Parents in Dubai received text messages from school managements about the academic day ending earlier than usual due to “inclement weather and bad road conditions”.

“We request you to contact the driver for your wards’ drop off times. Please be aware that there could be delays owing to water-logged roads. Afternoon extensions and stay backs stand cancelled today. Own-transport students should be picked up at 12.30pm,” an Indian school said in a message to parents.

In a separate message, the school’s transport operator added: “Kindly ensure the availability of guardians/parents at the drop-off point for your ward.”

A British school said the day would end at 11.30am, with own-transport parents asked to pick their wards at 11.30am.

Another British school in Dubai offered a range of options to pick up students. It let parents collect their wards from as early as 11am. “All students will be supervised until collected by parents. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding in these times of uncertainty,” the school said.

Some private schools in the UAE, including at least one in Dubai, switched to remote learning on Thursday as unstable weather conditions persisted in the country. Some schools in Dubai and other emirates dispersed students early on Thursday.

Gems Education said Wellington International School, Dubai; Winchester School, Fujairah; and Westminster School, Ras Al Khaimah, moved classes online. The schools in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah switched to remote learning based on directives issued by the Ministry of Education. "All other schools are open as usual," Gems Education said in a statement.

As per announcements made yesterday, remote learning has been activated for students of government schools in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah due to the unstable weather. The police in the two emirates said students will learn from home on January 26 and 27 (Thursday and Friday). The move will ensure the safety of students and school staff, the police added.

Public and private schools in Sharjah's Kalba City and Fujairah dispersed students at 12pm on Wednesday due to the heavy rains.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported light to moderate rains in parts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah this morning.