Nurseries in the UAE Face Financial Crisis
Schools in the United Arab Emirates returned to in-person education on Monday after a period of distance learning that began due to the war in the region. However, while schools are trying to return to normal, nurseries are facing serious financial pressure.
In the UAE, major international examinations such as A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and GCSE were cancelled due to the uncertainty caused by the war. Many examination boards began implementing alternative grading models based on coursework, mock exams, teacher assessments, and internal school evidence.
Unlike schools, nurseries faced a more fragile situation. Officials from Bright Beginnings Nursery stated that some parents were hesitant to send their children back and that the return rate in some branches remained between 60 and 70 percent. Since nursery fees are generally paid monthly, closures and distance learning periods increased the loss of income.
Jo Shaban, Managing Director of Bright Beginnings Nursery, said that every closure creates a major knock-on effect on institutions, adding, “Unfortunately, nurseries are really suffering at the moment and many are closing.” Officials emphasized that online education is not suitable for young children and that nurseries should be evaluated separately from schools.