Flooded UAE schools closed today, exams postponed

Many schools in the UAE have decided to stay shut today due to damages caused by the heavy rains over the weekend. Some schools also postponed exams because of the unstable weather.

GEMS Our Own Indian School Al Quoz said in a circular to parents: "The CASE examination for Grade 10 Mathematics (Basic and Standard) scheduled to be held on January 12 will now be postponed to January 19."

The Pakistan Higher Secondary School in RAK said in a Facebook post to parents: "Due to bad weather, school will remain closed on Sunday (January 12). In addition, the date for tomorrow's (board classes) crash test will be intimated later."

Some schools will remain closed on Sunday for clean-up operations and to protect students and staff from potential upcoming rains.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) allows Dubai schools to decide independently whether to remain open or closed under such circumstances.

The ones that have chosen to call it a day off on Sunday include GEMS Wellington Academy in Al Khail, Gems FirstPoint School - The Villa, Safa Community School and Star International School Mirdif.

"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of our facilities team and to ensure the safety of our students, parents and staff, GEMS Wellington Academy, Al Khail will be closed tomorrow, Sunday (January 12)," the Dubai school said on their Facebook page. "Our facilities and cleaning teams will continue to work to remove any floodwater from inside school and along our service road. We very much hope and expect to be open again on Monday."

Meanwhile, Gems FirstPoint School - The Villa posted: "We have made the difficult decision to close the school to students on Sunday. Despite the efforts of our clean-up team, we will not be able to make the school safe for students. We have also taken into account the weather forecast and the potential for further rain over night."

The GEMS Wellington International School in Dubai said on their Facebook page: "Due to damage caused by high levels of flood water WIS will be closed to all students on Sunday. We are very sorry for the inconvenience but we hope to have all areas repaired and cleaned ready for school on Monday (January 13)."

Similarly, The Arab Unity School in Dubai posted: "Due to the damage in our school after the heavy rains, there will be no school for students tomorrow."
Schools in Ras Al Khaimah also posted about their closure on Sunday as the emirate faced heavy floods.

Some schools said they were "good to go" for Sunday. The Dubai International Academy in Al Barsha posted on their Facebook page: "Fingers crossed...all goes to plan and we see you tomorrow. Our facilities manager and his team are currently at school and all is good to go. Our field and parking area has water, but nothing unexpected considering the amount of rain."

The KHDA also sent out an optimistic tweet earlier in the day on Saturday. "We've been assured that getting to school will be ok on Sunday morning. (If the situation changes, we'll let you know)," the authority said.

sarwat@khaleejtimes.com