UAE schools may continue with a form of blended learning in the next academic year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister for Education, said.
He said he firmly hoped to see all pupils back in class in September 2021 – but that it was too early to be sure.
At present, most government-run schools are closed, while private school operators are running a mix of online learning and in-class teaching.
The expectation is we will be back to normal. But you are aware with this pandemic nothing is for sure
But the model for next year is expected to be the closest to normality since February 2020, when the pandemic disrupted global education.
"Next year, hopefully, we are back to normal, but it's still too early to call," he told The National.
"The expectation is we will be back to normal. But you are aware, with this pandemic, nothing is for sure.
"For now, we have some schools selecting physical attendance. And parents can choose [whether to send their children], since we are still in pandemic."
A major vaccine drive means 52 per cent of the population is protected against coronavirus. Much of the remainder is forecast to be inoculated by the autumn.
Mr Al Hammadi said despite the disruption during the pandemic, teachers, parents and the country's leaders had ensured pupils continued their education.
A Ministry of Education representative said that the decision would be based on the pandemic situation later this year.
"The nature of school attendance in the next academic year depends on the health conditions," it said.
"We cannot determine or predict now how it is going to be. The matter is subject to following the health developments one step at a time.
"The decision will surely be in the interest of our students and teaching staff."
Earlier, on Abu Dhabi's Al Emarat TV, he said many schools were investing in e-learning, digital whiteboards and video conferencing when the pandemic hit.
But there was still a major push required in March and April last year when the scale of coronavirus became clear.
"So the groundwork was there but was implanted in schools," he said.
"When Covid happened, the leadership [made decisions] for the safety of the students and teachers and for a safer environment and for the continuation of education."
At present, all schools in the Northern Emirates are closed after surges in several areas.
In Dubai, private school head teachers have the authority to operate a mix of distance learningand in-class lessons.
Many schools continue to run a blend of e-learning and have pupils in some days. Isolated outbreaks in recent months led several to close and reopen, in consultation with the authorities.
In Abu Dhabi, some schools operate a mix of in-person learning and home studies, and some are back full-time.
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score):
Manchester City (0) v Tottenham Hotspur (1), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
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Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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