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Ramadan in UAE: Dubai schools shorten hours for holiest month

by Prerna

March 10, 2023 1

Dubai, one of the most populous cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced reduced school hours during the holy month of Ramadan. The announcement was made by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the educational regulatory body in Dubai.

Ramadan is a month-long period of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims around the world. During this time, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset. The holy month is considered a time for self-reflection, charity, and good deeds.

As part of the government’s efforts to accommodate the needs of the Muslim community during Ramadan, schools in Dubai will operate on reduced hours. Classes will begin 30 minutes later than usual, and will end two hours earlier. The decision is intended to allow students and teachers to observe Ramadan traditions and to spend time with their families.

The KHDA has also urged schools to take the opportunity to educate students about Ramadan and its significance. Schools are encouraged to incorporate lessons about the holy month into their curriculums, and to promote cultural understanding and respect for different religious practices.

This is not the first time that Dubai has implemented reduced school hours during Ramadan. The policy has been in place for several years and has been well-received by students, parents, and educators. The initiative is part of the UAE’s commitment to promoting tolerance and respect for diversity, and to fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Ramadan is a time for unity and compassion, and the reduced school hours initiative is just one example of how Dubai is working to create an inclusive and supportive community for all. By accommodating the needs of the Muslim community during this important time, Dubai is sending a message of solidarity and respect, and setting an example for other cities and countries to follow.

Ramadan is a significant time for the Muslim community around the world. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and self-improvement. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and it is a way for Muslims to demonstrate their devotion and commitment to their faith.

Dubai has a large Muslim population, and Ramadan is widely observed in the city. The reduced school hours initiative is just one way that the government is working to accommodate the needs of the Muslim community during this important time.

In addition to reduced school hours, Dubai also offers a range of Ramadan activities and events. These include traditional iftars, where people gather to break their fast at sunset, as well as cultural events and exhibitions. These activities are open to people of all faiths and are intended to promote understanding and respect for different religious practices.

The UAE is known for its commitment to promoting tolerance and acceptance. In 2019, the country launched the “Year of Tolerance” initiative, which aimed to promote dialogue, coexistence, and mutual understanding between different cultures and religions. The reduced school hours initiative is one way that Dubai is continuing this commitment and is setting an example for other cities and countries to follow.

The initiative has been welcomed by educators and parents alike. Many have praised the government’s efforts to accommodate the needs of the Muslim community during Ramadan, and to promote cultural understanding and respect for different religious practices. The reduced school hours allow students to balance their academic responsibilities with their religious observances, and to spend time with their families during this important time.

However, some have criticized the initiative, arguing that it may disrupt the academic calendar and affect student learning outcomes. There are concerns that the reduced hours may result in students falling behind in their studies, and that it may be difficult for teachers to cover the required curriculum in a shortened time frame.

Despite these concerns, the reduced school hours initiative has been successful in Dubai, and it is likely to continue in the years to come. It is a testament to the city’s commitment to promoting tolerance, acceptance, and understanding, and to creating a supportive and inclusive community for all.