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 33 schools will remain closed on Thursday.
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:
- Springdales School Dubai
- Delhi Private School
- Regent School
- Mirdiff Private School (Early dismissal only)
- Pakistani Education Academy
- Dubai British School
- International Academic School
- Al Salaam Private School
- Arab Unity School
- North American Internatinal School
- Lyceé Libanais Francophone Privé
- Dubai Gem Private School
- Al Thuraya Private School
- JSS International School
- Queen International School
- Brandenton Preparatory Academy
- Al Eman Private School
- Victoria’s heights
- Sabari Indian School
- Indian High School – Oud Metha
- The Indian International School – DSO
- Russian International School
- Dubai Arab American School
- Choueifat School – Al Sofouh (KG1 to Grade 4)
- Al Mawakeb School Al Barsha
- Al Mawakeb School Al Garhoud
- Dubai International School
- American School of Dubai
- Dubai International Academy
- Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou
- Al Itihad School – Al Mamzar
- Dar Al Marefa
All GEMS schools will remain open tomorrow (Thursday).