Dubai, Sharjah private schools extend distance learning as students, teachers face post-flood challenges

Sharjah's emergency, crisis and disaster management team decided to extend the distance learning system for private schools in the emirate for Monday, April 22.

This is to ensure the readiness of schools and surrounding areas to receive students and teaching staff after the severe weather conditions that affected UAE on April 16. The decision prioritises public safety, particularly after the emirate declared a state of emergency to effectively manage the situation.

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Earlier, all Dubai private schools, universities and nurseries have been urged to continue distance learning for students facing logistical challenges in the aftermath of the recent severe weather conditions across the UAE.

On Sunday, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) advised institutions to take cautionary measures as facilities prepare to open doors for students again.

The local emergency, crisis and disaster management team in Sharjah said the step is to ensure the readiness of schools and surrounding areas to receive students and teaching staff after the unpredented weather conditions.

With record-breaking rainfall from late Monday until Tuesday night past week, many neighbourhoods in Dubai remain severely affected. Several roads are waterlogged with houses yet flooded. Bus transport and metro services continue to be affected.

Schools and other educational institutions switched to remote learning on April 16 with the KHDA tweeting that following the announcement by Dubai’s Crown Prince that all of the emirate’s private schools, nurseries and universities will offer distance learning.

Following the announcement, no on-site classes were held in most parts of the country through Thursday and Friday.

Life across the UAE came to a grinding halt due to the heaviest rain the country has experienced in 75 years.

• Dubai rains: School staff work overnight to ready campuses for students