UAE schools to close for four weeks as precaution against coronavirus

All schools and higher education institutions in the UAE will close for four weeks from Sunday.

"Education Ministry announces early start of spring vacation for schools," state news agency Wam tweeted late on Tuesday, reported Khaleej Times.

According to the tweet, students will attend classes virtually through its distance learning initiative.

The ministry has also launched a programme for sanitising educational institutions.

The spring vacation which was originally scheduled for March 29 to April 12. Education institutions will now be off from March 8 to 29.

The ministry had piloted its distance learning programme at select schools on Monday.

Parents have been asked to provide a conducive learning environment for the students at home.

"They should also ensure that their kids would complete all lessons," the ministry said in a circular.