intensified for educational personnel. The committee added that they will continue to monitor the developments with regard to the pandemic and accordingly update protocols for the return to in-school learning.

The committee further urged parents, academic and administrative staff in all schools to receive a booster dose, to protect themselves and also help guarantee a safe return to schools.

In the neigbouring emirate of Dubai, the local private education regulator – the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) – said that it would not be enforcing remote learning at the start of the new term and that face-to-face learning would resume in all private schools in Dubai on January 3.

.@KHDA: Regular face-to-face education in Dubai private schools will continue in the 2nd semester while collective classroom & extracurricular activities will be discontinued. Canteens will close for the first 2 weeks of the semester & gatherings & school trips will be suspended. pic.twitter.com/u6vGNZezJy

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 28, 2021

However, as per updated protocols for students in Dubai, collective classroom and extracurricular activities will be discontinued, while canteens will be closed for the first two weeks of the semester. Also, gatherings and school trips will be suspended.