Some schools in Dubai have chosen to start later in the morning so that pupils, especially teenagers, can get more sleep.
Pupils in the UAE typically need to arrive at school between 7am and 7.30am, meaning they often need to wake up between 5.30am to 6.30am, depending on start and travel time.
Head teachers of schools that have backed a later start said they have seen pupils' punctuality, attendance and well-being improve after they got some extra sleep.
We have seen an increase in the number of pupils opting for extracurricular activities since the later start
Rebecca Coulter,
principal at Dubai British School
When Bloom World Academy opened its doors in August 2022, it was one of the first schools in the city to operate a 9am to 4pm school day, with lessons getting under way more than an hour after most schools in the emirate.
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park moved start times from 7.30am to 8.15am in August 2022.
Rebecca Coulter, principal at the school, said she had received feedback that classes were starting too early and, after consulting parents, decided to go for a later start.
“Everyone was struggling with that early start. We've been more creative with how we use the time within the school day, so we have played around with the lesson, break and lunch times,” said Ms Coulter.
“We have seen a positive impact on our pupils' well-being, particularly with high-school pupils.
“There is a lot of research on the brains of teenagers and the optimal time for children to come to school — that played a part. We took evidence and input from pupils.
“We have seen an increase in the number of pupils opting for extra-curricular activities since the later start.”
The school day is now from 8.15am to 3.30pm.
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The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that not getting enough sleep is common among high school pupils and is associated with health risks such as obesity, use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, as well as poor academic performance.
The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends middle and high schools to start at 8.30am or later to ensure pupils get enough sleep.
Jumeira Baccalaureate School shifted their school day to a later start in August 2021 and has already seen punctuality improve.
Earlier, pupils had to be in school by 7.30 and the first lesson would start at 7.45am, but as of August 2021, pupils have to be in school for an 8.15am start and their first lesson is at 8.30am.
Younger pupils finish at 2.50pm while those in grades 11 and 12 finish the school day at 3.30pm.
Erika Elkady, vice principal at the school, said the initiative was meant to boost well-being by allowing children to get more sleep.
“The Dubai Student Well-being census data showed that sleep was actually quite a worry and that pupils were not getting enough sleep,” she said.
She added that some pupils thought they could catch on sleep at the weekend and stay up late on weeknights.
“Research shows that sleep is extremely important for development,” she said.
“We get feedback from parents saying that they start the day so much calmer. There is no rush and no chaos in the house, and they can have breakfast as a family.”
The schools had to receive permission from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority before they could change their schedules.
Punctuality and attendance improved at the school
Ms Elkady said pupils who were sleep-deprived were often cranky and would get into arguments.
“We started to look into sleep research and what we could do better, and that's why we decided to start later,” she said.
“We feel that there is actually a huge improvement in punctuality data, there is an improvement in attendance data and in our behaviour management.”
For Khadeeja AlShirawi, a grade 11 Emirati pupil at Jumeira Baccalaureate School, a later start means she can have breakfast with family and pray before starting the day.
“I remember not wanting to wake up in the morning because it was too early, and I might have had to complete a couple of assignments before I went to bed,” she said.
“I would come to school tired and not really properly focused on my classes.
“I think now, with this later timing, I feel more energetic. When I wake up, I have time to maybe do a couple of things at home before I can leave for school.
“I think overall, my energy, the way that I interact with my peers and teachers, it's much more positive than it was.”
The pupil added that the later start had helped her improve her sleep schedule.
“I feel much less drowsy than I used to. Sometimes I would feel so tired and would have to take a nap after school,” she said.
“But now I feel like I have the energy to complete everything, and my sleep schedule isn't all over the place.”
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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
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Price: From Dh590,000
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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
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Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
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Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
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Band Aid
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3 (Sterling 46', De Bruyne 65', Gundogan 70')
Aston Villa 0
Red card: Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
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MATCH INFO
RB Leipzig 2 (Klostermann 24', Schick 68')
Hertha Berlin 2 (Grujic 9', Piatek 82' pen)
Man of the match Matheus Cunha (Hertha Berlin
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
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5pm: Dubai Real Estate Centre – (TB) Handicap Dh64,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Lahmoom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The biog
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