Back to school in UAE: High turnout expected, although return of some students delayed due to soaring airfares, festivals

Back to school in UAE: High turnout expected, although return of some students delayed due to soaring airfares, festivals

Staggered entries throughout the week ensure that there is time for introductions, tours, orientation sessions

Published: Sun 27 Aug 2023, 4:05 PM Last updated: Sun 27 Aug 2023, 4:20 PM

Schools are hopeful for a positive turnout on the first day of the new academic term as they prepare to welcome over 1.1 million students back to their campuses on Monday, following a two-month summer vacation.

However, schools are also organising staggered entries throughout the week to ensure that there is time for introductions, school tours, and orientation sessions, supporting new students in adapting to their environment, peers, and academic expectations.

Indian schools are looking forward to commencing their new term, however, they acknowledge that a few schools might experience lower attendance in the initial days.

This is because many individuals may wish to observe the festivities of Onam and Rakshabandhan, both falling on August 29 and 30 respectively, before returning to the UAE.

Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Superintendent and CEO, Al Khaleej International School, and Vice President - Education, GEMS Education said, “We are optimistic about a strong turnout in the first week of the academic year, and we expect a full attendance of over 2700 students. To ensure a smooth start and promote a conducive learning