FNC wants unified academic calendar

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) recommended a move to a standard school-university year to allow all pupils across the UAE to take the same holidays.

"All schools and universities should move to the standardised calendar because juggling term times can pose a real headache for families, especially when they have children at different schools," said Maisa Rashid Gadeer, a member from Dubai.

She added families are the glue that holds a society together and the civil service authority should work to create an environment where families can thrive.

The House said it wanted authorities to match term times of schools with those of universities to reduce disruption for parents and allow families to spend time together.

The overlapping holidays are particularly difficult for employees of the public and private sectors.

Parents obviously want time off when the children are off.

Lack of uniformity

The House said the lack of uniformity meant every member of the family suffers.

"The children don't get to spend time with each other. And getting a child to school when others are off is quite a struggle. It doesn't just affect us, but thousands of other families. Family holidays are impossible, apart from the summer. The government should make all the local authorities do the same. It is so important for family values and the children's quality of life. They have got to sort it out," said Maisa.

Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami, Minister of Education, said the ministry recognises the lack of uniformity of holidays between schools and universities meant every member of the family may suffer.

"The disparity in holidays between the private and public sectors disturbs family life and the Ministry of Education endeavours to apply the best standards that ensure quality education for students," Al Qutami said, promising that the ministry will look into a move to standard holidays for schools and universities.