Image Credit : WAM
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, educators across the UAE say this year’s academic calendar has been carefully planned to ease pressure on students while keeping learning on track.
Ramadan, expected to begin on February 19, will include 12 full holiday days, alongside four Fridays featuring significantly reduced school hours or a switch to remote learning, according to teachers and school administrators in both public and private schools following the national curriculum.
Educators noted that the calendar minimises disruption by aligning Ramadan with existing breaks. Six days of the month fall on regular weekly holidays, while the final six days coincide with the spring break marking the end of the second term, according to Emarat Al Youm.
Official schedules show weekly holidays on the 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th days of Ramadan, with the spring break running from the 25th to the 30th. Fridays on the 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th will see either very short school days, lasting between 90 and 150 minutes, or a move to distance learning, subject to individual school approvals.
School leaders said many institutions are expecting the Ministry of Education to reinstate the “Ramadan with the Family” initiative, which designates Fridays for remote learning. The initiative supports the Year of the Family by encouraging family time while maintaining core academic skills. In previous years, the ministry has issued detailed guidance for parents and students on how Fridays can be used for educational, cultural and religious activities linked to the curriculum.
Meanwhile, private schools offering foreign curricula have urged parents not to extend holidays beyond the mid-term break, which runs until February 15, warning that the first week back will coincide with the start of Ramadan. School administrations stressed that low attendance during this period can disrupt lesson delivery.
Schools also confirmed that extracurricular activities and canteen services will be suspended during Ramadan, although water stations will remain available. Parents of non-fasting students have been advised to ensure their children bring suitable meals to school.
