TL;DR:
- A
Dubai Executive Council survey shows 48% ofDubai parents expect blended or online learning to remain part of schooling. - A study by My Online Schooling with Cambridge International reports 83% of
UAE parents support hybrid education models. - UAE authorities such as KHDA and the Ministry of Education support and regulate digital education frameworks.
- Established institutions like Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University and edtech platforms are expanding flexible learning deliver
As schools reopen in the UAE during 2025, an increasing number of parents are opting for flexible, online learning options alongside traditional classrooms. In a 2020 government-backed survey conducted during the peak of digital education, nearly 48% of Dubai parents said they believed online learning would remain a permanent part of the education system. While preferences may have evolved since, the survey highlights the early optimism many parents held about hybrid learning models.A study by “My Online Schooling” supported by Cambridge International shows that 83 percent of parents across the Emirates favour hybrid learning systems combining both formats. This shift is supported by official regulation and structured digital infrastructure to balance quality, flexibility, and engagement.
Parental Insights & Survey Findings
According to the Dubai survey, 65 percent of parents believe online learning is less effective than traditional classrooms, particularly for younger children. Nonetheless, 48 percent still expect some form of remote learning in the future, with 68 percent reporting sufficient guidance from their child’s school during remote periods. In late 2022, the My Online Schooling / Cambridge International study, based on responses from 500 UAE parents, found that 83 percent support hybrid learning models, with 40 percent requesting explicit hybrid options for convenience and greater control.
Factors Fueling the Shift
- National Policy & Digital Toolkit
UAE education authorities such as the Ministry of Education and KHDA have long promoted digital learning. During and after the pandemic, Dubai implemented platforms like “In This Together Dubai” to deliver distance learning, providing technical and educational support. Other emirates also set up remote learning options for emergencies and special periods.
- Regulation & Accreditation
Regulators oversee online education: KHDA ensures private schools meet digital quality standards and teacher credentials. At university level, the Commission for Academic Accreditation applies e‑learning protocols across institutions.
- EdTech Growth & Market Trends
The global Education Market in UAE size is estimated to grow by USD 5.1 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio.. The Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme and other initiatives strengthen the integration of technology in classrooms and remote learning solutions. Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, dating from 2017, delivers entirely online and blended programs, serving as a model for how structured digital education integrates with national priorities.
Parent‑Perceived Benefits & Challenges
Key Benefits cited by parents include:
- Flexible scheduling that reduces stress and increases control
- Consistent education during travel, medical leave, or fasting seasons like Ramadan
- Broader accessibility for students in remote locations or with special needs
Challenges highlighted include:
- 65 percent believe online instruction is less effective for younger children
- Concerns about social development and peer interaction
- Increased screen time and its impact on concentration and wellness
How Schools Are Responding
Leading institutions such as GEMS World Academy and Al Barsha National School are offering blended models, remote options during Fridays or Ramadan and in-person classes otherwise. This reflects education authority guidance that promotes structured flexibility for families. Flexible learning models are consistent with the UAE’s goal of delivering modern education aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4, emphasizing critical thinking, digital literacy, and global competencies. Investment in digital tools and STEM skill-building supports this vision. By mid‑2025, hybrid and online education in the UAE has moved from emergency mode to become a mainstream expectation among parents and students. While traditional schooling remains essential, structured flexibility allows families to manage travel, health, and educational continuity, without compromising quality. Regulated platforms, accreditation standards, and parental engagement are ensuring that hybrid learning is effective, inclusive, and forward-looking. As the education landscape continues to evolve, flexible learning is cementing its place in the UAE’s long-term vision for schooling and digital readiness.
FAQ
- 1. Is online learning approved in the UAE?
Yes, by KHDA and the Ministry of Education, as long as schools are accredited.
- 2. Are online school certificates valid?
Yes, if from licensed schools or global boards like Cambridge or IB.
- 3. Why are parents choosing flexible models?
For travel ease, family time, and during Ramadan or emergencies.
- 4. Which schools offer hybrid learning?
Top schools like GEMS, Dubai International Academy, and others. Yes, less social interaction and more screen time are common worries.
- 6. Will this trend continue?
Most likely. Surveys show rising parental support through 2025.
