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Dubai schools to roll out safety drills as students return to classrooms from April 20
Schools are applying maximum flexibility around arrival and dismissal arrangements
- PUBLISHED: Fri 17 Apr 2026, 6:29 PM UPDATED: Sat 18 Apr 2026, 12:47 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.]
Dubai students returning to schools from April 20 should be prepared to take part in age-appropriate safety awareness drills and sessions organised by their schools in the first week.
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Many students across the UAE will resume in-person classes from April 20, marking a cautious but significant shift back to campuses after over one-and-and-a-half months of distance learning, due to the tensions in the region, linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The move to onsite classes comes as authorities stress a phased, tightly managed reopening, with safety, wellbeing, and operational readiness at the forefront.
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For many families, the return brings a mix of relief and uncertainty, as schools navigate new protocols and temporary measures such as suspended transport services.
Preparedness remains central to the strategy — not only in terms of facilities, but also in supporting students as they readjust to classroom routines.
Safety drills and wellbeing take centre stage
Schools have been directed to prioritise safety awareness and emotional wellbeing as part of the transition back to campus life.
Highlighting this, Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, said in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times that students should be prepared for structured activities designed to build awareness and confidence.
“In the first week, schools will also deliver age-appropriate safety awareness drills and sessions, and there is a strong focus on student and staff wellbeing. KHDA will continue to issue guidance as the situation evolves, communicated directly to institutions through official channels," he said.
The education regulator emphasized, "All schools, early childhood centres, and higher education institutions must meet a full set of mandatory requirements before receiving approval to reopen — including safe zone designation, emergency plan approval, facility sign-off, and training for all staff to ensure they are familiar with procedures.
"No institution may resume on-site learning without KHDA approval. Some institutions will also be inspected before reopening, and monitoring will continue after schools are back on-site through ongoing field inspections.”
The education regulator also underlined that the resumption of on-site learning is a UAE-wide decision, taken in close coordination with government entities and relevant authorities, “following careful, continuous monitoring of the situation.”
