[Editor’s Note: Follow the Khaleej Times live blog for the latest regional developments with the US-Israel-Iran ceasefire now in effect.]
The UAE’s Ministry of Education (MoE) confirms students will head back to campuses from May 11, while exams continue as scheduled amid heightened regional security precautions.
Schools across the UAE will resume in-person learning from Monday after MoE confirmed on Sunday that students would return to campuses following a temporary period of remote learning.
The decision follows an earlier update on its social media platform, which stated that “the approved learning model for the upcoming period, whether in-person or remote, will be announced on the evening of 10 May 2026, following an assessment of the current situation in coordination with the relevant authorities, in a manner that ensures the safety of the educational community and the continuity of the educational process.”
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Dubai’s KHDA has also announced that all educational institutions in the emirate will resume on-site learning from Monday, May 11, 2026, in line with comprehensive safety protocols and measures to continue ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Universities in the UAE also follow suit, as the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research also announces the resumption of in-person learning for all students and academic and administrative staff in public and private higher education institutions across the UAE, effective Monday, May 11, 2026.
Exams to continue in-person despite learning shift
The Ministry has confirmed that examinations and international assessments will proceed in-person according to approved schedules.
It also reiterated that schools and educational institutions are fully prepared to shift between in-person and remote learning models when required.
The post added that, “The ministry affirms that examinations and international assessments will proceed in-person in accordance with the approved plans. The Ministry also affirms the readiness of educational institutions to transition between different learning models when needed. Any further updates or developments will be announced through the official communication channels.”
Today, air defences in the UAE engaged two drones on Sunday, May 10, 2026, according to the Ministry of Defence.
No injuries or deaths have been reported on this day.
What has been confirmed so far
• Remote learning was implemented from Tuesday, May 5, to Friday, May 8, 2026.
• The measure is applied nationwide across nurseries and public and private schools, as well as to students, teachers, and administrative staff.
• Officials said the move was taken to safeguard the wellbeing of the education community.
• The situation was scheduled for reassessment on Friday, May 8, with the possibility of extension depending on developments.
• Dubai’s regulator KHDA confirmed all private schools in the emirate moved to distance learning during the same period following directives from authorities.
• NCEMA included remote learning activation for schools and universities as part of broader public safety measures.
Flexible learning systems remain in focus
Students across the UAE had returned to in-person learning on Monday, April 20, after nearly seven weeks of distance education.
Remote learning was first introduced as a precaution amid regional security concerns linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. During that time, schools and universities operated under heightened readiness, with staggered returns to campuses to ensure a smooth transition.
Education authorities also increased safety preparedness through inspections, training programmes, and operational reviews.
Officials have consistently stressed that schools must remain ready to switch between learning modes depending on evolving conditions—a policy that is once again being implemented.
For education regulators and schools, the priority remains ensuring flexible systems that allow learning to continue without disruption, regardless of external circumstances.
Source: Khaleej Times

