UAE students will attend online classes every Friday during Ramadan under ministry initiative/Representative Image
As Ramadan approaches, the UAE is once again reshaping the school week. Public school students across the country will study from home every Friday during the holy month, as part of a renewed effort to bring families closer while keeping lessons on track.
Second consecutive year of the initiative
The UAE’s Ministry of Education announced on Thursday, that distance learning will be implemented on Fridays throughout Ramadan for students enrolled in government schools. This marks the second consecutive year the initiative has been introduced.The programme, titled “Ramadan with Family”, is designed to give pupils additional time at home while ensuring academic continuity. By adjusting the school schedule at the end of each week, the ministry aims to align learning with the social and spiritual rhythms of Ramadan.Under the arrangement, students will study remotely from home every Friday during the fasting month.
Balancing education with wellbeing
According to the ministry, the measure forms part of broader Ramadan adjustments to the academic calendar. The objective is to balance educational requirements with students’ wellbeing and family life during the holy month.Officials have previously noted that flexible arrangements during Ramadan can help improve student focus and better support household routines, particularly during fasting hours. Reducing commuting time is also seen as a way to ease daily pressures on families.The initiative also comes in line with the Year of the Family, reinforcing the government’s wider emphasis on strengthening family bonds and community cohesion.
On-site staff and optional in-person attendance
While students will shift to remote learning on Fridays, teaching and educational staff will continue to work on-site at schools.The ministry has clarified that parents who prefer their children to attend classes in person will be given that option. However, parents or guardians will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from school on those days.This approach allows families to choose what best suits their circumstances while maintaining operational continuity within schools.
Comprehensive guidance and enrichment activities
To support the initiative, the Ministry of Education will issue a comprehensive guidance handbook. The manual will contain integrated educational and enrichment activities drawn directly from the school curriculum.These activities are intended to:
- Support students’ academic progress
- Reinforce the values of the holy month
- Strengthen family engagement
- Enhance students’ sense of community
In addition, a detailed guidance manual will outline joint educational and developmental activities derived from the curriculum, ensuring that remote learning remains structured and purposeful.By combining flexible scheduling with curriculum-based enrichment, the ministry aims to maintain academic standards while giving students meaningful opportunities to engage with their families during Ramadan.
