Distance learning across UAE schools, nurseries and universities will continue nationwide for two weeks following the end of the spring break, authorities announced on Tuesday.

The decision forms part of measures introduced by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council to ensure the continuity of the education system while safeguarding students and the wider academic community.

Under the directive, the Ministry of Education confirmed that distance learning will continue at the start of the third academic term for two weeks after classes resume on March 23.

The measure applies to students as well as teaching and administrative staff across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools across the country.

Authorities said the situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis, with any updates communicated through official school channels.

“The situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and any updates will be communicated through the official channels approved by schools, in order to ensure the safety of students and educational staff,” officials said.

Private education institutions — including schools, nurseries and higher education providers — will also be allowed to submit requests to resume in-person learning if required.

Such requests will be reviewed in coordination with the relevant authorities, taking into account operational circumstances and educational requirements.

Universities also remain online

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said distance learning will also continue at all higher education institutions nationwide for two weeks following the spring break.

Universities will have flexibility in determining the most appropriate arrangements for their academic and administrative staff to ensure the continuity of learning outcomes and the quality of education.

Officials said the situation will also be reviewed weekly at the higher education level.

Flexible work for parents

Separately, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced flexible remote work arrangements for federal government employees who are caregivers for children.

The policy applies to fathers or mothers working in federal ministries and entities whose roles meet the requirements for remote work.

The measure will apply during the period in which distance learning is implemented for students from kindergarten through Grade 8, as well as for children enrolled in nurseries.

Authorities said the measures form part of broader efforts to support families and ensure education continues smoothly during the current period.

The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council said further updates will be communicated through official channels, adding that the measures reflect ongoing coordination across government entities to maintain a safe and flexible learning environment while sustaining the quality of education nationwide.

Air navigation across the UAE has returned to normal morning following the stabilisation of the regional situation and the lifting of temporary precautionary restrictions, according to the country’s aviation regulator.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that operations across the UAE’s airspace are now functioning as usual after authorities conducted a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions.

“The Authority confirmed that the decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions, and in coordination with relevant authorities, emphasising that continuous real-time monitoring remains in place to ensure the highest levels of safety of air navigation,” read a statement on Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Temporary measures affecting flight operations had been introduced earlier amid regional tensions, resulting in schedule disruptions and the diversion or cancellation of some services at UAE airports.

The GCAA thanked passengers and airlines for their cooperation during the period of disruption.

“The GCAA expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of passengers and airlines during the past period, reaffirming the full readiness of its technical and operational teams to respond to any potential developments,” WAM reported.

Authorities also urged the public to rely on official sources for updates related to aviation operations and travel.

The UAE is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi serving as key transit points linking Europe, Asia and Africa.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the final deadlines for issuing Umrah visas and for pilgrims entering and staying in the kingdom during the current Umrah season.

The ministry said the last day for issuing Umrah visas will be the first of Shawwal, while Umrah pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia no later than Shawwal 15. Pilgrims will be required to leave the kingdom by the first day of Dhul Qada, marking the official end of their permitted stay.

Read more-Saudi’s new rule: All types of visas allow holders to perform Umrah

The announcement came during the ministry’s 17th periodic meeting with Saudi Umrah companies, which was held virtually, a Saudi Gazette report said.

During the meeting, the ministry stressed the importance of strictly adhering to regulations governing the upcoming Hajj season. Officials reiterated that Hajj rituals can only be performed with a valid Hajj visa, and not with an Umrah visa.

The reminder comes as authorities prepare to manage the large influx of pilgrims expected for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. According to the ministry, maintaining clear visa categories helps ensure smooth organisation and safety for millions of visitors.

Minister praises companies’ Ramadan efforts

Addressing the meeting, minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Al Rabiah praised the efforts of Umrah companies and their cooperation during Ramadan.

He acknowledged their work in serving pilgrims, resolving issues faced by stranded Umrah travellers, and facilitating their return to their home destinations.

“The cooperation shown during Ramadan played an important role in ensuring pilgrims received the support and services they needed,” the minister said.

Call for continued coordination

Al Rabiah also urged companies to continue complying with all regulations governing the Umrah season. These include ensuring staggered arrival schedules for pilgrims at airports and regularly updating departure information through the Nusk Masar platform.

He also encouraged companies to participate in the third edition of the Umrah and Visit Forum 2026, which aims to strengthen partnerships and highlight opportunities to improve services for pilgrims.

Officials said the meeting included a review of key indicators from the Umrah season and preparations for the upcoming forum.

The ministry noted that such periodic meetings with Umrah companies are designed to strengthen communication with sector partners and monitor service improvements. These efforts are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing the experience for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

Residents across the UAE can expect several days of unstable weather this week, with chances of light rainfall, stronger winds and fluctuating temperatures forecast across different parts of the country.

According to the NCM, unstable conditions are expected from Monday, March 17, through Friday, March 21, affecting coastal, western, and northern regions at different times.

Skies are expected to alternate between clear, partly cloudy, and cloudy, with occasional chances of light rainfall and dust due to stronger winds, a WAM report said.

Monday will start humid in some coastal areas, turning fair to partly cloudy as temperatures rise slightly, the NCM said. Winds will be southeasterly to northeasterly, light to moderate at 10–20 km/hr and reaching 30 km/hr at times. The sea will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Sea of Oman.

Tuesday will bring partly cloudy skies, increasing at night especially over coasts, islands, and northern areas. There is a chance of light rainfall, with temperatures dropping noticeably in western regions. Winds from northeasterly to northwesterly directions will be moderate to fresh and occasionally strong, blowing dust and sand at 15–30 km/hr, with gusts reaching 45 km/hr.

The Arabian Gulf is expected to be rough, while the Sea of Oman remains moderate to slight.

Wednesday will remain partly cloudy to cloudy, with light rainfall possible over western and coastal areas as well as islands. Temperatures will decrease further. Northwesterly winds will be light to moderate but may gust up to 40 km/hr, stirring dust. The sea will be rough to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Sea of Oman.

Eid Al Fitr forecast: Thursday and Friday

As Eid Al Fitr celebrations begin on March 19, Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy with light rain possible in western and coastal areas and nearby islands. Winds will be southeasterly to northeasterly at 10–25 km/hr, gusting up to 35 km/hr. The sea will be moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Sea of Oman.

Friday continues the unsettled trend with partly cloudy skies, scattered rainfall chances, and winds at 15–25 km/hr, gusting up to 40 km/hr. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf may become rough at times.

NCM urges residents to plan Eid activities with the changing weather in mind.

Taiwan’s Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics maker, reported on Monday a 2 per cent fall in fourth-quarter profit versus the same period a year earlier, lagging estimates despite strong global demand for AI products.

Net profit for October-December for Nvidia’s biggest server maker and Apple’s top iPhone assembler was T$45.21bn ($1.42bn), versus an LSEG consensus estimate of T$63.86bn. Foxconn did not provide a reason for the profit fall in its earnings release.

Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry, in January reported record fourth-quarter revenue on strong demand for AI products.

Most of the iPhones Foxconn makes for Apple are assembled in China, but it now produces the bulk of those sold in the United States in India. The company is also building factories in Mexico and Texas to make AI servers for Nvidia.

Foxconn has also been looking to expand its footprint in electric vehicles, which the company sees as a major future growth generator, though that has not always gone smoothly.

In August, Foxconn said it had struck a deal to sell a former car factory at Lordstown, Ohio, for $375m, including its machinery, that it purchased in 2022 to manufacture EVs.

Foxconn will hold its earnings call later on Monday in Taipei, where it is also expected to update its outlook for the year.

Foxconn’s shares have dropped 6 per cent so far this year, underperforming the broader Taiwan index’s 15 per cent gain.

Its shares closed up 0.9 per cent on Monday ahead of the earnings release.