Qatar Announces Gradual Resumption of In-Person Classes
Ministry of Education outlines phased return starting March 24, 2026, with full classroom attendance scheduled for the end of the month.
- Publish date: Tuesday، 24 March 2026 Reading time: two min read
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has officially confirmed the phased return to in-person learning across the nation's educational institutions, marking a significant shift from distance learning. The resumption begins tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with a structured timeline designed to ensure safety and operational readiness before full attendance is mandated.
Read More: Qatar Private Sector Resumes In-Person Work
According to the ministry's latest directive, the transition will occur in stages. The first phase targets nurseries, where in-person care for children, alongside administrative and teaching staff, will recommence on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Following this, the focus shifts to kindergartens and both government and private schools. While students in these sectors will continue with distance learning from Tuesday, March 24, through Thursday, March 26, teaching and administrative personnel are required to report to their premises starting Wednesday, March 25. This interim period is designated to prepare facilities and ensure a seamless transition for students, who are scheduled to return to classrooms in full on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
During the brief distance-learning window, government schools will adhere to a set daily schedule. Kindergarten education will utilize asynchronous learning, allowing for flexible engagement without fixed timing. For primary, preparatory, and secondary stages, the school day will run from 9:00 AM to 12:35 PM. This schedule comprises five 35-minute class periods interspersed with two 15-minute breaks: a breakfast break following the second class and a prayer break after the fourth.
Private schools and kindergartens have been granted flexibility during this transitional period. They may choose to align with the official government school hours or organize their own timetables, provided they ensure full curriculum delivery. Regardless of the chosen schedule, the school day must commence at 9:00 AM and must not exceed a total duration of five hours.
Higher education institutions and private educational or training centers are set to resume in-person operations immediately on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, operating under their respective approved schedules.
The Ministry emphasized the necessity of adhering to all safety and security protocols issued by relevant authorities to maintain a stable learning environment. Officials have urged parents, students, and staff to monitor official communication channels for further updates as the resumption process unfolds.