Back to school: Dubai campuses come alive as students return after winter break

UAE's iconic yellow school buses returned to the streets on Monday morning (January 5), marking the end of a four-week-long winter break and the start of a new academic term for thousands of students across the emirate.

The early hours brought heavier-than-usual traffic near school zones, with marshals at signals to keep vehicles moving. Police patrol cars were visible outside several campuses as authorities increased their presence to ensure a safe return for students.

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Khaleej Times was at Gems Founders School, Al Barsha, where the first day back unfolded with laughter, yawns and quiet determination. On campus, older students swapped holiday stories about family trips, festive meals and New Year celebrations, while a few toddlers clung to their parents, taking hesitant steps back into routine.

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New faces, new goals

For some students, the new term marks a fresh chapter. Linomi Ariyasena, a Sri Lankan expat and Year-12 student who joined the school two months ago, admitted mornings are still a struggle but motivation runs high.

“I was surprised by how excited I felt to come back. Waking up early wasn’t easy, but once I arrived, my mood improved. I am looking forward to learning new things and making memories with my friends and teachers. My New Year's resolution is to get straight A's and be a good friend and a kind person to everyone. I really love this school and the atmosphere here.”

Teachers, too, returned with renewed energy. Mahmoud Naim, a new addition to the Gems Founders team and an Islamic Studies teacher who has lived in Dubai for a decade, said joining the school feels like the start of a meaningful journey.

“I am truly happy to be part of this team and to work with the children here. I will be teaching the Holy Quran and the biography of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). My goal is to help students connect their learning with personal growth and skills development. This feels like a new chapter, and I’m really looking forward to it."

Excited to meet my friends

Among the most enthusiastic students was Zayan Jabbar, a Year-8 student with profound autism. His challenges did little to dull his joy as he spoke animatedly about returning to school, friends and his favourite subject.

"I am excited to come back to school, meet friends, and see my teachers. It was difficult waking up in the morning after a long break,” said Zayan, who is also looking forward to learning more in his favourite subject, Maths.

His journey at the school, staff say, has been one of consistency, care and community support. Principal Matthew Burfield highlighted the wider ecosystem that has grown around Zayan.

“He has been with the school for eight years now, and during that time, the family has built an incredible support network around him. His mother set up Small Steps Big Dreams after struggling to find the right support elsewhere, including in England. What they have created here in Dubai now helps some of the most vulnerable children with high needs.

Zayan has profound and multiple learning difficulties and is supported by two Learning Support Assistants, but one thing always stays the same, he is always happy here."

Sense of belonging

That sense of reunion was echoed by Molly Jenkins, Head of Physical Education, who said the break reinforced how much the school community means to staff.

“It’s just lovely to see everyone again — the students’ faces and the staff as well. You really do miss them because they become your community.
It’s nice to say Happy New Year, catch up and get back into that rhythm together. The weather is beautiful too, which means we’re straight outside for PE.”

For many students, the highlight of the day was seeing friends after weeks apart, sharing stories and easing back into familiar routines.

Reflecting on the return, Principal Matthew Burfield summed up the mood on campus as a blend of relief, excitement and renewed purpose.

“It feels fantastic. I always love coming back to school after a term break. We had a slightly extended term break this time around, but it's always lovely to see the kids and families come back, to feel that buzz back in the school. As you can imagine, during the holidays, I still come into work, so I'm still here, the SLT and admin, we're in the school throughout the holiday, so the school doesn't close ever, and it does mean that the school feels a bit odd, and then getting everybody back in and getting that buzz and that noise and that lovely feeling of everybody being here. I always love returning from turn break."

• Dubai

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.