Dubai Schools Adapt to Ramadan with Changes
Dubai Schools Adjust to Ramadan: Changing Exam Schedules and New Assessment Methods
In 2025, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1st, coinciding with the end-of-second-trimester exams for many schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). School administrations have accordingly adjusted assessment systems to ensure the comfort and academic development of students during this sacred month.
Preliminary Exams and New Assessment Forms
International curriculum schools in Dubai, such as the GEMS Cambridge International School, have decided to conduct mock exams for grades 11 to 13 before Ramadan. For lower grades, there will be no official exams in the second trimester; instead, emphasis will be placed on research-based learning projects and classroom assessments. According to the school leadership, this decision was communicated to parents in a timely manner, and they received positive feedback.
Exams in the third trimester will proceed as usual, maintaining continuous tracking of student performance.
Grade-Dependent Exam Schedule
Schools operating under the Indian curriculum, such as the Regent Gulf Indian High School, are adopting different strategies. Exams for grades 9 and 11 will be completed before Ramadan to prepare students for the year-end exams. Exams for grades 1 to 8 begin on February 24th, with appropriate breaks implemented for students. The evaluation of preschoolers will continue as it has throughout the year.
School administrations assured parents that exams will take place during the usual teaching periods in line with government regulations.
Impact of Shorter Teaching Days
Teaching days are shortened during Ramadan, posing challenges for educational institutions. GEMS International School – Al Khail, for example, has planned the academic year to minimize potential disruptions. Mock exams for grade 12 are scheduled to be completed by February 21st, giving students adequate preparation time.
The school leadership emphasized that continuous assessment helps students maintain their academic performance during Ramadan while respecting religious obligations.
Curriculum and Educational Strategy Adjustment
The head of Cambridge High School – Abu Dhabi stated that continuous assessments, including project work, quizzes, and unit tests, are applied for lower grades instead of traditional end-of-term exams. Standardized assessments in core subjects are held before Ramadan to monitor student progress.
Mock exams for grades 11 and 13 will proceed as originally planned, with minor timing adjustments to align with the Ramadan schedule.
Support and Supplementary Resources for Students
Schools are paying special attention to student well-being during the sacred month. Institutions provide online resources and additional learning opportunities for students who may find daytime concentration challenging.
Teachers offer personalized support, especially for students preparing for exams. Institutions encourage parents and students to contact homeroom teachers, counselors, or school leadership if they have any questions or concerns.
Summary
This year, UAE schools adopt a flexible and thoughtful approach to exams and assessments during Ramadan. Educational institutions aim to respect religious traditions while ensuring smooth academic development for students.
