Students in Dubai will have less school hours during Ramadan, according to a circular sent to schools by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The school hours will not exceed five hours and the lunch breaks will be shorter as required. The school day during Ramadan will start between 8 to 8:30am and finish between 1 to 1:30pm. KHDA advises that these hours be followed by schools.
Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at KHDA noted, “Fasting students should be exempted from physical education (PE) classes and any other demanding physical activities. All the students must be protected from the risks of exhaustion and dehydration.”
Out of respect for the Holy Month of Ramadan and fasting students, eating and drinking must be prohibited in public areas and limited to designated areas in the school during this time.
KHDA also called on schools to plan activities for staff, parents and students to raise awareness about Ramadan and its important role. The May issue of Connector has a feature on Ramadan in schools and how it is celebrated and observed. Read it here