Dubai: Students in Dubai will have shorter school days during Ramadan, according to a circular sent to schools by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Schools should ensure that the school timings should not exceed five hours during Ramadan, the KHDA said in a statement sent to Gulf News on Wednesday.
Mohammad Darwish, KHDA’s chief of Regulations and Permits Commission, said: “The holy month of Ramadan is very important to us all in Dubai, and the UAE. Ramadan is understandably challenging and exciting for young Muslim students as they seek to carry out their daily routines while also fasting. We wish to remind all schools of their collective responsibility to ensure student well-being.”
The school day during Ramadan will start between 8am and 8.30am and finish between 1pm and 1.30pm, with shorter breaks as required. Darwish said: “Fasting students should be exempt from physical education (PE) classes and any other demanding physical activities. All students must be protected from the risks of exhaustion and dehydration.”
Out of respect for Ramadan and fasting students, the KHDA said, eating and drinking must be prohibited in the public areas and limited to designated areas in the school during Ramadan.
The KHDA also called on schools to plan activities for staff, parents and students to raise awareness about Ramadan and its important role.
