Latest news with #YearOfCommunity
Gulf Business
24-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Business
UAE's new school calendar: Term dates, holidays revealed
With the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, Read- The revised calendar sets standardised dates for the beginning and end of the academic year, the conclusion of each term, and term breaks. It will be implemented nationwide across all schools, regardless of curriculum, According to the ministry, the changes are designed to enhance family cohesion and create a more balanced learning environment in alignment with the goals of the 'Year of Community.' Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said the calendar represents a qualitative shift in managing the academic year. 'This unified calendar is part of our national approach to achieving the goals of the 'Year of Community' by fostering a socially connected and balanced educational ecosystem,' she said. She added that consistent holiday dates will also help cultural, tourism, and community organisations align their activities with the academic calendar, reinforcing the connection between education and broader society. Term dates and holiday breaks announced The academic year will begin on August 25, 2025, with the first term ending on December 7, 2025. Students will then enjoy a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025 to January 4, 2026, resuming classes on January 5, 2026. The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, 2026, followed by a two-week spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026. Classes will resume on March 30, except for private schools in Sharjah, where the term resumes on March 23. The third term will begin on March 30 and conclude on July 3, 2026, with Sharjah schools ending one day earlier on July 2. The schedule is designed to provide a balanced academic year that supports student learning and overall well-being. Mid-term breaks and flexibility for private schools The updated calendar also introduces mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government curriculum. These short breaks are intended to reduce academic pressure and promote student wellness. The first mid-term break is scheduled for October 13–19, 2025, during the longest academic term. The second break will take place from February 11–15, 2026, offering students a pause during the winter term. A third break is planned for May 25–31, 2026, aligning with the Eid Al Adha holiday. Private schools not following the national curriculum are allowed to schedule their own October and February breaks, provided each does not exceed five consecutive days and remains within the designated months. These schools are required to align with the national calendar while accommodating their operational needs. The ministry emphasised that all schools must adhere to the approved calendar, including administering final assessments and completing curriculum requirements in the final week of each term. Exceptions apply only to students taking pre-scheduled international exams. Additionally, private schools following the government curriculum must comply with the centralised test calendar used in public schools.
Zawya
24-07-2025
- General
- Zawya
Ministry of Education unveils new school calendar for Academic Year 2025-2026
The revised calendar aims to provide a balanced learning environment in line with the goals of the 'Year of Community' The new calendar introduces mid- term breaks for public and private schools following the government's curriculum United Arab Emirates: With the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a new school calendar for public and private schools across the UAE, effective for academic year 2025-2026. The new school calendar sets unified dates for the start of the Academic Year, end of the three terms and end of term breaks. The calendar applies to all public and private schools nationwide. These updates aim to support family cohesion and provide a balanced learning environment in line with the goals of the 'Year of Community'. Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, highlighted that the new school calendar marks a qualitative shift in managing the academic year, aligning with the Ministry's national approach to achieving the goals of the 'Year of Community' by creating a more balanced and socially connected educational system. Her Excellency Al Amiri added that the calendar now serves as a strategic national tool, reinforcing both educational quality and social cohesion. She also noted that consistent holiday dates will enable community, cultural and tourism entities to align their programmes with the academic schedule, strengthening the link between education and society. Implementation of the calendar begins on 25 August 2025, marking the start of the academic year 2025-2026. The first term will end with a four-week winter break from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with schools resuming on 5 January 2026. This extended break offers students time to recharge after an intensive term and engage in national and community activities. The second term runs from 5 January 2026 through 15 March 2026, followed by a spring break from 16 to 29 March 2026. Schools resume on 30 March 2026, except for private schools in Sharjah, which return on 23 March 2026. The third term starts on 30 March 2026 and ends on 3 July 2026, except in Sharjah, where it ends on 2 July 2026. The schedule ensures a balanced academic year that supports learning and student well-being. The new calendar introduces mid-term breaks for public and private schools following the government's curriculum, offering regular short breaks to ease academic pressure. The first mid- term break runs from 13 to 19 October 2025, an early pause during the longest term. The second break falls between 11 and 15 February 2026, offering students a mid-term recharge. The third break is scheduled from 25 to 31 May 2026, aligning with the Eid Al Adha holiday. These short breaks aim to support students' well-being and strengthen family time throughout the academic year. The Ministry has allowed private schools that do not follow the government's curriculum to schedule mid- term breaks in October and February, with each break not exceeding five consecutive days. These breaks must remain within the specified months and cannot be extended or shifted, ensuring alignment with the national calendar while accommodating schools' operational needs. The MoE stressed that all schools must follow the approved calendar, including holding final assessments or completing curriculum requirements in the last week of each term, to ensure students attend until the last school day. This excludes grades taking pre-scheduled international exams. It also emphasised that private schools following the government's curriculum must adhere to the centralised test calendar used in public schools.
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DGHR organises ‘Community Change Lab' to advance ‘Year of Community' objectives
Dubai: Aligning with the declaration of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, designating 2025 as the 'Year of Community', t he Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), represented by the Strategy and Excellence Department, organised the 'Community Change Lab' initiative. The innovative venture explored proposed mechanisms and solutions to prepare qualified human capital and encourage their participation in both social and institutional ventures, upholding the objectives of the 'Year of Community', aimed at promoting social unity and sustainable development. The lab convened officials from the Community Development Authority, Dubai Women Establishment, and Dubai Sports Council, along with representatives from the private sector and leading experts from various fields. It also facilitated discussions on key themes and showcased high-impact ideas, which can enhance the community's role in fostering integration across diverse social groups. H.E. Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, commended the productive collaboration among relevant government entities for this venture, which aligns with the objectives of the 'Year of Community' as well as DGHR's vision to establish a cohesive institutional framework that promotes harmony and integration within the government system, ultimately benefiting individuals, institutions, and society. H.E. said: 'The 'Year of Community' represents a national call to strengthen social solidarity and cohesion, while expanding community participation in building a prosperous future. We believe that national talents are key drivers of institutional social change and sustainable development. In line with this vision, we have organised the 'Community Change Lab' initiative to develop innovative, actionable solutions based on community-centric innovation. It can also enhance the resilience of our government institutions, creating an environment that empowers individuals to actively engage and contribute to change, supporting Dubai's forward-looking humanitarian and social agenda. This is why we emphasize the importance of the 'Innovation Club' launched by the department as an open platform for all those involved in innovation and development within government institutions. It plays a vital role in empowering their efforts and ambitions to drive positive change and foster a culture of community-driven innovation, ultimately contributing to sustainable development.' The lab focused on four core themes to help forge a more resilient future that embraces positive transformation, welcomes all segments of society, and affirms the role of individuals in advancing sustainable social development, upholding DGHR's visionary goals. These include the Policies and Systems pillar, aimed at developing inclusive policies and legislation, empowering all segments of society, specifically employees, people of determination, women, retirees, and job seekers, while ensuring the sustainability of social impact; the Empowerment and Capacity Building pillar for designing training programs, which can enhance the skills of target groups, enabling their effective participation in community initiatives and supporting institutional integration. In addition, the Digital Empowerment and Artificial Intelligence pillar explored the role of digital solutions and AI technologies in delivering innovative services that promote inclusion and stimulate engagement. Meanwhile, the Social Participation and Partnerships pillar focused on boosting cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as the broader community, to launch innovative ventures which can strengthen social integration, empower women, and support people of determination and retirees through sustainable partnerships. The Community Change Lab served as a unique platform to transform strategic visions into tangible initiatives, aligning with DGHR's innovative approach, which prioritises human capital investment as a means to drive sustainable development. Moreover, the entity's ongoing efforts contribute to empowering all segments of society, including women, people of determination, retirees, and job seekers, while fostering active engagement and strengthening social cohesion.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates Post issues commemorative stamps to celebrate ‘Year of Community'
Dubai, UAE: Emirates Post, the UAE's official postal services provider, has issued a new set of commemorative stamps titled 'Year of Community', in line with the declaration by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, designating 2025 as the ' Year of Community', under the slogan 'Hand in Hand'. The stamps highlight the values championed by this national initiative, which seeks to strengthen social cohesion and promote shared responsibility among all who call the UAE home. This issuance underscores Emirates Post's commitment to documenting the nation's milestones and translating the leadership's visionary directives into tangible initiatives that reinforce national pride and showcase the UAE's role as a global model of coexistence and solidarity. The stamps' design features a series of illustrations that portray the UAE's timeless values, capture the richness of traditions woven within the nation's social fabric, and highlight the strength of family bonds and community solidarity – core principles at the heart of the 'Year of Community' initiative. Through these commemorative stamps, Emirates Post reaffirms its role as a trusted partner and cultural ambassador, highlighting national achievements and sharing UAE's story with the world. The stamps are available for purchase at Emirates Post branches and through the website:
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates Transport honours top students for academic excellence
Dubai – Emirates Transport, the UAE's leading provider of transport, leasing, and logistics services, hosted a special recognition ceremony on Tuesday 15th July 2025 at its Dubai headquarters to celebrate the achievements of four outstanding students. The ceremony was led by Faryal Tawakul, Deputy CEO and Chief School Transport Officer, and formed part of the UAE's Year of Community, a national initiative aimed at fostering unity, empowerment, and social contribution. Titled 'Your Journey, Our Pride – Student Excellence Recognition Program,' the event brought together students, their families, and senior leaders from Emirates Transport for a moment of shared pride and inspiration. The initiative reflects Emirates Transport's longstanding commitment to supporting students through safe, reliable school transportation, as well as its broader mission to contribute to national educational development. Each of the students: Habiba Qudeih, Humaid Adel, Moza Al Mehrezi and Rawdha Al Mansoori were honoured with a certificate, a custom plaque, and a symbolic gift, in recognition of their academic excellence. The ceremony also featured personal speeches, and family interactions Speaking at the event, Faryal Tawakul said: ' At Emirates Transport, we believe that every student we serve carries the promise of a brighter tomorrow. But today, we shine a special light on these remarkable individuals whose academic excellence has set them apart. Their dedication, perseverance, and ambition are a source of immense pride not just for their families, but for all of us who have accompanied them on their educational journey. As we celebrate these top achievers, we also honour the spirit of every student across the nation, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing future generations. In the UAE's Year of Community, this moment reminds us of the powerful impact we can make when we walk the path together.' The event served as a platform to highlight the aspirations and determination of young Emiratis, amplifying their voices and celebrating their potential. Reflecting on the recognition, one of the honoured students shared: ' I'm truly grateful for this recognition. It reminds me that hard work pays off, and that there are organisations like Emirates Transport that genuinely care about students and their futures' Through this initiative, Emirates Transport reinforces its role not only as a provider of transport solutions, but also as a national partner in fostering a culture of academic excellence and youth empowerment, aligned with the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based future. About Emirates Transport: Emirates Transport was established in 1981 by a federal law issued by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with the mandate to operate government school transport services. It later evolved into a public joint-stock company owned by the Emirates Investment Authority. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth and now offers a diverse range of services, including government and private school transport, transportation and leasing services, cargo transport, and both logistical and technical services. It also provides various support services such as fleet management, driver and bus attendant training, auctions, and more. Emirates Transport has adopted the highest standards of safety, security, and quality in its operations, and is today considered one of the leading national companies in its fields. It has expanded its presence locally and regionally through strategic partnerships with prominent stakeholders and continues to advance confidently toward the future, with a focus on digitization, sustainability, and smart mobility solutions supporting the nation's vision for a more flexible and sustainable transport sector. For any media queries on Emirates Transport, please contact: Binan Souleiman EmiratesTransport@ For more information, please visit: LinkedIn: Emirates Transport
