UAE schools to resume outdoor activities after KHDA update

Schools are preparing to gradually resume outdoor activities after a period of disruption caused by the recent Iran–Israel–US conflict, which had forced campuses to shift to distance learning and suspend all physical, outdoor engagement.

Although schools reopened last week, outdoor spaces including playgrounds and sports fields had remained closed as a precaution.

Physical education classes and all other outdoor activities were also put on hold during this transition period.

Now, a new communication from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) signals a shift back to normalcy. Schools have been informed that outdoor activities will soon resume, marking an important step in restoring routine school life.

Dr Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Principal of Al Khaleej International School, confirmed the update, stating: “Yes, we received the communication from KHDA yesterday,” adding that preparations are underway for students to safely return to outdoor activities.

A GEMS representative also confirmed, "Starting today we’ll have the schedules updated aligned with the announcement."

The phased reopening reflects a cautious but steady move toward fully reinstating on-campus experiences for students.