Dubai announces Ramadan school hours; no physical education classes for fasting students

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has set school hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan, taking into account the special nature of the holy month and striking a balance between the educational process and the needs of students and teaching staff.

The KHDA stressed the necessity for the school day not to exceed five hours during the week with a view to alleviating the burdens on students and teachers, and ensuring the continuity of the educational process most efficiently.

Fasting students would be exempt from participating in physical education classes during the month of Ramadan and suitable educational alternatives would be provided when needed, it said.

For Fridays, the KHDA has mandated that private schools end their school day no later than 11:30am, allowing students, administrative and teaching staff to perform Friday prayers on time.

Stressing the importance of taking into account the opinions of parents when determining the start and end times of the school day in private schools, the KHDA said this would enhance the partnership between the school and the family and create a flexible educational environment that suits the requirements of the holy month.

These guidelines came as part of the KHDA’s commitment to providing a supportive learning environment during the holy month of Ramadan that takes health, religious and social aspects into account in line with the societal values prevailing in the UAE.