E-Paper
Sign In
UAE keeps classes online after Iran attacks; students abroad can continue learning
Many school and university students will once again log into virtual classrooms — some from thousands of kilometres away
- PUBLISHED: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 5:00 AM UPDATED: Thu 19 Mar 2026, 8:04 AM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
As precautionary measures reshape daily routines across the UAE, many school and university students will once again log into virtual classrooms — some from thousands of kilometres away.
Recommended For You
Authorities have announced that online classes will continue nationwide for two weeks after the spring break ends to ensure student safety and maintain continuity in education.
Classes first moved online on March 2 after Iran launched attacks on Gulf states, including the UAE, prompting authorities to bring forward the spring break for students and education staff from March 9 to March 22.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels.
For families who travelled abroad during the break, the extension of distance learning means they can remain in their home countries while children continue attending lessons online. Schools and varsities highlight that their digital platforms are ready to support learning from anywhere, even as they quietly adjust assessment schedules to ease pressure on students and parents.
Systems in place to keep lessons structured, say schools
Elizabeth Lamb, Regional Managing Director – Middle East at Nord Anglia Education, said the group’s schools across the UAE had prepared early for the transition.
“The safety, wellbeing, and continuity of learning for our students remain our clear priorities. Across our four schools in the UAE, we are well prepared to move seamlessly into distance learning following the Ministry of Education’s guidance. Our teachers and students are experienced in online learning, and we’ve already put clear plans in place to ensure lessons remain engaging, structured, and consistent from the first day of the new term.”
She added that students would be able to follow their usual timetable online, even if they are temporarily outside the country.
“Students will be able to access their full timetable remotely, wherever they are in the world, supported by their teachers as well as high-quality resources and regular feedback. We will continue to track attendance, participation, and progress closely, while taking a thoughtful and flexible approach that recognises different time zones and family circumstances.”
At the same time, schools acknowledge that remote learning can bring practical challenges for families balancing work, connectivity issues and children studying at home.
“We understand that this period may present practical challenges for families, particularly for working parents. Our schools will offer a balanced schedule, age-appropriate expectations, and ongoing support from teachers and pastoral teams, so students can stay motivated and connected while families manage their wider responsibilities,” Lamb added.
Familiar platforms and flexible assessments
At the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, leaders say the transition has been relatively smooth because digital learning tools were already widely used before the shift.
Brian Cleary, Head of Secondary at the school, said established platforms have helped maintain continuity.
“Distance learning will continue through our established online platforms, ManageBac and Microsoft Teams. As these are already embedded within the school, both students and staff are confident and well-versed in their use.”
He said the routines that students followed before the break would continue to help them stay organised.
“The transition to distance learning prior to the spring break was smooth, and we will maintain the same structures, expectations, and routines. This consistency will support continuity in learning and allow students and teachers to remain focused and organised.”
With many students logging in from different locations, lessons are also being recorded to allow flexibility.
“We fully recognise that each family’s circumstances are different. To support this, learning will be delivered through live lessons, with these recorded and shared with both students and parents. This enables students to access learning flexibly, allowing families to manage schedules around work commitments or time zone differences,” Cleary said.
Assessment approaches are also being adapted so that students can continue demonstrating progress without additional stress.
“As an IB school, we utilise a range of assessment approaches. Project-based assessments will continue as planned, while more traditional summative assessments will be adapted into formative tasks,” he added.
Exams approaching in colleges
Universities have also made similar adjustments.
At BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, online classes were introduced early as the regional situation evolved.
Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director of the campus, said the shift allowed the academic schedule to continue without disruption.
“We transitioned to online classes early as the regional situation began to unfold. Since teaching was already in progress, the shift was made quickly to ensure there was no disruption to the academic schedule.”
He added that flexibility has been offered to students who may currently be outside the UAE.
“We’ve also been mindful of students who may be travelling or temporarily outside the UAE, offering flexibility where needed. With exams approaching in April, maintaining continuity has been important, and overall, the transition has been smooth and well-managed.”
Other universities in the country also emphasize that their priority is to ensure flexibility, well-being, and uninterrupted academic progression for all students, regardless of location.
Prof Lynne B Jack, Deputy Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University Dubai said, “We expect to resume online learning from 23rd March and have adapted our student assessment strategies accordingly. All other university services, including administration and student services, have also been transferred online and are operating remotely, as appropriate.”
He added, “In line with our globally diverse community, we are cognisant that some students and staff may opt to access teaching and work remotely from overseas or alternative locations, depending on individual circumstances. At the same time, a significant proportion of our community remains in the UAE and continues to engage actively in local online learning and operations. To support the safety and well-being of our community, we have instituted a temporary relocation provision for our colleagues who intend to travel internationally. The university is supportive of remote working arrangements, and we will make reasonable adjustments as needed.”
