UAE COVID-19: All schools, universities and buses “Back to Normal” in January 2022

All schools and universities in the UAE will resume classes in person at full capacity, with precautionary measures in place, starting from the academic term beginning in January 2022, according to an official announcement.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) issued the updated protocols for the reopening of educational institutions on its social media channels on Tuesday 16 November 2021.

Education Sector: Today, we announce the updated protocol for operation of educational facilities during the pandemic, and this update will be implemented in the second semester. #Together_We_Recover pic.twitter.com/eZELyfTmHD

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 16, 2021

School buses will also run at 100%, with an emphasis on wearing face masks throughout the journey and good ventilation on buses.

Vaccines will be mandatory in order to enter university housing, and those who have a medical exemption must present evidence of negative PCR tests weekly.

Parents will be allowed to attend events related to educational facilities, while adhering to precautionary measures – including wearing a face mask and showing green status on the Al Hosn app and producing evidence of a negative PCR text within the past 96 hours.

The decision was made after studying the epidemiological situation in the health sector and the extent of its impact on the education sector, the authority stated.

NCEMA added that all educational institutions will be monitored across the country to ensure the implementation of precautionary and preventative measures by the specialised authorities, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

NCEMA thanked students, academic staff and all segments of society for their commitment to the approved measures and procedures so far, enabling the country’s recovery and gradual return to a new, normal life.

The authority reiterated the importance of obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine, including a third booster shot, for all educational and administrative staff and students, especially in the light of mutations around the world, in order to enhance community immunity and ensure a safe and healthy environment in educational institutions.

Both the Pfizer vaccine and the Sinopharm vaccine are now approved for use on children from the age of three years and upwards in the UAE.