UAE universities adopt mixed-mode return as campuses reopen on Monday

Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah has announced that faculty and staff will return to campus from April 20, while classes and assignment submissions for students will continue online throughout the spring term, in a hybrid approach aligned with current sector flexibility.

Middlesex University Dubai said it will continue delivering teaching online, with full access to remote support services to ensure uninterrupted study. 

The university added that a return to in-person teaching will be announced once all necessary arrangements are finalised, noting that the safety and wellbeing of students and staff remain its top priority.

Meanwhile, the University of Dubai confirmed that in-person learning and on-campus operations will resume from April 20, with all students and staff returning and regular academic activities continuing as scheduled. 

Varied approaches

Several other universities across the UAE have also adopted varied approaches, balancing a return to campus with hybrid or remote learning options depending on operational readiness and institutional requirements.

Among them, Jaipur National University RAK and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai outlined their plans to Gulf News.

Aishwarya Bakshi, Campus Director, Jaipur National University RAK, said the campus is fully prepared to resume in-person learning from Monday, with all safety measures and emergency protocols in place, in close coordination with local authorities. 

She said the university is committed to a full return to campus, given the value it places on direct academic engagement and hands-on learning. “Should circumstances require it, the university is equipped to shift seamlessly to online delivery, backed by robust digital systems and contingency plans to ensure continuity of teaching, assessments, and student support," said Bakshi.

Dr S. Sudhindra, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Dubai, said from Monday, the university will resume on-campus classes in hybrid mode to support students in transitioning back, with full in-person learning commencing from April 27. 

He said the institution is monitoring the geopolitical situation closely and will follow government guidelines on any future changes to learning modes. “Should a switch online become necessary, robust procedures already in place will ensure the transition is swift and minimally disruptive, with student safety and learning quality remaining the guiding principles.”

Staff, students who are abroad

Bakshi said all staff had already returned to campus, and students were expected back by Monday, with flexibility available where needed and academic progress and student wellbeing remaining the priority throughout.

Dr Sudhindra added that staff are returning to uphold academic outcomes for the ongoing semester, and students are being asked to come back to campus, particularly given the significant laboratory and field-based components in the curriculum. Students facing difficulties in returning will be supported on a case-by-case basis, he clarified.

The updates come as the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced that public and private higher education institutions will resume in-person learning from April 20, following extensive readiness measures, including upgraded safety protocols, campus preparedness, and strengthened academic and administrative capacity. The ministry added that some private institutions may continue to implement hybrid or remote learning models where necessary, in line with approved regulations.