3.26 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

Dubai Tour: 40 schools stay shut on Thursday; low turnout at others

Published
By Bindu Suresh Rai & Sneha May Francis

Schools across Dubai are alerting parents of closures and delays in pick up and drop off of children on Thursday in the wake of the Dubai Tour cycling championship that commenced on Wednesday, resulting in road diversions.
 
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority has confirmed that 40 schools will remain closed on Thursday.

Most schools, like those of Gems Group, that were open saw low attendance because of bus delay fears, especially given that today is Thursday, the day before the weekend kicks in.

In a statement, Hind Al Mualla, Chief of Engagement, KHDA said: “As a result of tomorrow’s road closures, schools have decided to close for the day on Thursday 6 February. The decisions were made in consultation with parents.”
 
She added: “KHDA issued a communication on Wednesday, asking schools to implement a safety plan as a result of extensive road closures.
 
“One school has decided to shorten the day rather than close, whilst another will extend the school day so parents and children can watch the cycling event.

“All schools will communicate with parents directly regarding the changes to the school day.“

Meanwhile, seperately Al Mawakeb School has also confirmed to Emirates 24|7 that both its Barsha and Garhoud branches will remain closed on Thursday because of road closures that will continue over the four days of the Dubai Tour.
 
Parents have also received circulars from schools, warning of delays due to the traffic.
 
An email addressed by David Baldwin of Jumeirah Primary School stated: “The Dubai Tour Cycle race will impact on traffic in Dubai on Thursday and over the weekend.
 
“GEMS schools will remain open on February 6. However, we do acknowledge that school buses and general transport might have difficulties accessing certain areas: more specifically in Motor City, Al Sufouh Area, Media City and The Palm Jumeirah.
 
“Therefore, drop-off at the end of the school day could be delayed.”
 
Winchester School is another that has messaged parents, stating: “Cycle Tour may lead to delay in bus arrival or even change of end of day timings. We will update you as soon as we have confirmation.” 
 
On Thursday, the race is expected to resume at 11:20am in the second stage across 121km.
 
The route will take the cyclists from the Dubai World Trade Centre to Zabeel Road, Meydan Road, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Road, Al Sufouh Road, Emirates Hills and The Palm Jumeirah.
 
RTA and Dubai Police have confirmed that roads along the route will remain closed to traffic until 4.30pm.
 
Dubai Police has also confirmed that 70 police patrols and 85 traffic policemen have been assigned to regulate the movement of vehicles during Dubai Tour.

List of schools closed on Thursday February 6:

Schools confirmed closing:

1.       Springdales School Dubai

2.       Delhi Private School

3.       Regent School

4.       Mirdiff Private School (Early dismissal only)

5.       Pakistani Education Academy

6.       Dubai British School

7.       Star International School – Al Twar

8.       International Academic School

9.       Al Salaam Private School

10.   Arab Unity School

11.   North American Internatinal School

12.   Lyceé Libanais Francophone Privé

13.   Dubai Gem Private School

14.   Al Thuraya Private School

15.   JSS International School

16.   Queen International School

17.   Brandenton Preparatory Academy

18.   Al Eman Private School

19.   Victoria’s heights

20.   Sabari Indian School

21.   Indian High School – Oud Metha

22.   The Indian International School – DSO

23.   Russian International School

24.   Dubai Arab American School

25.   Chouifat School – Al Sofouh – from KG1- Grade 4

26.   Dubai International School

27.   American School of Dubai

28.   Dubai International Academy

29.   Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou

30.   Al Ittihad School – Al Mamzar

31.   Dar Al Marefa

32.  Gulf Indian High School

33.   Ambassador Kindergarten

34.   Ambassador School

35.   Al Ittihad Private School Jumeirah

36.   Dubai GEM Private School

37.   Al Worood Academy Private School

38.   Dubai National School Al Barsha

39.   Al Shrooq Private School

40.   English Language Private School

All GEMS schools will remain open tomorrow (Thursday).