As a new academic year gets underway amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, some Indian schools in the UAE that are commencing classes on Monday are stepping in with practical solutions to ensure students remain on track. With many families reluctant to send children to campuses, schools are introducing measures aimed at maintaining continuity in learning while addressing growing concerns among parents.
One of the key steps has been the home delivery of textbooks, allowing students to begin the year fully prepared despite limited physical attendance. Several schools have organised structured distribution systems to ensure learning materials reach households before classes start. Parents have welcomed the move, saying it provides stability during an uncertain period.
At Global Indian International School (GIIS) Dubai, Principal Anita Singh said the decision was taken to prioritise both safety and academic continuity. “Keeping the directives from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority and being compliant in mind, we took the crucial decision of distributing books to parents at home,” she said. “Parents were very happy with this initiative as it ensured continuity of learning without any gaps that would impact student performance.”
Similarly, The Indian Academy, Dubai, part of the LEAMS Education Group, implemented a coordinated approach involving early procurement, phased deliveries and an online ordering system. Director Hajera Lahir said ensuring readiness from the first day was a top priority. “Through structured planning and coordinated execution, we have ensured that learning resources are delivered in advance, supporting continuity, confidence and consistent academic progress,” she said.
Schools are also expanding support beyond academics, particularly for senior students facing added pressure due to disruptions caused by the conflict. Virtual counselling sessions have been introduced to assist those applying to universities, especially students who were unable to sit Grade 12 board exams in the UAE.
At GIIS Dubai, educators noticed rising anxiety levels among students and responded by offering online guidance sessions. Singh said these sessions focused on both university applications and emotional wellbeing. “Counselling sessions were taken online for students to support them with applications for different universities,” she said, adding that flexible scheduling allowed parents to participate in key decisions.
She also highlighted the importance of making such services widely accessible. “In a competitive market, where counselling comes at a price, we take the onus of making it a service for all students,” Singh said, noting that the aim is to build confidence and resilience during a critical stage in students’ lives.
Education providers say their priority remains clear: to maintain academic progress while supporting student wellbeing as communities adjust to the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. While uncertainty persists, schools’ efforts to adapt quickly are helping ensure that learning continues with minimal disruption.
