Dubai private schools can opt for early start or late finish as part of new work week

Private schools in Dubai can opt for extended learning hours, provided they consult with parents, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the emirate’s private education regulator, announced on Wednesday.

“Some flexibility is allowed to ensure that schools are able to meet their curriculum requirements. All schools should inform KHDA of their updated operating hours,” a statement on its website said.

The first school day of the new year will be on Monday, January 3. Take a look at more info on the 4.5 day week here: https://t.co/JTXGCQxNg4 pic.twitter.com/SkGjUj3d2Z

— KHDA (@KHDA) December 22, 2021

However, the authority also said that the school day cannot finish later than 12pm on Fridays.

Private schools in Dubai have been given the option so that teaching hours are not reduced as the UAE transitions into its new work week from January.

Earlier this month, UAE government declared plans to shift to a new work week from 2022. All government departments in the country will work from Monday to Thursday along with a half day on Friday. They will be off on Saturday and Sunday.

Schools in the country also have to adopt the same structure.

The first day of school for 2022 is Monday, January 3.

Meanwhile, Sharjah has declared a four day work week for public sector employees in the emirate. It will thus offer these employees a three-day weekend.

All private educational institutions in Sharjah will also be open only for four days a week, but schools have been given the option to follow one of several models to make up for the loss of an academic day every week.

Read: Sharjah private educational institutions to have four-day week

The private schools in Sharjah can either extend learning hours, hold online classes after schools or add one extra week to the academic year.