Indian schools in Dubai home deliver books to students ahead of online reopening

Dubai/Sharjah: As Dubai's Indian schools prepare to begin Academic Year 2026–27 online, several institutions are going the extra mile, quite literally, by delivering textbooks and other school supplies straight to students' doorsteps

Dubai's Indian schools are scheduled to reopen online on April 6, with distance learning in the UAE extended through April 17 and they are ensuring that students are ready to learn from day one without parents having to step out.

The initiative, which spans schools across Dubai and even reaches families in neighbouring Sharjah, has drawn a warm response from parents navigating another disrupted start to the school year, echoing their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Delhi Private School (DPS) Dubai, the home delivery system has already been running for nearly two weeks, with hundreds of parents having placed orders, Rashmi Nandkeolyar, Principal and Director, told Gulf News. She described it as a practical solution whose appeal may well outlast the current situation.

"Parents find it very convenient. They don't have to come to school, and they can simply order a book set and have it couriered to their home. It is a win-win. In fact, we may consider offering this as a choice for parents in future years as well. In this day and age, when everything is delivered online — like Amazon — this is a very efficient way to distribute books."

Home delivery also helps avoid the long queues that typically form during book collection drives, she added.

The Indian Academy, Dubai, part of the LEAMS Education Group, said it has implemented a phased delivery model in line with directives from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

“To prioritise student safety and ensure operational efficiency, the school introduced a centralised online ordering and home delivery system for textbooks and stationery,” the school stated.

Hajera Lahir, Director of LEAMS Education, said: "Ensuring that every student is fully prepared from the first day of the academic year is a key priority for us. Through structured planning and coordinated execution, we have ensured that learning resources are delivered in advance, supporting continuity, confidence, and consistent academic progress for all students."

The school noted that selected textbooks had also been updated to align with the latest curriculum requirements ahead of the new session.

Meanwhile, Global Indian International School (GIIS) Dubai, under the Global Schools Group, has extended its delivery service beyond emirate boundaries, reaching families even in Sharjah. Anita Singh, Principal, said the effort was about more than just logistics.

"We knew that learning must continue with a sense of normalcy and care. Delivering books directly to our students, no matter where they live, was our way of reaching out without placing any additional burden on parents. The moment a purchase is completed, we ensure the books reach their home as soon as possible, and we plan to deliver as many consignments as we can this week."

She said the initiative is not just about books. "It is about connection, reassurance, and standing beside our community during uncertain times. The heartfelt response from our parents has been deeply moving."

Meanwhile, Indian schools in Sharjah, where the academic year for Indian schools got under way online on March 30, have also been working out their own book distribution plans.

Dr Pramod Mahajan, Principal and Director of Sharjah Indian School, said the school is finalising arrangements in coordination with relevant authorities.

"We are planning to use school buses and drivers, who already know the areas and the houses, to deliver books directly to families. We may also designate nearby collection points for parents who prefer to pick up their books themselves. For those who want to come to school, we can accommodate a small number at a time within the permitted limits."

While the arrival of some physical books from India has been delayed, Dr Mahajan said the school was well-equipped to manage in the interim. "We have downloaded material from the NCERT website, and we have our own Learning Management System where all resources are available chapter-wise, including presentations and assessments. Books are not that much of a constraint; the online resources are robust. But yes, the books do need to reach the students, and we are working on that."

DPS Dubai also has a clear plan in place for books yet to arrive. "If something hasn't reached in time, we will send soft copies to students for the first two weeks. Once the physical books arrive, class teachers will distribute them on campus, or we will send them by courier if students are still at home. We have it all mapped out. Covid taught us a great deal about adapting," said Nandkeolyar.