Pupils in the United Arab Emirates will continue their remote learning for another week. Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and recent increases in cases worldwide from the Omicron variant, the distance education extension is being implemented to keep students and staff safe.

As a precaution, many students started the new school year with two weeks of distance learning, which has now been extended by another week. According to the latest update from the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), UAE students will learn virtually from Monday, January 17 to Friday, January 21.

Education Sector: The pandemic is being closely monitored, to facilitate the safe return of students, teachers and administrative staff at educational facilities and protect their health and safety.
 #Together_We_Recover pic.twitter.com/qS601ODK2h

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2022

Furthermore, all exams and tests that require in-person attendance have been postponed until after Friday, January 28, and will be “based on the country’s pandemic situation.” The protocol is intended for use in schools and colleges. “Local authorities and teams in each emirate have the flexibility of implementation,” according to the mandate, which applies on a national level.

NCEMA UAE announced the schooling update on Wednesday, January 12 and stated: “The pandemic is being closely monitored, to facilitate the safe return of students, teachers and administrative staff at educational facilities and protect their health and safety.”