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UAE weather Dubai rain alert: KHDA confirms all Dubai schools closed Tuesday, switch to remote learning for all private and public schools

by Tabitha BardaApril 15, 2024

Due to upcoming unstable UAE weather conditions, the government has instructed all Dubai private schools to close and switch to remote learning on Tuesday, April 16.

#HamdanbinMohammed: Due to upcoming weather conditions, we have instructed all #Dubai Government entities and private schools to work remotely on Tuesday, April 16.#UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/RWbjGEnUfI

— UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) April 15, 2024

This has been confirmed in a post by the KHDA, which regulates all Dubai private schools, nurseries and higher education institutions.

Following the announcement by His Highness @HamdanMohammed, all Dubai private schools, nurseries, and universities will offer distance learning on Tuesday, April 16. Stay safe everyone. https://t.co/QCLD3oCHGp

— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) April 15, 2024

Earlier today the Emirates Schools Education Establishment announced that all public schools in the UAE would be closed on both Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 April.

نظرًا للظروف الجوية الحالية، قررت مؤسسة الإمارات للتعليم المدرسي اعتماد نظام التعليم عن بُعد لكافة المدارس الحكومية بالدولة يومي الثلاثاء والأربعاء، الموافقين لـ 16 و17 من أبريل 2024، وذلك حفاظاً على سلامة الطلبة والهيئة التدريسية. pic.twitter.com/IrndiVUvGk

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 15, 2024

Ras Al Khaimah was the first emirate in the UAE to make the decision to close government owned schools.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an orange hazardous weather warning following predictions of “at-intervals-fluctuations” in weather patterns across the UAE between now and Wednesday 17 April 2024. Rainfall is expected across coastal and southern regions.

Storms including thunder, lightning, rain and possible hail are expected to sweep across the UAE from late tonight, with warnings of possible flooding. The Dubai Police has issued a warning to motorists to stay safe, as well as for people to avoid beaches and areas prone to water accumulation. See more on the predicted unstable weather conditions here.

Given the current weather conditions across the country, characterized by rains, strong winds, thunder, lightning, and sometimes hail, reducing visibility, road users are advised to abide by the following guidelines. Let’s strive together for a safer and more secure community. pic.twitter.com/YSPKyaTEpC

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) April 15, 2024

Back to school… back out of school

The announcement that schools will switch to remote learning has come on the first day back at school after a three-week Spring Break.

Parents who have returned to work after the holiday now have childcare concerns, while exam students will no longer have access to the in-person learning they were expecting as they finish up course content and revise for their upcoming examinations.

However, safety is always the first priority for schools says Zafar Raja, Group Chief Operating Officer, GEMS Education:

“The safety of our whole school community is always our number one priority and the measure by which we make decisions regarding onsite or remote learning, alongside guidance by our regulators and the Ministry of Education.

“On occasions when the weather is forecast to be potentially disruptive, or indeed dangerous for our students, teachers, and support staff to travel into school, we will consider switching to remote learning.

“Our school leaders ensure timely communication to parents and staff enabling families to make any required adjustments should rain interrupt the normal school day.”

UAE schools are accustomed to flexible working practices and agility following the switch to remote learning first implemented during the pandemic, and have processes in place to ensure a smooth transition.

Schools have been quick to react to the latest UAE weather warning and subsequent government decision, with many contacting parents or making social media announcements about the latest developments.