Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has officially ratified a phased roadmap for the return of students to classrooms following the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. According to the new directive, a gradual resumption of in-person learning will commence on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, leading up to a mandatory full-capacity attendance for all schools and kindergartens across the country on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Under
the newly approved guidelines, higher education institutions and private
training centers are permitted to resume face-to-face instruction immediately
starting Tuesday, March 24. These institutions will follow their own
pre-approved academic calendars. This early start for the tertiary sector aims
to ensure that specialized laboratory work and clinical requirements remain on
schedule as the academic year progresses.
For
the early childhood sector, nurseries have been cleared to welcome back
children and staff starting Wednesday, March 25. This allows a brief window for
administrative and teaching staff to synchronize their efforts before the
arrival of the children. The Ministry emphasized that this transition is a
critical step in restoring the developmental routines essential for the
youngest learners in the community.
In
contrast, students in government and private K-12 schools will experience a
brief three-day period of distance learning from Tuesday, March 24, through
Thursday, March 26. During this interim, school premises will be restricted to
administrative and teaching staff, who are required to report on-site starting
Wednesday. This short period is designed to allow schools to finalize
logistical preparations and health protocols before the total student body
returns.
The
Ministry has standardized the remote learning schedule for this temporary
period to ensure academic consistency. All virtual classes for primary,
preparatory, and secondary stages will run from 9:00 am to 12:35 pm, consisting
of five 35-minute periods with dedicated breaks for breakfast and prayer.
Private schools have been given the flexibility to manage their own curriculum
delivery, provided their school day starts at 9:00 am and does not exceed a
five-hour duration.
As
the nation moves toward the March 29 deadline for full attendance, the Ministry
of Education has urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant. Families and
educators are encouraged to monitor official communication channels for
real-time updates. The government remains committed to providing a stable and
safe learning environment, prioritizing both the health of the community and
the academic continuity of its students.
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Reference: Key Dates & Times
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