UAE issues clarification for schools regarding Commemoration Day

Educational authorities in the UAE have clarified that schools will remain open on Commemoration Day, which is being observed on Thursday, November 29.

The UAE’s ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that schools will only close for the extended National Day celebrations on Sunday and Monday, December 2 and 3.

Commemoration Day, previously known as Martyr’s Day, is held in remembrance of members of the armed forces killed in combat, and is observed on November 30.

However, as that date falls on a weekend for government offices this year, the UAE Cabinet issued a decree to mark the commemoration ceremony on Thursday, November 29.

Read more: UAE to mark Commemoration Day on Nov 29

Events on the day will include the lowering of the UAE flag to half mast at government offices at 8.00am followed by a minute of silent prayer at 11.30am. The flag will then be raised again, and it will be followed by the national anthem.

Authorities confirmed that schools will also participate in activities held to mark the day.

Meanwhile, the UAE government has also declared that December 2 and 3 will be official holidays for public and private sector workers to celebrate the UAE’s 47th National Day, giving resident a four-day weekend.

Read: UAE announces extended holiday for National Day