Some UAE flights could be delayed amid heavy rains
Private schools plan delayed start, extra breaks for students
Some flights out of the UAE could be delayed as unstable weather conditions intensify across the country, airline representatives have said. Abu Dhabibased Etihad Airways said heavy rains on April 15-16 could potentially delay some flights.
The airline will work closely with guests affected by any disruption “to assist them with changes to their itineraries and to reach their final destination”, a spokesperson said in a statement to Khaleej Times.
Passengers have been advised to regularly check the airline’s website and “allow plenty of time to travel to the airport”.
The rains may impact flight schedules out of the Dubai International airport, Flydubai said.
In a statement to Khaleej Times, the airline advised passengers to aim to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their flight departs.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms have lashed parts of all seven Emirates since late Monday afternoon. The unstable weather is expected to intensify overnight and unfold over the country in two waves today.
According to an advisory issued by the National Centre of Meteorology, heavy rains are expected to cause flooding, while strong winds will reduce horizontal visibility.
Emirates airline said all its flights are as per schedule as on Monday evening. In a statement posted on X, the airline’s customer support team cautioned travellers that they could face delays on the road. “Plan for extra travel time to reach the airport, and complete check-in formalities before arrival for added convenience.”
Flydubai said it is working to minimise any disruption to passengers’ travel schedules. “We will continue to monitor the weather conditions closely,” a spokesperson for the airline said.
Private schools in Dubai will commence a little later during online classes on Tuesday, with few institutions permitting students to take additional breaks after each of their classes on that day.
Headteachers clarified that this flexibility is being granted because students may need some time to log in to their online classes.
This comes after inclement weather predictions prompted institutions to switch to remote learning on April 16 with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) tweeting that following the announcement by Dubai's Crown Prince, all of the emirate's private schools, nurseries and universities will offer distance learning on Tuesday.
However, public schools across the UAE will be conducting mandatory remote learning on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Meanwhile, headteachers organised meetings with their staff late on Monday evening to prepare for seamless distance learning.
Institutions have been issuing circulars to parents stating that student attendance is important and emphasising the importance of punctual login times.
Principal, Amity School Dubai, Sangita Chima, said: “All the staff members met this (Monday) evening. Students from pre-kg to Grade 11 will be doing distance learning on Tuesday. Teachers have been instructed on how to take attendance. Clear guidelines have been set for the day's activities. We will start at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday) instead of the usual 7.30 am and will end a little early which is at 1.30pm.”
Chima explained after every learning activity students will get a 15-minute break.
“This 15-minute break after each period will allow children to go and eat something or go to the washroom if needed. We have some new joiners too. So, on Monday evening we made sure with our IT support teams that MS Team IDS are generated for the new students or their parents (for younger pupils),” she added.
Jon Bramley, vice-president, communications, GEMS Education, said: “In the light of the anticipated adverse weather conditions forecast across much of the UAE tomorrow (Tuesday) and in line with advice from the relevant authorities, all GEMS Education schools will switch to remote learning for the day”.
He explained schools regulated by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) will continue with remote learning on Wednesday, “in accordance with that regulator's guidance”.
Educators reiterated that student safety is imperative as unstable weather conditions will prevail throughout the day.
Bramley added: “As ever, our priority is the safety of our entire school community, and moving to remote learning is the most responsible course of action given these exceptional circumstances”.
Principal and director, DPS Dubai, Rashmi Nandkeolyar, said: “Student safety is of paramount importance to us. Students should join their class MS teams according to the class timetable.”
Principals highlighted as a result of the challenges posed by Covid-19 and prior weather alerts, educational institutions have become proficient in facilitating online classes.
Deepika Thaper Singh, CEO, principal, Credence High School, said: “We are well prepared for conducting remote classes tomorrow (Tuesday) due to the inclement weather conditions. Our parents have been already informed about online learning in their respective class groups. Our teachers are ready as always to support and impart teaching to our students in any adversity”.
Public schools across the UAE will be conducting mandatory remote learning on Tuesday and Wednesday.