HE Hussain Al Hammadi attended a virtual meeting with Higher
Education Institutions to discuss their operational plan for the Academic Year
2020/21 taking into great consideration the precautions necessary to provide a
safe educational environment amid COVID-19, in presence of HE Dr. Muhammad Al
Mualla, Undersecretary of Higher Education Academic Affairs.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss the plans being
prepared by the Higher Education
Institutions in regards to the reopening of their educational facilities, during the pandemic, challenges that may
arise and how they can overcome such challenges to ensure the continuity of an
effective high-quality educational process in universities at all levels.
In his speech, Al Hammadi affirmed the UAE has made unremitting
efforts to contain COVID-19, which has reflected in the achievement of
significant and positive progress, by
applying appropriate health protocols by competent authorities and the
commitment of individuals nationwide.
We have been using distant learning as the safest option
during this global pandemic that has enabled us to continue the educational
needs in schools and universities. The UAE authorities have spared no effort
with testing and imposing strict health protocols for the public good.
Due to the health situation, we've decided that the priority
is for distance learning in universities and restricting physical attendance at
campuses to a limited number of staff and students who need to attend labs and
similar facilities for research purposes or use.
The next stage
requires the cooperation of all educational institutions with the Ministry,
exchanging data and information, and providing feedback on an up-to-date basis,
in order to learn about further developments to ensure a safe educational
environment for our students.
On his part, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Mualla presented
precautionary measures for licensed higher education institutions in the
country that must be followed to achieve a safe, healthy and stimulating
learning environment when operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Education will be keen to follow up with the
universities, and ensure that they apply precautionary measures according to
the approved protocols, to ensure a healthy and safe educational environment.
MoE has issued a detailed guide for operating educational
facilities during the pandemic including health protocols and precautionary
measures prepared in cooperation with the competent health authorities and
based on scientific data and basis and international best practices.
Higher education institutions have been instructed to adhere
to implementing the protocols and procedures found in the guide, and the
Ministry of Education will monitor the institutions to ensure compliance with
the implementation of the given procedures in the institutions.
17/08/2020