In a move aimed at accommodating the observance of Ramadan, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has announced that school timings during the holy month should not exceed five hours of instruction time. This decision comes ahead of the expected commencement of Ramadan on 12th March, although slight variations in dates may occur due to local moon sightings.
To ensure alignment with the needs of both schools and parents, most educational institutions will consult with parents to determine the specific timings, which will then be submitted to the KHDA. As part of this initiative, some schools have already established schedules from 7:45 am to 12:45 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, while maintaining regular timings on Fridays.
The directive from Dubai’s education regulator also requires private schools to establish the start and end times in order to create optimal educational environments for students throughout the auspicious month. The primary focus is on prioritizing the well-being of students while instilling spiritual values associated with Ramadan.
With the majority of schools likely to have concluded internal exams before the start of Ramadan, headteachers have emphasized the importance of minimizing assessments during this period. The aim is to allow students ample time for family gatherings and prayers rather than intensive studying. Assessments conducted during Ramadan are intended to be low-stakes, with reduced durations and a focus on specific topics to mitigate anxiety among students.
For many international curriculum schools, the spring break will coincide with Ramadan, providing students with additional time for reflection and relaxation. Indian curriculum schools, on the other hand, typically experience a brief vacation following annual exams, which overlaps with the Holy month before the commencement of the new academic year.
According to Sangita Chima, Principal of Amity School Dubai, the alignment of the academic calendar with Ramadan allows students to manage their spiritual and cultural commitments effectively. The end-of-session break offers students an opportunity for rejuvenation, enabling them to return to their studies with renewed energy and mindfulness as they progress to the next grade.
Chima further emphasized the school’s commitment to fostering religious and cultural understanding by providing diverse spiritual learning opportunities within inspiring learning environments during the sacred month of Ramadan.
