The UAE Ministry of Education has confirmed that schools will reopen for in-person learning on Monday, 11 May 2026. The decision applies to all public and private schools and nurseries across the UAE. The reopening follows the precautionary distance-learning period that ran from 5 to 8 May.
The Ministry has confirmed that examinations and international assessments scheduled during this period will continue to be held in person, in line with the approved academic calendar. Schools are expected to communicate any school-specific arrangements directly to parents in the hours ahead.
Why schools were closed
On Monday 4 May 2026, the Ministry of Education announced that all schools and nurseries across the UAE would shift to distance learning from Tuesday 5 May to Friday 8 May. The Ministry described the move as a precautionary measure to protect students, teaching and administrative staff while ensuring continuity of learning.
What the reopening means for families
From Monday 11 May, UAE schools resume their normal in-person operations under regulators' published safety frameworks. Parents can expect:
- Standard school-day schedules to resume from Monday morning.
- School transport to operate, although parents are encouraged to confirm timings with their provider as some operators may issue updated arrangements.
- Co-curricular activities, outdoor PE, and assemblies to continue under each school's existing safety framework.
- Examinations and international assessments to proceed in person, on the dates published by each school.
What parents should do today
- Check your child's school for any updated communications. Individual schools may issue circulars confirming Monday's start time, transport arrangements, or any local adjustments.
- Confirm school transport. A quick message to your bus operator or school transport provider can confirm timings and avoid surprises on Monday morning.
- Prepare uniforms and bags this evening. A short period of distance learning can leave the morning routine rusty. Setting things out tonight makes Monday's start smoother.
- Check assessments scheduled early next week. If your child has an in-person examination on or shortly after Monday, a brief check-in tonight on what's expected can help reset focus.
How this fits into the school year
The 11 May reopening returns schools to in-person learning ahead of the Eid Al Adha break, which the Ministry of Education has confirmed will run from Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May, with classes resuming on Monday 1 June. This gives schools roughly two weeks of in-person teaching before the Eid break: an important window for end-of-year assessments at September-start schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are UAE schools reopening?
UAE schools will reopen for in-person learning on Monday, 11 May 2026, as confirmed by the Ministry of Education. The reopening covers all public and private schools and nurseries across the UAE.
Why were UAE schools on distance learning between 5 and 8 May 2026?
The Ministry of Education announced a precautionary shift to distance learning from Tuesday 5 May to Friday 8 May to protect students, teaching and administrative staff while ensuring continuity of learning.
Will examinations and assessments still take place?
Yes. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that examinations and international assessments will continue to be held in person, on the schedules published by each school.
What should parents check before Monday?
Parents are encouraged to confirm any school-specific arrangements directly with their child's school, including transport timings, start times, and any updates on assessments. Schools are expected to communicate final details in the hours before reopening.
How does this affect the Eid Al Adha 2026 school break?
The 11 May reopening returns schools to in-person learning ahead of the Eid Al Adha break (25 to 29 May 2026), giving roughly two weeks of in-person classes before the break.
