UAE Universities Resume In Person Labs & Workshops From March 30th

Universities across the UAE will resume in-person labs, clinics and workshops from March 30th, 2026, under a phased return limited to courses that require hands-on training.
The move follows guidance from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which directed institutions to prioritise face-to-face teaching only where practical learning cannot be delivered online.
Eligible programmes include clinical practice, laboratory work, field applications and in-person examinations, with a circular outlining 14 priority disciplines for the initial return. These span areas such as health sciences, information technology, architecture and psychology. While campuses reopen for these activities, most students will continue learning remotely through hybrid models.
At the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, preparations focus on limiting on-campus attendance to essential modules that require specialised equipment or capstone work, particularly in engineering and applied sciences.
The university said operations will be tightly managed, with safety protocols, capacity controls and an emergency response team in place. Students whose courses do not require physical presence will continue online, with flexibility maintained for rescheduling practical sessions if needed.
At Gulf Medical University, priority has been given to Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Physiotherapy, where direct patient interaction and simulation-based training are essential.
Measures include staggered schedules, hybrid teaching and controlled access to facilities, alongside continued reliance on digital platforms for students studying remotely. A dedicated student support hotline has also been introduced to assist with academic and administrative queries during the transition.