More than 60 Dubai schools to close on Sunday to mark Diwali

Pupils will be granted a long weekend to enjoy the Indian festival of lights

Dozens of Dubai schools will remain closed on Sunday in celebration of Diwali.

Dozens of schools across Dubai will close on Sunday to allow families to celebrate Diwali.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the emirate's private schools regulator, confirmed that 62 schools were granted permission to provide a long weekend for staff and pupils.

Cambridge International School Dubai and Gems Our Own English High School Dubai are among the schools to stay shut, while The Millenium School in Al Qusais will be not reopen until Tuesday.

At Gems Dubai American Academy, pupils will be going home at noon on Sunday.

Gems Millenium School Sharjah and Gems Our Own English High School, also in Sharjah, have also announced a day off on Sunday to mark the festival.

The extra day's break from the classroom comes immediately after the half-term holidays.

During Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, families decorate their houses with candles and lights, organise prayer ceremonies at their homes and make and distribute sweets.

Millions of Indians who reside in the UAE pay homage to age-old traditions and family customs for the colourful festival.

A wide variety of events have been organised across the Emirates to recognise the event.

A spectacular firework show will be held at Palm Jumeirah waterfront leisure destination, The Pointe, on Saturday while the skies above Dubai Creek will be lit up by a dazzling display on Sunday.

Yas Island theme park Ferrari World is hosting a series of celebrations until November 2.

Even schools remaining open throughout Sunday will be getting in on the fun, with pupils at

Horizon School Dubai donning traditional Indian clothes to mark the occasion.

The Diwali festival is held over five days, with Sunday being the focal point of celebrations.