Sheikh Mohammed pens powerful message as UAE students return to classrooms
Campuses reopen after weeks of remote education across Emirates
DUBAI – Schools across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reopened their gates on Monday, welcoming students back to classrooms after weeks of remote learning triggered by regional tensions.
The return marks a significant step towards normalcy following disruption linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has since moved into a ceasefire phase. Campuses that had remained quiet for more than a month were once again filled with movement, as families resumed daily routines and students reunited with teachers and peers.
From early morning, school entrances recorded a steady flow of arrivals, with yellow buses returning to their routes and traffic levels rising across key areas. Students arrived carrying school bags, many visibly cheerful as they greeted friends and staff, restoring a sense of rhythm to campus life.
Shiekh Mohammed’s message
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marked the reopening with a message highlighting the country’s resilience and commitment to education. He stated that the UAE had demonstrated its ability to maintain uninterrupted learning despite challenging circumstances, emphasising that education remains a national priority.
يستأنف أبناؤنا وبناتنا الطلبة اليوم الدراسة الحضورية في كافة جامعاتنا ومدارسنا.. بعد أن أثبتت منظومتنا التعليمية قدرتها الاستثنائية على استمراريتها الكاملة في ظل الظروف التي مرّت بها المنطقة.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 20, 2026
رسالتي إلى الطلبة والطالبات : نحن دولة لا تقف عند التحديات.. نحن دولة لا تقف عن التعلم…
He noted that the country “does not stop in the face of challenges” and continues to learn and teach without pause, underlining the role of students in shaping the nation’s future. The message came as more than a million students across schools, universities and nurseries resumed in-person education.
Phased return
The reopening follows inspections and approvals by regulatory authorities, including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. Schools have adopted phased approaches in some cases, introducing staggered schedules to manage student movement and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
School leaders indicated that approximately 85 percent of students in Dubai have returned to campus, with attendance levels in some institutions exceeding initial expectations. Surveys conducted prior to reopening suggested strong parental preference for face-to-face learning, although a portion of families have opted to continue with remote education due to travel or personal considerations.
Hybrid and rotational learning models remain in place where necessary, allowing institutions to maintain continuity while adapting to evolving conditions. These measures ensure that students who are unable to attend physically continue their studies without disruption.
Safety measures
Extensive safety frameworks underpin the return to classrooms, with schools implementing standardised procedures across campuses. These include shelter-in-place protocols, evacuation plans and reverse evacuation systems, all supported by staff training and regular drills.
Designated safe zones and assembly points have been established, alongside systems for real-time student accountability through register checks and controlled movement. Schools have also maintained clear communication channels with parents, ensuring timely updates during any emergency situations.
Specific guidelines have been issued for families during alerts, advising those in transit to seek covered areas and restricting student collection during active incidents. School authorities emphasised that students remain supervised and accounted for at all times under such circumstances.
Campus life
The reopening has brought renewed energy to classrooms, with a strong focus on student wellbeing as part of the transition back to in-person learning. Educators have prioritised emotional support, structured activities and gradual reintegration, particularly for younger pupils returning to nurseries and early years settings.
In several schools, outdoor activities have been temporarily suspended and canteen services adjusted as part of precautionary measures. At the same time, classroom environments have been prepared in advance to ensure readiness and compliance with health and safety standards.
While most students have resumed on-campus education, a segment continues to attend classes online, reflecting the flexible approach adopted across the education sector. School systems remain equipped to switch between in-person and remote learning if required, maintaining continuity in all scenarios.