From daily routines to tough conversations: what UAE parents need to know.
Dubai: Schools across the United Arab Emirates have shifted to distance learning from May 5 to 8, 2026, following missile alerts that placed residents on high alert on Monday, May 4, amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. Schools have been instructed to activate remote learning plans and ensure continuity in both teaching and administrative operations during this period.
For many UAE families, remote learning is now familiar, but balancing it alongside a full workday presents a different challenge. For working parents trying to keep their children’s education on track from home, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority offers practical guidance to help manage both responsibilities.
Plan and structure the day in advance
One of the core recommendations is simple — get ahead of the day before children wake up. Completing key household tasks early in the morning helps create a calmer, more organised start.
Prepare learning materials, devices and documents the night before, once children are asleep. Plan meals for the week over the weekend to avoid last-minute decisions on busy days.
Discuss the weekly schedule with your children so they feel informed and involved, and let them know in advance about important work calls that require quiet time.
The authority also encourages parents to include children in the family’s weekly planning. When they understand expectations and timing, they are more likely to cooperate rather than resist.
Make routine an anchor
The authority recommends creating a daily schedule that closely mirrors a typical school day, with set times for lessons, reading, play and creative activities.
Arts and crafts, family games and shared activities can help maintain a sense of normality, even when routines outside the home are disrupted.
Scheduling regular video calls with friends and extended family is another useful approach, giving children something to look forward to while helping them stay socially connected during extended periods at home.
What if my child falls behind?
It’s a concern many parents share, but the authority’s message is clear: don’t let perfectionism add to the pressure.
Setting short, realistic learning goals can help create a calmer home environment, rather than trying to keep up with an overwhelming curriculum. If long online sessions become frustrating, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks throughout the day is a practical and effective approach.
