As the April 3 distance learning deadline approaches, several of the UAE's largest private school groups are preparing to welcome students back to campus — and they are leaving nothing to chance. Schools seeking regulatory approval to reopen have detailed extensive safety measures, from emergency lockdown frameworks and aerial threat protocols to transport contingencies and real-time coordination with national authorities.

The preparations reflect a collaborative approach between the education sector and government regulators, with student safety serving as the overriding priority at every stage of the process.

KHDA Ensures a Rigorous Review Process

Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority has confirmed that any school seeking to return to in-person learning must submit a formal request with clear justification. As reported by Gulf News, each application is being reviewed by the Ministry of Education on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that only schools with robust safety preparations are approved to reopen. This careful, structured approach underscores the government's commitment to putting student welfare first.

All schools that have applied to reopen have confirmed they will continue to offer hybrid learning, supporting families who prefer to keep their children learning from home during the transition period.

Multi-Layered Risk Assessments Across School Groups

Several major education operators have shared details of the safety protocols they have put in place ahead of a potential return to classrooms.

Leams Education, which operates four schools across five campuses in Dubai, has applied to reopen specifically for examination cohorts, with British curriculum board exams due to begin in April. According to Gulf News, CEO Nabil Hasan Lahir confirmed that a comprehensive, multi-layered risk assessment has been completed covering facility readiness, staff availability, and aerial threat response procedures. Staff availability currently stands at 100 per cent across the group's campuses.

Leams has also developed a detailed Emergency Response Framework that includes protocols for aerial threats, lockdown and evacuation procedures, controlled campus access, transport contingencies, and structured plans for transitioning back to distance learning if required by the authorities. Regular drills are being conducted so that staff and students are fully prepared for any scenario.

GEMS Education, one of the UAE's largest school operators, has similarly conducted multi-factor risk assessments for campuses it is proposing to reopen. As reported by Gulf News, GEMS Chief Risk and Assurance Officer Nauman Ali Khan said the group has reviewed and strengthened its emergency response protocols in light of the current situation and is only proposing to open schools that have been deemed safe through its internal assessment. The group has applied to reopen selected schools for certain year groups to support exam preparation for senior students.

Taaleem has confirmed that all of its schools maintain comprehensive emergency preparedness procedures that are regularly reviewed and rehearsed. CEO Alan Williamson told Gulf News that the group's protocols cover a range of scenarios, including the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, communicate effectively with families, and transition seamlessly back to distance learning if needed. He emphasised that the safety and well-being of students and staff remains the top priority in all planning.

Schools Not Yet Reopening Are Also Preparing

Even schools that have not applied for early reopening are using this time to ensure they are ready for a smooth and safe return to campus when the time comes.

Woodlem Education, which runs eight schools and two nurseries, told Gulf News that while it has not applied to reopen early, the group is fully prepared to transition back to on-site learning upon receipt of regulatory guidance. CEO Asmal Ahmed confirmed that a comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out, covering campus readiness, trained personnel, secure transport, and real-time parent communication. The group is also fully prepared to respond to external threats with immediate indoor relocation, lockdown procedures, and clear communication systems.

A Coordinated, Safety-First Approach

The detailed preparations from across the education sector highlight the strength of the coordination between schools and UAE authorities. With KHDA reviewing every reopening request individually and schools investing heavily in emergency readiness, families can be reassured that the return to classrooms — whenever it comes — will be managed with the highest regard for student and staff safety.

The Ministry of Education continues to review the situation weekly, and all updates will be communicated through official channels.

Source:

Gulf News — "UAE schools reveal safety plans for proposed reopening: lockdown drills, safe zones" by Sajila Saseendran (March 26, 2026). Read the full article