The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will throw open schools, colleges, and universities from January next year to welcome students back after nearly two years of distance learning or online classes, necessitated because of the Covid pandemic.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said Tuesday that schools and educational institutions across the country will resume all classes at full capacity on campus from January 2022.
NCEMA said that in addition to ending distance learning, school buses would operate at 100 percent and parents will be allowed to attend events at educational establishments if they can present a Green Pass on the Al Hosn app and a negative PCR test result with a validity that does not exceed 96 hours.
Meanwhile, vaccination against the coronavirus is mandatory for all those wanting to enter university accommodation, however, people with medical exemptions will need to present a negative PCR test result on a weekly basis.
Eligible teachers, administrative staff and students have also been advised by authorities to receive COVID-19 booster shots.
“We reiterate the education sector urges teachers students and administrative staff to receive the vaccine booster shot especially amidst the spread of variants around the world to increase collective immunity and ensure a safe environment in educational establishments,” NCEMA wrote.
On Oct. 3, private schools in Dubai ended distance learning after the emirate’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced the gradual return to full in-person learning on Aug. 23.