The Ministry of Education has issued a clarification on why schools are reopening, despite the suspension of school buses.
In its post the ministry said that educational institutions are safe for resumption on in-person classes and have completed their full readiness for the resumption of in-person learning, including facility preparedness, staff readiness, and implementation of safety procedures. School bus operations, however, require additional operational arrangements carried out in coordination with relevant entities, including transport authorities and municipalities, to ensure service readiness in accordance with the highest safety standards.
The authority further added that this measure will be reviewed weekly in coordination with the relevant authorities, and any updates regarding the resumption of school bus services will be announced through the ministry's official approved channels as soon as they are confirmed.
The ministry also stated that families that rely on school transportation will be provided with a flexible option, after the school reviews the case in coordination with parents. The highest possible degree of flexibility will be provided to help ensure continuity of learning while minimising disruption to students and families.
Furthermore, no school transport fees apply in public schools. For private schools, the arrangements related to school transport fees will be regulated by the relevant local education authorities in accordance with approved regulations.
This measure applies to all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the UAE.