Government Announces Few Days Ramadan Holiday Across Schools and Offices

Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar. It is a month of fasting, prayers, reflection, and spending time with family. Every year, countries with large Muslim populations adjust their daily routines to make it easier for students and employees to observe the holy month. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for taking practical steps to make Ramadan comfortable for everyone, especially students. In 2026, schools in the UAE have announced special changes to the school schedule to help students balance learning and observing Ramadan.

Shorter School Days During Ramadan

During Ramadan, fasting can make long school hours difficult for students. To address this, schools in the UAE will introduce shorter school days. This means students will spend fewer hours in classrooms compared to regular school days. Shorter hours help students maintain energy, concentrate better in class, and have time to rest and pray.

Most schools will start classes later in the morning. For example, regular school might start at 7:30 AM, but during Ramadan, classes may begin between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. This small change allows students more rest in the morning, which is helpful while fasting. Schools will also end classes earlier in the day, usually finishing around midday or early afternoon.

12-Day Ramadan Holiday

One of the biggest changes for Ramadan 2026 is the announcement of a 12-day school holiday. This holiday usually comes toward the middle or end of Ramadan, overlapping slightly with the spring holiday in some schools. The break gives students and teachers more time to focus on family, community events, and spiritual activities.

During this period, students will not be required to attend school. The 12-day break provides a chance for students to rest, celebrate Ramadan, and prepare for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday. It also helps parents plan family activities without worrying about missing school or lessons.

The combination of shorter school days and the 12-day holiday ensures that students do not miss out on their learning while still benefiting from time to focus on religious and personal activities.

Why These Changes Are Important

The UAE government and school authorities understand that Ramadan can be challenging for students. Fasting, combined with regular school routines, can be tiring. By adjusting school hours and providing a holiday, schools aim to make Ramadan more manageable.

The changes serve several purposes:

Support students physically and mentally: Fasting can be exhausting, and shorter school days reduce fatigue.
Encourage family and community time: Ramadan is a month for spending time with family and helping others, and the holiday allows for this.
Maintain educational progress: Even with reduced hours, schools ensure that students cover important lessons and learning objectives.
Promote spiritual engagement: Students can participate more in prayers, Quran reading, and other religious activities without feeling stressed about school.

These steps reflect the UAE’s approach to balancing education with cultural and religious values, making life easier for both students and parents during the holy month.

How the School Calendar Works

During Ramadan 2026, the school calendar will be slightly different from a normal month. Here is a general outline of what students can expect:

First Week: Schools begin shorter hours to help students adjust to fasting while still attending classes.
Second and Third Weeks: The short-day schedule continues, keeping learning consistent but manageable.
Mid-to-Late Ramadan: Most schools will observe the 12-day holiday. Students and teachers will take a break, allowing time for family, worship, and community activities.
After Ramadan: Schools resume regular classes after the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

This schedule ensures that students are not overwhelmed, can observe Ramadan properly, and still keep up with their studies. The mix of shorter days and a long holiday gives a balanced approach to education and personal life.

Tips for Students and Parents

Following these changes, students and parents may want to plan carefully to make the most of Ramadan 2026. Here are some useful tips:

Check exact school hours: Different schools may have slightly different start and end times. Make sure to know your school’s schedule.
Plan meals carefully: Students who are fasting should eat a healthy Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) to maintain energy throughout the day.
Manage study time: Use free hours during the holiday or shorter days to complete homework and revise lessons.
Maintain a sleep routine: Fasting can affect sleep, so students should try to get enough rest each night.
Engage in spiritual activities: Encourage children to spend time reading the Quran, praying, and reflecting on the month’s teachings.
Organize family time: Ramadan is a good time for family bonding. Use holidays and shorter school days to spend quality time together.

These tips help ensure that students can balance learning, fasting, and personal life during Ramadan.

Health and Wellbeing During Ramadan

Adjusting school hours is not just about convenience. Fasting affects students’ energy levels, concentration, and overall wellbeing. With shorter school days and holidays, students are less likely to feel tired or stressed. Teachers also benefit from this arrangement, as they can provide lessons effectively without overworking themselves.

Parents are encouraged to monitor children’s nutrition and rest. Eating balanced meals during Suhoor and Iftar, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are key to staying healthy during Ramadan. Schools may also provide guidance on exercise and light activity for students while fasting.

Benefits of Ramadan School Adjustments

The changes in UAE schools bring several advantages:

Students get more time to rest while fasting.
Families can plan activities together during the holiday.
Students can engage in spiritual and community activities.
Schools maintain educational standards despite reduced hours.
Overall stress for students, teachers, and families is lowered.

By keeping the focus on both education and wellbeing, the UAE’s school system provides a supportive environment for all students.

Preparing for Ramadan 2026

To make the most of the Ramadan 2026 school schedule, students and parents can plan ahead. Here are some suggestions:

Review the school calendar and highlight important dates.
Plan academic work in advance to avoid last-minute pressure.
Include time for family, friends, and community activities in daily routines.
Keep communication open with teachers to ensure students stay on track with lessons.
Encourage children to balance schoolwork, fasting, and rest effectively.

These preparations can help students have a productive and enjoyable Ramadan while staying healthy and focused.

Conclusion

The UAE’s school adjustments for Ramadan 2026 are designed to support students, parents, and teachers. With shorter school days and a 12-day holiday, students can observe fasting, spend time with family, and participate in spiritual activities while continuing their education.

These changes demonstrate a thoughtful approach to balancing academic progress with cultural and religious practices. Students are given the opportunity to experience Ramadan fully while maintaining their learning and wellbeing. Families, too, benefit from the holiday and shorter school days, allowing them to enjoy quality time together during this special month.

Overall, the 2026 Ramadan school schedule in the UAE ensures that education, health, and spiritual growth can all coexist harmoniously.