Public school pupils around the UAE will study from home on Fridays during the month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Education has announced.
The authority said distance learning will be in effect at government-run schools as part of the "Ramadan with the Family" initiative.
The strategy, which was also in place last year, aims to allow families to spend more time together during the holy month.
Last year, private schools in Dubai were given the option to switch to remote learning on Fridays during Ramadan.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority – the emirate's private education regulator – announced Ramadan school times this week, but did not say if distance learning would be in effect on Fridays.
It said the school day could not exceed five hours and on Fridays must conclude by 11.30am.
Championing family values in holy month
The public school move will also be a boost to worshippers attending Friday prayers during Ramadan, allowing them to devote more time to their faith and give greater opportunity for them to attend mosques with their children and other young relatives.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat moved traditional prayer times from 1.15pm to 12.45pm from January 2, to coincide with 2026 being the UAE's Year of the Family.
Schools and kindergartens around the Emirates switched to an earlier finishing time of 11.30am on Fridays from January 9 in response to the decision.
Ramadan draws near
Ramadan is expected to begin in the UAE on Thursday, February 19, although its exact starting date is to be confirmed by the country's moon-sighting committee.
For people living in the UAE, Ramadan includes shortened working and school hours, themed decorations and light fixtures illuminating the streets, and marquees set up outside hotels or restaurants.
Supermarkets tend to get busier as people stock up on staples for iftar (the meal to end the day's fasting) and food donations.
For fasting Muslims, the holy month is about more than abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, and represents a complete mindset shift, change in routine and a chance for deep reflection, practising patience and focusing on good deeds and intentions.
Muslims are required to increase their piety, charitable work and avoid negative habits – such as smoking or gossiping – and environments not conducive to mindfulness and proper conduct.
