United Arab Emirates,  September 01, 2020: It’s good to be back! Thousands of students have begun returning to school across Abu Dhabi for the start of the new academic year 2020/2021. 

All private schools in the Emirate have reopened with one of the five models outlined in the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) Schools Reopening Policies and have implemented precautionary measures detailed in guidelines to ensure a safe return to class.

Safety measures include: no more than 15 students in the same cluster; maintaining 1.5 meter social distancing between students throughout the day; all teachers and school staff undergoing COVID-19 testing prior to schools opening. ADEK inspectors visited all schools to ensure their adherence to the guidelines and will continue regular visits to review individual school commitment throughout the academic year

“We wish all of our students who are returning both to the classroom, and those opting to continue with distance learning for term one a successful start to the academic year,” His Excellency Amer Al Hammadi, ADEK’s Undersecretary, said. 

“We extend our gratitude to parents, schools, and stakeholders for their ongoing support to ensure a safe return to school and the continuity of education. Private schools throughout the Emirate have shown great dedication to welcome students back and have implemented robust back-to-school health and safety guidelines issued by ADEK. The guidelines were refined in collaboration with the health authorities and followed comprehensive studies of global best practice for a safe return to physical schooling.”