Ramadan in Dubai: How schools will implement remote learning on Fridays

Khaleej Times

06-03-2025

Some schools in Dubai are all set to introduce remote learning on Fridays during Ramadan.
Last week, several private schools in the city confirmed their preparedness for allowing remote learning on Fridays throughout the holy month. Some schools have also conducted surveys to gauge parents' readiness for the hybrid learning model.
Jeremy Hallum, Principal/CEO, GEMS Metropole School – Al Waha, said, 'We have taken the opportunity to offer remote learning on Fridays throughout the holy month. For those opting for remote learning, students will have asynchronous online learning, meaning lessons and assignments will be uploaded onto our digital platforms.'
For those attending school in person, institutions will continue to operate as usual, with students learning on-site with their teachers.
'This flexibility allows families to choose the option that best suits their needs,' added Hallum. 'Instead of a survey, we have requested parents to simply inform us if they wish to opt for asynchronous online learning.'
Several schools expressed their readiness with operating an asynchronous online learning approach.
Hallum added, 'Our students are also familiar with the process and know how to access learning as well as the importance of completing all activities set.'
Pre-recorded lessons, activities
School leaders emphasised that feedback from families shows strong appreciation for the option to choose between attending school in person or learning online.
Lisa Johnson, Principal, American Academy for Girls, said, 'We are fully prepared to implement the directive to offer online learning on Fridays during Ramadan because our teachers had already spent the past month pre-recording lessons and activities for the entire month.
'We recognise that fasting and late-night family events may present challenges to perfect attendance. While we are rewarding students who achieve it, we are also providing flexibility and support for those who need it.'
Engaging lesson videos during Ramadan
Principals stressed that their lesson catalogue ensures that absent students not only receive high-quality instruction but can also access to content if they may want to review the lessons after ending their fast.
She added, 'Our School Advisory Board was consulted to ensure our plan best meets the needs of our families. While we have not conducted a formal parent survey, we have received positive feedback from both parents and students, who have found the supplementary learning videos to be very helpful. All staff will be on campus on Fridays to provide support, ensuring students have access to assistance whether they are in school or learning remotely.'
Johnson said to enhance the quality of online instruction, teachers have participated in mini trainings on creating engaging lesson videos, embedding questions and quizzes to boost student interaction.
Simon Herbert, Head of School/CEO, GEMS International School – Al Khail, said, 'We surveyed our parents to determine how many wishes to take advantage of remote learning on Fridays, and they were quick to answer. The majority of our students will be continuing to attend school in person, with approximately 17 per cent opting for online learning.
He added, 'We know that for younger children, in particular, online learning can be challenging, but our experienced staff are used to providing a variety of resources to engage all learners and ensure continuity of learning.'