Coronavirus UAE: All Schools and Universities to Close for 4 Weeks

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the temporary closure of all schools, colleges, and universities for four weeks.

Posted on

3 March 2020

| Last updated on 15 March 2020

All UAE Schools and Colleges Will Be Closed From March 8

The decision was made as a precautionary measure against the Coronavirus.

Public and private school, university, and college students across the UAE will have an early start to their spring vacation this year, as the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced the official temporary closure of all schools from Sunday, March 8.

Classes will resume after four weeks, as part of the Ministry's "preventive and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students and is in line with efforts and measures taken at the national level, aimed at reducing the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19)."

According to the official statement, the break applies to both private and public schools and higher education institutions across the country.

In the meantime, all schools and colleges will undergo a sterilisation programme during the month-long break. This will include thorough disinfection of school facilities, buses, and premises, as per the global health requirements and precautions set in place to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.

All schools & universities in the UAE will be closed for 4 weeks starting Sunday March 8. Facilities will be deep cleaned during this time. pic.twitter.com/Y6kkD74sZe

— وزارة التربية (@MOEducationUAE) March 3, 2020

"Under this decision, the spring break for school students, which was scheduled to start on March 29 until April 12, will begin next Sunday," the statement continued.

Distance learning

The Ministry will also launch a distance learning initiative within the last two weeks of the vacation, to ensure no disruption of students' education while at home.

Parents are asked to provide an appropriate learning environment for students at home to encourage distance education, with internet access and an electronic device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

To help in continuing their education, parents and students can use the smart learning portal for self-learning.

Following the news, there is uncertainty among UAE parents on whether they will receive a refund of school fees due to the four-week-long closure. The UAE Ministry of Education has yet to release an official statement on this.

If any students, parents, or school staff are facing difficulties, the Ministry has advised the use of their technical support team at 06 7017 000 or email them at [email protected].