du launches new initiative to support remote learning for schools and universities across the UAE

du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Education to support UAE teaching institutions following confirmation by the Ministry that all schools and universities across the country are closed for one month as of Sunday, March 8. 

In support of remote learning and online educational platforms for students and faculty members, du is enabling all postpaid and prepaid customers to access their school websites and homework throughout the entire duration of the closed period without occurring any additional charges on their data.  The list of participating schools will be available on our website on Thursday, March 12th. All users will be able to download content from their schools online educational platforms at no extra cost. du will also be providing access to selected VOIP applications: Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom, Google Hangout Meet, and Microsoft Teams. This in addition to Skype for Business will be available for all fixed-line users for the time being.

Seamless continuity of the nation’s education curriculum

His Excellency Hussein Al Hammadi, UAE Minister of Education, said: “The launch of the remote learning initiative is extremely important is it enables seamless continuity of the country’s education curriculum and enhances the concept of lifelong learning. Moreover, it supports the nation’s endeavors to implement precautionary health measures in light of current conditions and ensures our students and teachers can carry out their tasks and responsibilities in a safe environment.”

His Excellency continued: “The Ministry of Education commends du for its proactive approach to supporting this initiative, which comes in the midst of institutional solidarity and community cooperation demonstrated throughout the public and private sectors. du’s commitment to provide the Ministry with logistical support will ensure smooth functioning of remote learning processes without any obstacles. Furthermore, it reflects the willingness of UAE institutions to contribute towards widespread efforts to maintain societal health, safety, and care.”

Benefits of technology ensure learning is not hindered at home 

Johan Dennelind, CEO, du, said: “As a leading national organization, it is our responsibility to utilize our resources and capabilities that will enable us to support the Ministry of Education as well as all schools and universities in the UAE. du is committed to helping everyone during this difficult time and the new initiative we have deployed will contribute towards guaranteeing remote learning is not hindered due to lack of connectivity and increased costs. Ease of access to information and better learning techniques are among the most prominent benefits of technology that are now relied upon in classrooms, lectures and seminars on a daily basis. Through du’s pledge to ensure our customers remain connected with no additional data charges, they will be able to take full advantage of their respective learning platforms and continue their development within the confines of their own homes.”

Speaking about du’s network capabilities during the coming four weeks, Mr. Dennelind added: “We are continuously striving to elevate our network across our entire scope of operations. Providing customers with the best experiences is among our top priorities. du users regularly benefit from a much stronger and faster network, and this will ensure seamless connectivity across all learning platforms in the weeks ahead.” 

du will be sharing a list of educational institutions, schools and universities in the UAE that can take advantage of the benefits of this remote learning initiative. The full list will be available on the official du website.