The Ministry of Education have announced that school buses in the UAE, across private and public schools, have been postponed.

All buses for public and private nurseries and schools will be non-operational despite students returning to in-person classes after an extended period of remote learning.

School Bus Services

This decision is part of the operational arrangements that come with the resumption of on-site learning.

It allows for the completion of operational readiness in coordination with relevant entities, including transport authorities and municipalities, to ensure that services are ready as per the highest safety standards.

The aim is to ensure seamless operation of school transport services in alignment with safety needs and operational arrangements across all emirates.

This decision will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and updates about school buses in the UAE resuming services will be announced through official channels.

Why Are School Buses Not Operational?

The ministry has said that in-person learning will resume despite the postponement of school bus services in the UAE as educational institutes are now fully equipped and prepared to implement safety measures, including staff readiness and facility preparedness.

However, school bus services are yet to complete certain operational arrangements and requirements.

Nevertheless, the authority assured parents that schools remain safe to host on-site learning and have completed all necessary preparedness requirements to create a safe learning environment.

Crucially, the ministry addressed issues faced by families who largely rely on school bus services for transportation to and from school and cannot access alternative transport modes. For such families, school administrations will review special cases, and coordinate with parents to provide high degrees of flexibility to ensure continuous learning without significant disruption to students and parents.

The ministry confirmed that school transport fees don’t apply to public schools. Fee arrangements in private schools will be regulated by local education authorities in line with approved regulations.

The ministry emphasised that, during this unusual period, schools will provide flexibility in terms of lateness or attendance issues, taking into account obvious transport-based challenges and familial circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

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