Students in Dubai are set to enjoy a prolonged three-week break in March, coinciding with the Holy month of Ramadan and followed by the eagerly anticipated Eid Al Fitr holidays. This news comes as institutions prepare to close for either the spring or end-of-term break around this period.
As per the Hijri calendar published on the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) website, Ramadan is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. According to the Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) website, private schools in Dubai, which commence their academic year in September, will observe a break from Monday, March 25, to Monday, April 15, 2024.
The extended holiday period, spanning an additional week beyond the usual two-week break, is due to the expected Eid Al Fitr festival, which may fall on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. However, the exact dates will depend on the sighting of the moon. If Eid Al Fitr does occur during this period, Dubai could potentially observe holidays from Monday, April 8, to Friday, April 12, resulting in a nine-day break for families.
Principals of various schools have explained that this extended break could mean at least three weeks of holidays for certain year groups. Mohammedali Kottakulam, Principal of Gulf Indian High School Dubai, stated in a Khaleej Times report, “Our annual exams are scheduled to end by March 14, and the new academic year 2024-25 will begin from April 1, 2024.”
It’s important to note that schools have some flexibility with their calendars as long as they meet the required minimum number of school days, which is 188 days for the Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum and 182 days for the international curriculum.
Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal of Credence High School, said, “The last working day for our students of PreKG to Grade 8 is March 18, concluding with their final exams. Our Grade 9 and 11 students will continue school until March 22 with bridge classes for their next academic grade. Younger children will enjoy a full two-week break from March 19 until March 29 for Ramadan and will commence their new academic session 2024-2025 on April 1.”
Steven Lupton, Principal of Repton Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of the extended break, stating, “This pause allows students to fully immerse themselves in the significance of the Holy month, participate in religious observances, and spend quality time with their families.” Lupton added, “ADEK has confirmed that the spring break will also include the Eid Al Fitr holiday, allowing students to actively participate in the religious and cultural activities associated with this Holy month.”
School heads also pointed out that most international curriculum schools will conclude internal assessments for Term 2 before the start of Ramadan. External examinations for this academic year are scheduled to begin at the end of April, with the IBDP testing window lasting for about four weeks, and the A-Level and GCSE examinations taking place in May and June. All other internal exams will occur during May and June for the final term, well after the return from the extended spring break.
It’s worth noting that as per the KHDA, “All private schools can only tentatively communicate public holidays (like Eid) to parents and confirm them once declared by the UAE government authority.” Sarah O’Regan, Principal/CEO of GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, mentioned that April 8 will no longer be a school day for students, but rather a ‘Professional Development Day’ for staff only. She added that the remaining days of that week are likely to be Eid al Fitr, dependent on the official Moon Sighting Committee’s confirmation.