Preparations for the new academic year 2020-2021

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of His Highness Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of presidential Affairs, and His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, have been briefed on latest preparations and work mechanisms, for the start of the new academic year 2020-2021.

In the framework of a set of protocols that will be applied by various educational institutions, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, His Highness held a meeting with the ministers of education, His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, and Her Excellency Jameela Bint Salem Musabbah Al Muhairi, Minister of State of The Public Education Affairs.

His Highness has reviewed the plans and measures in place to ensure healthy educational environment for the students and the educational staff.

** Preparations for the new academic year 2020-2021:

Public education sector:

• Providing parents the freedom to choose between their children’s attendance at school or distance education for the first semester.
• Student attendance will be gradual, and the attendance rate will be limited in the beginning to 25%, then 50%, then 75%, and rises to 100%.

Private education sector:

• Developing a number of operational models, where each school has the freedom to choose any of the adopted models.
• Implementing testing programs for all students and staff, while developing special guidelines for nurseries.
• Procedures for reopening private schools focus on the role of the school principal in implementing health measures in public safety.

Higher Education:

• Blended educational approach between on-campus and distance education.
• On-campus education will be restricted to a limited number of staff and students. Protocols for entering an educational institution:

• COVID-19 test
• Temperature check
• Physical distancing.
• Sterilization and disinfection.
• nutrition.
• Providing Transport services
• Training and awareness.
• Monitoring and inspection plan.
• Activating the Ministry of Education Operations Room 24 hours.