Dubai: Private schools urged to put staff safety first, avoid outdoor activities

Dubai’s educational regulatory body has issued urgent safety directives to private institutions as the United Arab Emirates prepares for significant weather disruptions. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has mandated that all private schools and early childhood centers implement immediate protective measures amid forecasts predicting sustained rainfall, cloud cover, and potential thunderstorms throughout the weekend.

In an official communication disseminated via social media platform X, KHDA emphasized alignment with national guidance, specifically instructing schools to ‘prioritize the safety of their staff’ through flexible working arrangements and alternative operational protocols. The advisory particularly addresses institutions conducting holiday programming, explicitly prohibiting outdoor activities and off-campus events until weather conditions normalize.

This precautionary stance reflects broader governmental efforts to mitigate weather-related risks across the emirate. Transportation authorities have concurrently alerted residents to exercise heightened caution during travel due to anticipated reductions in road safety and visibility. The integrated response demonstrates Dubai’s proactive approach to emergency preparedness, with multiple sectors coordinating to minimize disruption while maintaining operational continuity where possible.

The weather instability arrives during a period of academic transition, presenting unique challenges for educational institutions balancing instructional requirements with safety imperatives. KHDA’s directive underscores the administration’s commitment to preventive risk management while acknowledging the operational complexities facing school administrators during atypical weather patterns characteristic of the region’s winter season.