Eid Al Adha break: UAE schools confirm holiday plans and flexibility
While there is some flexibility in the academic calendar within deadlines, school leaders have stated it remains mostly non-negotiable as the UAE gears for Eid al Adha holidays in May.
The update comes as parents and students grow increasingly nervous about any changes to this Eid break from the schedule. With schools that must walk the line between cultural observance and academic recovery and continuity, education authorities and principals across curricula are clarifying how the holidays will be managed.
This comes after distractions due to the US- Israel-Iran war, now in an extended ceasefire --> Schools are focusing on smooth reintegration for students back in Face to face learning.
While Eid is still an important cultural moment, leaders have said enhancing wellbeing support and evidence-led academic catch-up plans when pupils return to classrooms remains the priority for now.
How the system works
Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, who was explaining the way it really works in practice, said schools have some leeway within the framework of the calendar.
And for up to three additional days of leave, principals have discretion. He said: "If Eid holidays are officially declared for from Monday to Wednesday (3 days) and the weekend in Sharjah is Friday, Saturday and Sunday (3 days), to make it a full week break, Thursday has to be declared a holiday -- on its which SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority) should then informed.
And he cautioned that these decisions would need to be weighed against concerns about the integrity of instruction overall and into the future, how schools might make up for lost teaching.
“Avoiding learning gaps is essential. Schools may have to come up with back-to-back measures like Saturday classes or slightly increase the duration of school hours after getting the approval from SPEA.
Focus on wellbeing and academic continuity
As for the international schools sector, it does not expect any calendar changes with the Eid but recognises how important it is to many students and families across Dubai and the UAE.
Kenny Duncan, Principal, Nord Anglia International School Dubai (NAS Dubai), said: "The academic calendar will remain unchanged and we do not expect any amendments or changes to be made around scheduled dates. Eid should be viewed as an opportunity, from a cultural and religious perspective, to reflect and celebrate, and be thankful for the unity with which we have been together in all of our emirates during difficult times."
He also said that learning continuity and student wellbeing remains an important priority as schools end their transition to onsite teaching.
Ms Phillips said: "For the vast majority of our students their learning has gone on without a hitch and that is because of our high quality online provision and the professionalism and experience of our teaching staff. Our main priority right now is to individually assess whether every child has what they need for their safe, happy and most importantly successful return to school; where they feel safe, secure, included and valued in all that they do”
As schools gear for the rest of this term, Duncan reiterated the outlook on emotional and academic preparedness–a key part of the readiness message as outlined here.
The whole (school) team is together in achieving this transition for all of our children as they come back into school and that in-person (teaching and learning) is able to continue throughout the rest of the term. The wellbeing, welfare and mental health of our children is at the forefront of everything we do now, alongside keeping their academic progress continuing. This gives us abundant time to redo the learning journey of each child, before we head for the Eid holiday in May.
Exam readiness and structured revision in focus
In schools which have examination cohorts, especially those following the Indian curriculum, the focus is on academic readiness and closure of learning gaps before high-stakes assessments.
Shining Star International School principal Abhilasha Singh said: "We are prioritising core learning outcomes at our school, reconsolidating clarity on exam preparedness for Class 10 candidates, many of whom would be taking the next stage of board exams,” likely between May 15 and June 1.
During this period, supported structured learning and digital continuity measures still form an essential part of the three-legged stool, she said.
As a part of structured revision plans and utilizing data-driven instruction to close learning gaps. We are also facilitating online continuity for some students through digital platforms, those enrolled in Out of School hours programs with guided assignments, and relevant reinforcement strategies during the school holiday period.
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