DUBAI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Yellow school buses rolled out across the United Arab Emirates on Monday morning as students returned to their campuses for the first time in weeks, following a prolonged period of distance learning due to regional tensions.
More than one million students resumed in-person classes, marking a significant step toward normalcy after studying remotely since early March.
For many parents, the reopening was both emotional and reassuring. "I'm overjoyed to have them back," said Karen Fathallah, a Dubai mother. "It feels like life is finally getting back on track."
Teachers, meanwhile, focused on students' well-being during the first day back. Erin Nelson, a deputy headteacher in Dubai, explained that educators were prioritizing adjustment, giving students space to reflect and gradually return to their routines.
The reopening came with heightened safety measures, including designated safe zones, emergency drills, and increased supervision across campuses. Some schools in Dubai temporarily suspended outdoor activities and canteen services to familiarize students with new protocols.
"We are fully aligned with official guidance and have strengthened internal procedures to ensure student safety," said a school operations manager.
Authorities have granted flexibility to students unable to return immediately, allowing them to continue their studies online.
The reopening followed government approval and was part of a broader effort to restore normal life while maintaining vigilance. UAE officials emphasized the resilience of the education system, which continued despite the challenges.
Attendance on the first day exceeded expectations, with many schools reporting over 80 percent of students returning to campus, reflecting growing confidence in safety measures.
For many, the day symbolized more than just the return to school; it was about regaining a rhythm disrupted by uncertainty. As one parent said, "It's not just the classrooms reopening - it's a sense of normal life coming back." ■
