DUBAI - Private and international schools can use their discretion on remaining closed up to 12 days for the UAE National Day and Eid Al Adha, the Ministry of Education confirmed on Tuesday.
Most private schools are planning to close for 12 days, instead of the possible eight days, and reopen on December 14.
“Schools do not have to follow what schools under the ministry are doing. They can decide depending on their academic calendar and plan,” Fouzia Badri, CEO of Education Affairs, told Khaleej Times.
The ministry’s decision to keep schools closed from December 2 and reopen on December 14 binds only public and private schools, kindergartens and adult learning centres that follow the ministry’s curriculum.
“Private and international schools are free to do what they want. It is the decision of individual schools and they have the right to take eight or 12 days off,” said Rashid Lakraibani Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Ministry of Education.
Many schools, on the other hand, have decided to follow the ministry’s 12-day holiday decision. “We are reopening on November 14 in line with the ministry’s decision. All Pakistani schools in Dubai have agreed to follow the same opening day,” said Asma Malik, principal of His Highness Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School, Dubai.
Arab Unity School that follows the international curriculum and the Indian High School that follows the Indian curriculum have also opted for the 12-day holiday.
Gems network of schools, on the other hand, said the decision would be made on Wednesday after consulting other stakeholders.
Schools, however, will have to compensate for the holidays at the end of the academic year.
preeti@khaleejtimes.com