In a sweeping move affecting thousands of students and educators, the UAE’s education authorities announced that all public and private schools and universities will transition to distance learning from Monday, 2 March 2026, through Wednesday, 4 March 2026. The decision, issued jointly by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, comes amid ongoing developments in the region.
Under the directive, students as well as teaching and administrative staff across the country will shift to remote instruction for the three-day period. Officials confirmed that the situation will be “continuously assessed” throughout the week, with the possibility of extending distance learning if circumstances require.
Further details were shared through the official announcement.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that studies will shift to distance learning from Monday, 2 March 2026, until Wednesday, 4 March 2026, for students and teaching and administrative staff across all public and private… pic.twitter.com/Xmk704Ghl2
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) February 28, 2026
Authorities emphasised that updates will be communicated promptly should there be any changes to the schedule.
CBSE board exams postponed across Middle East
In a related development, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the postponement of Class X and Class XII board examinations in several Middle Eastern countries.
In a circular dated March 1, 2026, CBSE informed principals of affiliated schools in Bahrain, <a href="https://jordangazette.com/update-uaes-gcaa-announces-temporary-partial-closure-of-airspace-following-us-israel-strikes-on-iran/”>Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE that examinations scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026, have been postponed. The Board cited “the current situation affecting parts of the Middle East” as the reason for the decision.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that studies will shift to distance learning from Monday, 2 March 2026, until Wednesday, 4 March 2026, for students and teaching and administrative staff across all public and private… pic.twitter.com/Xmk704Ghl2
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) February 28, 2026
CBSE stated that revised dates for the postponed examinations will be announced later. The Board also confirmed it will review conditions again on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, before deciding on examinations scheduled from 5 March onward.
Students were advised to remain in close contact with their schools and carefully monitor official CBSE announcements.
The circular was signed by Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, controller of examinations, CBSE. Copies were also sent to Indian ambassadors in the affected countries, as well as to the Consul General of India in Dubai and the director of CBSE’s regional office and centre of excellence in Dubai.