Some students said they missed the simple routine of moving between classes and seeing familiar faces each day.
“Abba, tomorrow will be the last day of online classes, right?” a nine-year-old asked his father — a simple question that reflected what many students across the United Arab Emirates have been quietly feeling over the past few weeks.
After nearly a month of remote learning, students said what they missed most wasn’t lessons or homework, but everything around it — the noise of classrooms, the laughter in corridors, and the small everyday moments that make school life special.
“I miss my friends. I couldn’t see them for so long, so we mostly just chat on social media,” said Zayaan Arfaz, a student at Cambridge International School, Dubai. “Online classes are different. I can wake up a few minutes before class and still join and even eat in between, but it doesn’t feel the same. I think real school is better.”
“More fun in school”
For younger students, even “work” feels more enjoyable inside a classroom.
“I miss doing my work at school. I don’t like doing it at home, but in school it’s more fun,” said Zidan Gayaz, a 7-year-old student at Safa British School Dubai. “At home, you just feel bored and tired. I just want to go back to school.”
For some children, school is also about being outdoors and spending time with friends.
“I miss being on campus a lot, especially playing with my friends,” said Aya Ahmed, a 13-year-old Egyptian student and resident of Al Nahda, Sharjah. “Our school has really good football and volleyball courts, and the campus is very green, so we used to spend a lot of time outside. At home, it’s just classes on a screen; it doesn’t feel the same.”
“I just want to play football again during break, before the summer kicks in,” she added.
Miss my friends
For some students, the lack of in-person interaction has also affected their confidence in class.
“I miss seeing my friends, talking to them in class and during break, seeing them on the bus, walking through the corridors, and just being in the school environment,” said Aalia Fouad, a Year 9 student at The Winchester School Dubai. “Being in a classroom feels more comfortable. I find it easier to answer questions at school, whereas online it feels like all eyes are on you.”
Others said they missed the simple routine of moving between classes and seeing familiar faces every day, while also reflecting on how online learning, though convenient, cannot replace real-life interaction.
Teenagers echoed the same sentiment, describing the experience as more intense than a holiday and saying they are looking forward to reuniting with friends, sharing stories, and returning to normal school life routines.
