The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us, a time of generosity, reflection and spiritual commitment. Across the UAE, families prepare for a period of fasting, prayer and community, while schools across Dubai adjust their routines to accommodate students observing this sacred month.
In a city that thrives on diversity, educational institutions play a vital role in nurturing an inclusive and supportive environment, cultivating understanding and respect for Islamic traditions among students and families of all backgrounds.
Connector explores how schools in Dubai welcome the month of Ramadan.
Adapting Schedules
One of the most immediate ways in which schools welcome Ramadan is by adapting their daily schedules. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) mandates shorter school days, ensuring that classes are completed within a five-hour timeframe, with early dismissal, particularly on Fridays. This modification acknowledges the physical and mental demands of fasting students while maintaining the integrity of the academic curriculum.
In addition to reducing school hours, many institutions alter their exam schedules to avoid undue stress on fasting students. Some schools opt to conduct major assessments before Ramadan, allowing students to focus on personal reflection and religious observance during the Holy Month. Others modify their teaching approach, placing greater emphasis on project-based learning, interactive discussions and coursework rather than formal examinations.
At Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, students are encouraged to gradually adjust their routines before Ramadan begins to help them manage their fasting schedules effectively. SISD also exempts fasting students from Physical Education (PE) classes and outdoor activities, ensuring their well-being during the school day.
Cultural Sensitisation And Inclusivity
Dubai’s international schools, home to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, see Ramadan as an opportunity to educate and inspire. Schools integrate Ramadan awareness sessions into their curriculum, explaining the spiritual significance of the month and encouraging empathy and mutual respect among students who may not be familiar with fasting traditions.
Swiss International Scientific School Dubai provides specific guidance for non-Muslim students, encouraging them to be mindful of their fasting peers and to offer simple gestures of support like not eating or drinking in front of their fasting classmates or checking in on them and making them feel included in daily activities. The school also provides designated eating areas to ensure that non-fasting students can eat during breaks.
Similarly, GEMS Al Khaleej International School takes pride in fostering community, compassion, and moral responsibility. The school encourages students to participate in acts of kindness and social responsibility through a range of initiatives that embodies the spirit of Ramadan.
Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Superintendent and CEO at GEMS Al Khaleej International School and Senior Vice President of Education at GEMS Education says: ”Our Thirty Good Deeds Challenge serves as a daily motivation for students to engage in acts of kindness throughout Ramadan, reinforcing positive behaviour that extends beyond the holy month. Those who complete the highest number of good deeds will be recognised and celebrated, further encouraging a lifelong commitment to giving”.
“In addition, we are introducing a special Ramadan-themed school bell, playing uplifting anthems that remind students of the significance of this sacred time. Meanwhile, our Charity Box provides students with an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause by collecting donations throughout the month in partnership with charitable organisations in the UAE”, she added.
Building Community Through Initiatives And Events
Ramadan is an opportunity for schools to instil values of charity and community service, while offering cultural immersion and community bonding. Many institutions organise community Iftars, bringing together students, parents and staff to share the evening meal in a spirit of unity. Others launch charitable initiatives, such as food donation drives, fundraising campaigns and outreach programs supporting underprivileged communities.
Sarah Estebanez, Deputy Head of School Improvement at Repton School Dubai, says “We are excited to introduce our inaugural Ramadan Bazaar, a community-driven initiative designed to immerse students, staff, and parents in the cultural traditions of Ramadan. Led by parent volunteers and the school's Student Leadership Team, the bazaar will feature interactive stalls where students can explore various aspects of the Holy Month. Activities will include Arabic calligraphy, Ramadan lantern decorating, storytelling, book donations, and other cultural showcases, creating an engaging and educational experience for all”. Repton School will also be hosting a community Iftar, bringing the school community together in the spirit of Ramadan.
Mr. Simon Crane, Head Master of Brighton College Dubai says “We are excited to celebrate and honour the Holy Month of Ramadan at Brighton College Dubai. Our UAE Ambassadors will be delivering assemblies on Ramadan for both Prep and Senior pupils, while our entire community will be coming together to support the Ramadan fridge initiative which seeks to support fasting workers by providing them with food items to break the fast with. We will also be holding a school-wide Quran competition and a communal Iftar event towards the end of the month”.
Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, from GEMS Al Khaleej International School, also points out one of their key initiatives this year, “The Four Wells Project highlights the importance of Islamic endowments (Waqf) in providing sustainable support to communities in need. Through this project, in collaboration with Dar Al Ber Society, students, parents, and staff come together to raise funds that will provide access to clean water for underprivileged communities. In addition, our Ramadan Fridge reinforces the value of giving by allowing students and parents to donate food and beverages to be placed in a public refrigerator, allowing anyone in need to access nourishing meals throughout the month.”
Ghadeer continues by highlighting another initiative at GEMS this Ramadan, “Eid Clothing Project is another heartfelt initiative designed to bring joy to less fortunate children and families by providing them with new clothing for Eid”.
Such initiatives across schools in Dubai nurture empathy and generosity while also providing hands-on learning experiences that instil perennial values of Ramadan in students and parents from all communities.
Harmonising Education And Tradition
During Ramadan, schools across Dubai take exceptional and inspiring actions, blending academic goals with a deep respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of Ramadan, while building an inclusive ethos among students, families and staff members alike. The harmonisation of education and tradition ensures that all students, whether fasting or not, experience Ramadan as a time of learning, inclusivity and personal growth.
By fostering an understanding of shared values, Dubai’s schools not only accommodate students observing Ramadan but also reinforce the importance of cultural appreciation and community spirit, making the school environment a nurturing space for all during this sacred month.