Major private school groups seek reopening campuses next week 

Dubai, Mar 25, 2026: Several major school groups in the UAE, including GEMS Education and Taaleem, have applied for permission to resume face-to-face learning from next week. 

Taaleem, which has a portfolio of 37 schools across the UAE, became one of the first private school groups to formally begin the process of submitting applications to reopen its campuses, with the intention of welcoming students back to face-to-face learning from March 30, 2026. 

GEMS Education, which operates dozens of schools across the country, has also formally applied to reopen some of its schools for certain year groups from March 30.  

The move follows the announcement by UAE authorities that private schools, nurseries, and universities may submit requests to return to in-person learning based on operational and educational needs, with requests reviewed in coordination with authorities. 

The Ministry of Education of the UAE had said this when it announced that distance learning will continue for two weeks at the start of the third academic term after spring break from March 23. 

Taaleem has begun the application process, pending approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Ministry of Education. The group said it is a coordinated, sector-wide approach, with major school groups across the UAE working in close alignment. 

“We have applied for reopening some of our schools next week for certain year groups. Our approach is driven by our desire to support exam preparation for our senior students in a safe environment,” said Nauman Ali Khan, Chief Risk and Assurance Officer at GEMS Education. 

“In line with current regulatory guidance, students will have the option to continue distance learning without academic penalties if they are uncomfortable with in-person attendance,” added Khan.