Dubai: UAE classrooms are buzzing again as more than a million children returned to school on Sunday morning for the new academic year after the summer break.
It was also a big day for parents as they dropped off their children to school again after months, braving the morning rush hour, before heading to work.
For many, it was a completely new experience as their children went to school for the first time in their life.
“It’s an emotional thing. It had a little tear in my eye. My son Aaron was happy. He has a wonderful teacher and school who are very welcoming. He was in class, talking and making things right away,” said Irish expat Madeline Cartwright Johansen.
Aaron, 4, was excited to join kindergarten for the first time, at Bradenton Preparatory Academy in Dubai Sports City.
Similar scenes were witnessed in hundreds of schools nationwide. Children, dressed smartly in neat uniforms, caught up with friends and teachers, as they prepared to meet new ones. Parents too are familiarising themselves with new teachers and classrooms that will be like a second home to the children, who have moved into a higher grade.
The school run has been largely smooth today, with no reports of major disruptions. Police and traffic authorities have dispatched extra patrols and officials to address any issues.
Some parents have yet to complete school-joining formalities for their children as a number of families are still away or are waiting for salaries.
This week also marks the second term for Indian and Pakistani schools that began their school year before the summer holiday.
