As Ramadan approaches, school week is once again reinvented in the UAE. Public school students across the country will learn from home every Friday during the holy month, part of a new effort to bring families closer together while keeping classes on track.
Launching the initiative for the second consecutive year
The UAE Ministry of Education announced on Thursday that remote learning will be implemented for public school students on Fridays during Ramadan. This marks the second consecutive year the initiative has been launched.The initiative, titled “Ramadan with Families,” aims to allow students more time at home while ensuring academic continuity. By adjusting the school timetable at the end of each week, the ministry aims to align learning with the social and spiritual rhythms of Ramadan.According to the arrangement, students will study remotely from home every Friday during Ramadan.
Balancing education and well-being
According to the Ministry of Education, the measure is part of wider adjustments to the academic calendar during Ramadan. The goal is to balance educational requirements with students’ well-being and family life during Ramadan.Officials have previously noted that flexibility during Ramadan can help improve student concentration and better support families in their daily lives, especially during fasting periods. Reducing commuting time is also seen as a way to relieve daily stress at home.The initiative also coincides with the Year of the Family, reinforcing the Government’s wider focus on strengthening family bonds and community cohesion.
On-site staff and optional in-person attendance
While students will move to remote learning on Friday, teaching and education staff will continue to work in-person at schools.The ministry has clarified that parents who want their children to attend classes in person will have that option. However, the parent or guardian will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from school that day.This approach allows families to choose the approach that best suits their circumstances while maintaining continuity of operations within the school.
Comprehensive guidance and enrichment activities
To support the initiative, the Ministry of Education will publish a comprehensive guidance manual. The handbook will contain comprehensive educational and enrichment activities taken directly from the school curriculum.These activities aim to:
- Support students’ academic progress
- Reinforce the values ​​of the holy month
- Strengthen family involvement
- Enhance students’ sense of community
In addition, a detailed guidance manual will outline joint education and development activities derived from the curriculum, ensuring that distance learning remains structured and purposeful.By combining flexible scheduling with curriculum-based enrichment, the ministry aims to maintain academic standards while providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage with their families during Ramadan.
