Student Wellbeing Must Be the Priority for Dubai School Hour Adjustments
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has emphasized that while schools in Dubai have the flexibility to adjust their start times, any changes must prioritize the overall wellbeing of students. Aisha Miran, the Director General of the KHDA, explained that a rigid, one-size-fits-all schedule is impractical due to the wide variety of curricula and extracurricular programs offered across the city. Consequently, the regulator requires schools to seek official approval for any proposed modifications to ensure that the educational experience remains balanced and supportive for every child.
Beyond classroom hours, the KHDA recognizes that the daily commute significantly impacts a student's quality of life. To address the strain caused by traffic and long travel times, the authority is looking toward the Dubai Education Masterplan (E33), which aims to foster neighborhoods where schools are situated within a 20-minute journey from home. The long-term goal is to shift urban planning toward more accessible communities, encouraging students to walk or cycle to school safely rather than spending excessive time in transit, ultimately ensuring that education remains accessible without the burden of exhausting daily commutes.