Starting Monday, a gradual, phased return will allow select groups of students to resume in-person sessions in labs, clinics, and workshops, where practical learning cannot be conducted online.
After weeks of disruption, university campuses across the UAE are gradually coming back to life. Starting Monday, a careful, phased return will allow select groups of students to attend in-person sessions in labs, clinics, and workshops, where practical learning cannot be replicated online.
The decision follows guidance from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoESHR), which instructed institutions to resume face-to-face teaching only for programmes that involve hands-on training.
This applies to courses that require clinical practice, laboratory work, fieldwork, and in-person examinations.
For many students, particularly those in medicine, engineering, and applied sciences, the gradual return marks a crucial step in keeping their academic progress on track.
A circular to universities has outlined 14 priority disciplines for the phased return, covering fields such as health sciences, IT, architecture, and psychology. Even as campuses reopen, university leaders stress that safety remains the top priority.
‘Learning outcomes require presence’
At the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, preparations focus on ensuring that only essential in-person learning resumes. Prof. Bassam Alameddine explained that these programmes depend heavily on practical engagement.
“In line with the Ministry of Education’s directive, the phased return applies primarily to courses requiring physical presence. This includes laboratory-based courses, equipment-intensive modules, and senior design or capstone projects,” he said, noting that such elements—especially in engineering and applied sciences—cannot be fully replicated online.
To support the transition, the university has set up an emergency response team and strengthened safety protocols. “The return to campus will be carefully controlled and phased, limited only to students in courses with critical in-person requirements. Strict safety measures, capacity controls, and operational readiness will be maintained throughout,” Alameddine added.
For most students, learning will continue online, creating a hybrid model that balances safety with academic continuity.
Safety nets and flexibility
Across institutions, contingency planning has been central to decision-making, with universities prepared to adjust if conditions change. Alameddine stressed that adaptability remains built into the system: “The university is fully prepared to adjust operations if needed. Practical sessions will be rescheduled to ensure students can complete their hands-on learning at an appropriate time,” he said.
At Gulf Medical University, the focus is similarly on programmes requiring real-world interaction. Prof. Manda Venkatramana said priority has been given to Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Physiotherapy—fields where students must engage directly with patients or clinical simulations.
“These areas involve direct patient interaction, lab work, and simulation-based training that cannot be fully delivered virtually,” he explained. To manage the return, the university has introduced staggered schedules, hybrid teaching models, and strict safety measures. Simulation centres are being used in a controlled manner while digital platforms continue to support remote learners.
Venkatramana added that student wellbeing is a priority during the transition. “We have established a dedicated student support hotline to provide quick assistance for academic or administrative concerns. Students can contact us via phone or WhatsApp at +971561775555, allowing us to remain connected and responsive at all times.”
