Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority has informed private schools that outdoor activities, including PE classes and break times, can resume after weeks of suspension due to regional tensions.
UAE schools are returning to a fuller sense of normal. Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority has given private schools the go-ahead to resume outdoor activities, including physical education classes and outdoor break times, following weeks of suspension triggered by the regional conflict.
Schools across the UAE reopened for in-person learning on April 20, after more than 40 days of distance education linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. But even after campuses reopened, playgrounds, sports fields, and all outdoor spaces remained closed as a precautionary measure.
KHDA Confirms Resumption of Outdoor Classes
The update from KHDA marks the next step in restoring full on-campus life for students. Schools received official communication directing them to resume outdoor PE lessons and other curriculum-related activities in designated outdoor spaces, as well as outdoor break times in line with existing timetables.
Dr Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Principal of Al Khaleej International School, confirmed the update, saying preparations were underway for students to safely return to outdoor activities. A GEMS representative also confirmed that schedules had been updated in line with the announcement.
Naveed Iqbal, GEMS Metropole Principal and CEO, said the school had a strong first week back and was well prepared for the transition. As a GEMS Centre of Excellence for Sport, he said students returning to outdoor facilities and sporting programs was a significant milestone.
Schools were also reminded to ensure students come equipped with hats and sunscreen, given the current temperatures.
What Parents Need to Know
The phased approach to reopening reflects the caution with which UAE education authorities have managed the return to campus life. Schools reopened on April 20 with enhanced safety measures already in place, including designated shelter zones, updated emergency procedures, and comprehensive staff training in line with KHDA guidance.
Outdoor activities add the final, visible layer of normalcy back into the school day. For students who have spent over a month learning from home, the return to playgrounds and PE lessons represents a full circle back to routine.
The ministry has indicated the situation will continue to be monitored closely, with further updates provided as needed.
