Students who have mandatory in-person examinations on Fridays are exempt from this arrangement
Students in private schools across Dubai will have the opportunity for remote learning on Fridays throughout Ramadan.
The decision is in accordance with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. It is part of H.H. dedication to enhancing family connections during the Holy Month of Ramadan,
Students who have mandatory in-person examinations on Fridays are exempt from this arrangement. Furthermore, schools are encouraged to support families for whom remote learning may not be feasible by permitting students to attend classes in person if necessary.
New initiative for family bonding
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Education in the UAE launched the ‘Ramadan with Family’ initiative. This initiative aims to fortify family unity and highlight the spiritual essence of Ramadan. In this context, and in preparation for the Holy Month, the ministry has designated Fridays during Ramadan for activities that strengthen familial bonds, instill essential Ramadan values, and enhance students’ key skills. Under this framework, students in public schools will transition to a remote learning system on Fridays during Ramadan. This change allows them to engage in activities from home alongside their parents, fostering a supportive family and Ramadan atmosphere.
Read more: UAE calls for moon-sighting to mark Ramadan 2025 beginning
Aligning with UAE leadership vision
This initiative resonates with the vision of the UAE leadership to nurture an inspiring family and community environment throughout Ramadan, reinforcing the values of the holy month in the minds of young individuals. It seeks to enhance family cohesion, promote social harmony, and enable individuals to fully embrace the spiritually enriching ambiance of Ramadan. The Ministry clarified that this initiative, which will commence from the first Friday of Ramadan, applies to all students except those who have exams scheduled on Fridays, which will be conducted in-person according to their approved timetables.
Teacher and parental involvement
Moreover, while the initiative primarily focuses on students, teaching staff will maintain their regular attendance at schools on Fridays during Ramadan. However, parents who wish for their children to attend school on Fridays have the option to do so, provided they arrange transportation to and from the school. The teaching staff will supervise these students and ensure that the regular school schedule continues smoothly. To aid this transition, the Ministry has created a guidance manual for students and parents who choose remote learning on Fridays. This manual offers detailed instructions on how to optimize Fridays in accordance with Ramadan’s values. It also includes curriculum-based cultural and religious activities designed to support students in their educational and moral growth.
Adjustments in working hours
On Monday, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) in the UAE announced a reduction of two working hours each day for private sector employees and federal authorities during the Holy Month of Ramadan. In a statement, MoHRE noted, “In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during Ramadan.”
This announcement forms part of the implementation of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 concerning the Regulation of Labor Relations and its subsequent amendments. FAHR issued a circular on Sunday outlining the official working hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan 1446 Hijri for employees of federal authorities. According to the circular, the official working hours for ministries and federal authorities will be from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday.
Flexibility for government departments
FAHR emphasized that ministries and federal authorities could implement flexible working or remote work schedules during Ramadan, aligning with their specific requirements and within the limits of the approved daily working hours. The Authority also noted that federal government departments will permit a maximum of 70 percent of their staff to work from home on Fridays during Ramadan as per the approved regulations.
