Dubai’s private schools are set to implement a flexible learning approach during Ramadan, offering students the option of remote learning on Fridays. This initiative, announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to accommodate families observing the holy month while maintaining educational continuity. The directive applies to all private schools in Dubai, with exceptions made for students who have mandatory in-person exams scheduled on Fridays. Schools are encouraged to provide in-person attendance options for families who prefer this arrangement, ensuring a balance between religious observance and educational needs.
This move aligns with the UAE Ministry of Education’s decision to implement distance learning on Fridays for public school students during Ramadan. The ministry has also circulated a guide outlining various student activities in collaboration with parents to foster a family-oriented Ramadan atmosphere. Parents who wish to send their children to school on Fridays will have the option to do so, but they will need to manage transportation independently.
In addition to educational adjustments, Dubai has introduced flexible working hours and remote work options for government employees during Ramadan. Government entities are directed to allow employees to work flexibly for three hours per day, provided they complete five and a half hours of work from Monday to Thursday and three hours on Fridays. Official working hours for government employees during Ramadan have been set from 9am to 2.30pm on weekdays and 9am to 12pm on Fridays, resulting in reduced working hours throughout the week.
The private sector in the UAE has also been instructed to shorten working hours by two hours per day during Ramadan. These comprehensive measures across education and employment sectors demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to supporting its residents in observing Ramadan while maintaining productivity and educational standards. As the holy month approaches, these flexible arrangements are expected to enhance work-life balance and allow for greater family time during this significant period in the Islamic calendar.
