UAE Schools Cap Full Classroom Days at Eight During Ramadan

Schools across the UAE will have no more than eight full classroom teaching days during Ramadan, as the term calendar combines weekly holidays, spring break and reduced-hour or remote Fridays to lower on-campus days while maintaining continuity of learning. Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19th, 2026, with educators noting that the academic schedule has been structured to align with existing breaks and assessment periods. Official schedules indicate a total of 12 full holiday days during Ramadan, with six days falling on regular weekly holidays and the final six days coinciding with spring break at the end of the second term. Fridays during the month will either run on very short hours or shift to distance learning, subject to school approvals, further reducing full classroom time. School leaders said they expect the Ministry of Education to reinstate the “Ramadan with the Family” initiative, under which Fridays are designated for remote learning, aligning with the Year of the Family and encouraging productive use of the day through curriculum-linked educational, cultural and religious activities. They added that the remaining non-holiday school days in Ramadan will be largely dedicated to end-of-term assessments. Private schools offering foreign curricula urged parents not to extend travel after the mid-term break, which runs until February 15th, as the first week back coincides with the start of Ramadan and low attendance can disrupt lesson delivery. Schools also confirmed that extracurricular activities and canteen services will be suspended during Ramadan, while water stations will remain available. Parents of non-fasting children were advised to send suitable meals with their children.