As declared on Wednesday by Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the city's educational watchdog, school schedules during Ramadan must not exceed five hours of teaching time.
School Hours in Dubai During Ramadan
Ramadan is anticipated to begin on March 12 in the UAE, with slight variations possible due to local moon sightings. Schools will engage with parents to determine specific timings and subsequently submit them to the KHDA.
Several schools have proposed a schedule from 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, maintaining regular timing on Fridays. The KHDA has directed private school administrations in Dubai to finalize the start and end times.
Adjustments to school hours aim to accommodate both educational requirements and parental considerations during the holy month, ensuring an optimal learning environment for students while prioritizing their well-being.
The initiative seeks to underscore the importance of Ramadan to students, emphasizing the spiritual values associated with the month. Many schools in the UAE typically conclude internal assessments before Ramadan commences.
School administrators strive to minimize assessments during Ramadan to allow students ample time for family and prayer rather than intensive studying. Assessments, if necessary, are kept low-stakes with reduced duration and focused topics.
Students at schools that follow an international curriculum typically have more time to contemplate and unwind during Ramadan, which happens to coincide with spring break. The yearly examinations in Indian schools are usually scheduled three weeks before Ramadan, coinciding with the start of the new school year.
Principal Sangita Chima from Amity School Dubai noted that the academic calendar aligns well with Ramadan this year, enabling students to balance their spiritual and cultural commitments effectively. The end-of-session break offers students opportunities for reflection and rejuvenation, fostering a sense of mindfulness as they progress to the next grade.
During Ramadan, schools like Amity School Dubai promote religious and cultural understanding by providing diverse spiritual learning opportunities within their inspiring learning environments.
