Abu Dhabi schools to stay open throughout bad weather, regulator says

Headteachers should continue lessons unless schools suffer damage

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Abu Dhabi schools should remain open throughout bad weather, the education regulator said.

Headteachers should only close for the day if the building suffers damage or if there are safety concerns, the emirate’s Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) said in a text message alert.

The government-run weather centre forecast more rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, but it is not expected to be as heavy as the three-day weekend deluge.

Schools in the capital must seek permission from Adek before closing or straying from school term times. In Dubai, for example, the private school regulator KHDA allows headteachers to close at their discretion.

“Due to the recent weather conditions, Adek has permitted private & charter schools with weather-related damage to close to ensure students’ safety,” the Adek message said.

“Schools which have not experienced any damage will continue as usual.

“Continue to monitor your school's communication channels for updates. Please use caution while driving to school.”

A number of schools in Dubai suffered damage when an estimated year’s worth of rain fell on some parts of the country.

In Dubai, figures suggest 150mm of rain fell each hour, for two-and-a-half hours, at the peak of the downpours. During a typical January in the Emirates, about 10mm of rain falls on average.

Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah were also heavily flooded.

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