Students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed their feelings of isolation and longing for the traditional school experience during nearly a month of remote learning. Many, like Zayaan Arfaz from Cambridge International School in Dubai, miss the camaraderie of friends and the vibrant classroom environment, stating, "real school is better." Younger students, such as Zidan Gayaz from Safa British School, find schoolwork more enjoyable in a classroom setting, while others, like Aya Ahmed from Sharjah, miss outdoor activities and sports. The absence of in-person interaction has also affected students' confidence, with Aalia Fouad from The Winchester School noting that online classes feel strange and disconnected. Despite some benefits of online learning, such as flexibility, students unanimously agree that it cannot replace the value of real-life interactions. As they anticipate returning to school, many are eager to reconnect with friends and resume their daily routines.