Batool Ghaith (ABU DHABI)
UAE schools and universities are seamlessly moving classes online, demonstrating the education system’s resilience and digital preparedness amid the evolving regional situation.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have announced that studies would shift to distance learning from Monday, March 2, until Wednesday, March 4, for students as well as teaching and administrative staff in all public and private schools and universities nationwide.
The MoE also refuted rumours about the cancellation of mid-term and final exams for the current academic year, emphasising that such claims are inaccurate.
The ministry stressed the importance of following official channels, through which decisions related to students and schools are announced.
Academic institutions across the country are fully prepared to activate established digital platforms, virtual classrooms and communication systems, ensuring uninterrupted learning for students.
The ability to implement this rapid transition reflects years of investment in digital infrastructure, e-learning systems and crisis-response planning, experts said.
Prof Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said the university’s digital infrastructure and readiness for flexible learning are firmly embedded within its institutional strategy.
“In line with the UAE’s precautionary measures to support online learning, we activated our established digital learning framework, ensuring a seamless transition to distance learning with no interruption to academic delivery,” Aouad told Aletihad.
He noted that faculty members and students are fully accustomed to hybrid and online delivery models, which enabled continuity without disruption, and reassured students, parents, and partners that the academic calendar, learning outcomes, and overall student experience remain fully on track.
“We continue to operate smoothly and in full alignment with national requirements,” Aouad added.
Amine Hamdan, educational consultant and trainer, emphasised that it is not the first time the UAE has demonstrated its ability to rise up to challenges, particularly within the education sector.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic and difficult weather conditions, the UAE successfully ensured continuity of learning through remote and blended models, while providing support and guidance to both students and teachers,” Hamdan told Aletihad.
He noted that the country’s readiness is a result of planned integration of technology and digital infrastructure as core components of policy and quality assurance.
“The difference in the UAE is that technology in education was built into how schools are run, assessed, and held accountable long before any crisis made it necessary,” Hamdan said.
He also pointed to the UAE’s consistent efforts in training educators: “Infrastructure is only one side of the coin. There has been real investment in training educators, not one-off workshops, but ongoing development that builds confidence over time.”
On the other hand, students have been gradually trained to engage with different learning technologies, digital platforms, and online resources in their day-to-day classes, he added.
“Students are now well equipped to adapt and attend classes smoothly regardless of whether learning takes place in the classroom, remotely, or through blended models. When needed, the transition is not a surprise or shock, it is just a shift,” Hamdan said.
According to Hamdan, these measures enabled the UAE’s education system to continue performing effectively under challenging circumstances while maintaining quality, equity, and confidence in learning.