UAE announces distance learning for public school students during Ramadan on Fridays
UAE's Ministry of Education has launched the 'Ramadan with the Family' initiative for public school students.
Under the initiative, Friday of each week during the month of Ramadan will be designated as a day for distance learning, with the exception of students whose exam schedules have been approved for Fridays during the holy month.
The Ministry has circulated a guide that includes a number of student activities in partnership with parents, with the aim of promoting a supportive Ramadan and family atmosphere.
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Al Etihad
12 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Strict ministry guidelines for UAE students starting final exams this week
8 June 2025 23:53 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)With Eid Al-Adha celebrations now over, students across the UAE are set to put their knowledge to the test during the upcoming final exam session from June 10 until June 19. Targeting Grade 3-12 students, the centralised end-of-term assessments for the Academic Year 2024-2025 will be held at all public and private schools that follow the standard national curriculum issued by the Ministry of to the ministry, the final assessment results will be announced between June 30 and July 2, coinciding with the start of the summer break. Students who do not achieve passing grades will be eligible for a resit session from July 4 to 10, the results of which will be announced on July 14. Exam Guidelines The Ministry of Education has put forth a set of legally binding guidelines to ensure the integrity, transparency and efficiency of the exam process, urging students, parents and educators to abide by its instructions and to the guidelines, the exams for Grade 3 and 4 students will be paper-based, with mandatory in-person attendance at designated test venues. Grade 5-12 students will undergo both electronic and paper-based exams, depending on the subject and academic track, with physical attendance also are required to bring their personal laptops to complete the electronic portion of the exam. If a student doesn't have their own device or faces technical difficulties during the assessment, they can either complete their exams using school-provided devices (if available) or request an offline remote exams are generally not allowed, the ministry listed a series of exemptions, all of which have to be approved by the school administration prior to the assessment day. This includes people of determination who cannot sit for the exam physically; students who are receiving medical treatment outside or inside the country; students who are outside the country with a justified reason; and students in juvenile Ministry of Education has made it clear that teachers are not permitted to read central exam questions aloud to students, with the exception of those in Grade 3. In these instances, teachers may read the questions verbatim but are strictly prohibited from offering any explanation or hints to maintain fairness and ensure exam integrity. Exam Schedule Grade 12 students in the General, Advanced, and Elite streams will kick off their exams with Physics on June 10. English follows on June 11, then Islamic Education on June 12, Chemistry on June 13, Mathematics on June 16, Arabic on June 17, Social Studies on June 18, and Biology on June 19. Meanwhile, students in the Applied stream will start with Applied Science on June 10 and wrap up with Social Studies on June 18. For students in Grades 3 to 9, Science will be the first subject on their schedule, while Grade 9-11 students in the Advanced stream will begin with Grade 12 English exam will take place electronically in a timed writing format on a secure platform. Chemistry exams come with additional resources: students in the General and Advanced streams will be provided with printed periodic tables, while those in the Elite stream will access a digital version through the SwiftAssess are expected to arrive at the designated test venues at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam to collect their entry cards. Those who arrive more than 15 minutes late will be barred from entering the examination schools across the Emirates have also reminded parents to follow dismissal rules during the end-of-year exams, requiring students who leave in private vehicles to carry an official exit permit each need to print and sign the pre-approved permit form provided by the school and attach a recent passport photo of their child. Without this permit, students may face delays or be unable to leave the premises. Cheating and Disciplinary Measures Cheating in any form, whether through digital tools, social media, unauthorised materials, or traditional methods, is strictly prohibited under the Ministry of Education's latest examination guidelines. Any attempt to leak exam questions, use unauthorised devices, or communicate during exams is considered a serious violation. These rules apply not only to students but also to school staff and anyone else involved in breaching exam consequences for students start with behavioural score deductions and may escalate to a zero grade in one or more subjects for repeated offences. In more serious cases, students may be referred to behavioural assessment programmes, and schools may summon parents or guardians for formal discussions. Examination staff found violating regulations face disciplinary actions ranging from official warnings and pay deductions to dismissal or referral to legal ministry has also issued strict warnings against bringing electronic devices into exam halls, sharing information via social media, or using signals or gestures to communicate with peers. The use of printed or digital cheat materials is explicitly support enforcement, the ministry has urged students, staff, and parents to report violations through dedicated official channels, including a toll-free number, e-mail address, and an online reporting measures are reinforced by Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2023, which outlines legal penalties for individuals other than students who tamper with exams or assist in cheating. Offenders may face fines of up to Dh200,000, potential closure of involved businesses, confiscation of equipment, and even court-ordered community service. The law also requires all educational institutions to implement strict conduct regulations and disciplinary frameworks, with clear procedures for investigations and appeals. Resits and Appeals For Grades 3-11, all final scores are entered into the gradebook out of 100, while Grade 12 results are presented in letter grades and percentages. Subjects are divided into two groups - A (core subjects) and B (non-core). For Group A subjects, students must achieve at least 60 marks to achieve a passing grade, while Group B subjects are not included in the student's final who do not meet the pass mark in any Group A subject are eligible for a resit exam, which covers only core subjects. For Grade 12, this includes Arabic, Islamic Education, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, Physics, and one resit attempt is allowed, and failure to pass results in repeating the academic year. Students may also submit grade review requests for up to three Group A subjects, but only for the paper-based portion of the final scores are also marked out of 100, but final results are capped — 50 for Grade 4 and Cycle 2 students, and 60 for Cycle 3 — so that students with strong year-round performance maintain a distinction. The capped score becomes the student's final annual score in that subject. Exam Preparation Guidelines for Schools The Ministry of Education has instructed public schools to implement a comprehensive, five-stage plan to prepare for end-of-term examinations for the 2024–2025 academic plan calls for comfortable and properly equipped exam rooms with good lighting, working air conditioning, and seating that gives students enough privacy. There's also a strong focus on offering psychological support, especially for students of determination and those dealing with anxiety. In terms of logistics, the process includes downloading exam papers from central platforms, checking that technical systems and student data are accurate, and training teachers in electronic invigilation and marking. Schools are also expected to have contingency plans ready in case any technical issues or unexpected problems come up. To keep everything running smoothly, each school is forming specialist teams to handle different aspects of the exams. These include technical support staff, data handlers, exam coordinators, committee supervisors, and safety officers. Separate teams will also manage the printing and verification of papers for exceptional cases.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharing stories, sweets: How UAE expats use Eid as a time to reconnect with family
As the light of dawn broke over Dubai, families across the city began their day with anticipation, wearing their best clothes to celebrate one of the most beloved mornings of the year — Eid Al Adha. Among them was Shehna Mansoor, a Dubai resident, who made her way to New Generation School (NGS) in Barsha with her husband, children, and mother, all together for the Eid prayers — a moment of faith and tradition. 'It was the first time we have attended Eid prayers at this place,' she said. 'It was a great community experience where I met a lot of friends and family members. My kids had Eid treats from the ice cream truck. There were children and families handing out little goodie bags. It was a really great start to my Eid.' The atmosphere at NGS was vibrant, filled with familiar faces and laughter. At the center of this yearly gathering stood Sheikh Ayaz Housee, the long-time Imam of NGS. 'We have built a family here and we get anywhere between 500 to 1200 people every Eid,' he said. 'We serve karak and some snacks. There are bouncy castles for children to play at.' Extended family getting together Syrian expat Aiham Joratli, a resident of Al Ain, made the long drive to Sharjah with his wife, Samar Razuk, and their children to attend a special family gathering. 'Today, we're driving to my uncle's house in Sharjah for a big family reunion,' he said. 'Relatives from across the Emirates, as well as family members flying in from Saudi Arabia and the UK, will be joining us. There will be around 30 of us gathering under one roof.' He said, 'the day will be full of joy and togetherness, hopefully. We'll all have lunch together, catch up, and spend some quality time. Later in the evening, we plan to head to a mall in Dubai, where we'll continue the celebrations with dinner at a nice restaurant,' he added. The feast will feature a spread of traditional Syrian delicacies, including sweet treats like Ka'ik and Ma'amoul, as well as savory dishes such as Mahashi and Kibbeh. 'It's not just about the food; it's about reconnecting, sharing stories, and making memories,' Joratli added. Parents visiting This Eid is especially meaningful for Shukri Deria, as her mother is visiting UAE this year. The American expat who is originally from Somalia, said: 'We headed to the pray early this morning, around 5.30am. The sky was just beginning to lighten up. It was so peaceful. After offering our prayers, we waited for the restaurants to open. As soon as they did, we treated ourselves to a warm, hearty breakfast. It felt especially rewarding, as it is a special day." 'Now we're back home, resting for a while. Later, we'll head over to my cousin's house for our usual family lunch. Meeting up with friends and family is always heartwarming especially during festive occasions. There are certain family stories that never get old. "What makes today extra special is that my mom is here with us, this Eid. This adds extra warmth and presence to everything. It's the kind of day that feels both simple and unforgettable. This Eid is truly special,' added Deria. Nostalgic times Similarly, Sharjah resident Majd Ali Al Khatib said, 'Today, I woke up before sunrise, around 5.30 am, so I got ready and headed to Eid prayer by 5.45 am. That moment, standing in prayer with everyone, was incredibly special and meaningful to me. After the prayer, we all congratulated one another and passed around sweets to share.' Feeling nostalgic, she pointed out that back at home in Syria, they usually have coffee with dates or traditional Eid sweets. 'When we were young, the whole family gathered at my grandparents' house either for brunch or lunch. It used to be the most cherished meal of the year for us, and it still is.' 'My children are always the most excited; they wear their new clothes, eat plenty of sweets, get Eidiyah (Eid money) from the adults, and play together all day. In the afternoon, relatives started arriving to visit and offer their Eid greetings. It really is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family, breaking the monotony of everyday life.'
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Eid Al Adha prayers in 'hidden' mosque in Abu Dhabi bring community to life
With the first rays of sunlight, the lengthy yard behind high-rises in Mina Street in Abu Dhabi to life. Men in traditional clothing, women in colourful abayas, and children clinging to parents or zipping by on scooters gathered for Eid prayers. Prayer mats in hand, the crowd flowed toward a humble neighbourhood mosque nestled between sand and concrete. Some arrived on foot, while others parked their cars hurriedly along the roadside. Once inside, the familiar, soothing voice of the mosque's imam echoed, delivering the Eid sermon and concluding with a heartfelt dua: "May your year be full of health, and may your Eid be blessed." As the prayer ended, some worshippers folded their mats, while others lingered, exchanging warm hugs or snapping photos in the soft, golden light of the morning. Among the early risers was the Siddiqi family: Mohamed and Nilofar, with their three daugjhters, Soha, Amna, and Manal. 'We usually go to the larger mosque on Hamdan Street, but today, we were a little pressed for time, so we came here instead.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Manal, 15, shared a lighthearted recount of the chaos that often marks an Eid morning. "This time, we fell asleep with the lights on! We were just so tired after fasting the day before. Usually, we stay up late, put on henna, prepare for the day... but this time, we all knocked out." Despite their late start, they made it. "We woke up a little over 5am, just in time for prayer," Manal added. Even though we joined a little late, it (still) felt rewarding. After the last tent nights of devotion and reflection, this prayer feels like the spiritual cherry on top. You're with family, starting the day with blessings. It's a really special feeling." The communal spirit of Eid was palpable, not just within families but among friends and even solitary worshippers. Outside the mosque, three brothers stood together, looking sharp in smart shirts and traditional wizars. Mohamed Safith, an IT professional who has lived in Abu Dhabi for nearly three years, was joined by his younger brothers, Tanwir and Abrar, who had traveled from Ajman to spend the day together. "For me, this is the closest I get to celebrating with my family back in India," Safith shared. "This is my sixth Eid away from home. I was in Dubai before, but next year, I hope to bring my family here and pray at the Grand Mosque, insha'Allah." As most worshippers began to disperse and start their celebrations, a few remained behind in quiet reflection. Ramadan Eissa, an Egyptian ceramicist, stayed seated on the mosque's carpeted steps. 'I stay after every dawn prayer to recite dhikr and make dua,' the 41-year-old said. "I pray every Eid at this mosque. It's always packed — sometimes we even pray outside.' This was Eissa's second Eid in the UAE. 'It's not the same as Alexandria, but I still feel the spirit here. I see my neighbours, my friends... it's a blessing." Nearby, Adham Mustafa, also from Egypt, sat quietly on the steps. The 38-year-old salesman explained that he had made sure to stay awake the whole night, determined not to miss Eid prayers this time after he had overslept during Eid Al Fitr. 'Last Eid, I overslept and none of my roommates woke me up,' he shared. I ended up missing the prayer. This time, I didn't take any chances. I stayed up and came straight here.' It was only his second Eid in Abu Dhabi, and he admitted he still doesn't know many people in the area yet. "I prayed, then just sat, hoping to meet someone," he said. "Hopefully, I'll make some friends this Eid."
