UAE announces full return to in-person education across schools and universities from Monday
Campuses prepared with updated safety and readiness measures
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the full resumption of in-person education across all levels, with students and staff set to return to campuses from Monday, April 20, 2026.
The move applies to nurseries, kindergartens, and both public and private schools, marking a nationwide shift back to physical classrooms. Authorities confirmed that academic and administrative staff will also return alongside students as part of the coordinated reopening.
The Ministry of Education announces the resumption of in-person learning for all enrolled children, students, educational staff, and administrative staff in public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools effective Monday, 20 April 2026. pic.twitter.com/hTibaj1GE4
— وزارة التربية والتعليم (@MOEUAEofficial) April 15, 2026
The decision was issued by the Ministry of Education, which stated that all necessary preparations have been completed to facilitate a smooth and safe return. The directive ensures that children across all age groups will resume face-to-face learning in educational institutions across the country.
School return
According to the Ministry of Education, the reopening includes every segment of the school system, from early childhood education centres to secondary schools. Both public and private institutions fall under the mandate, ensuring a unified return to traditional classroom settings.
The ministry emphasised that extensive readiness measures have been implemented ahead of the reopening. These include the preparation of school facilities, reinforcement of operational protocols, and alignment of administrative processes to support the transition. Educational staff have also undergone necessary preparations to ensure continuity in teaching and learning standards upon return.
University reopening
In a parallel announcement, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research confirmed that all public and private higher education institutions will also resume in-person learning from the same date. Universities across the UAE are set to reopen their campuses to students, faculty and administrative personnel.
The ministry noted that the decision follows the completion of comprehensive readiness measures across university campuses. These preparations include the full operational readiness of buildings and facilities, implementation of updated safety and security protocols, and enhanced preparedness of both academic and administrative teams.
Authorities indicated that the coordinated reopening across schools and universities reflects a broader effort to restore normal academic operations nationwide while maintaining institutional readiness.