Several UAE schools have issued a circular to announce a temporary change to the UAE school day schedule from the 17th of November to the 19th of November 2025. Moreover, the adjustment aims to help students to prepare effectively for the upcoming first-term final exams, scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 20. Schools are prioritising student readiness and academic performance by reducing timings, dedicated revision sessions, and shifting to remote learning.
Shorter School Hours for All Cycles
According to circulars reviewed by Al Khaleej and shared with parents, many UAE schools have confirmed revised dismissal timing across the entire education cycle. Below is the updated time:
- Kindergarten & Cycle One: Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.
- Cycle Two & Cycle Three: Dismissal at 1:00 p.m.
Schools have highlighted that the shorter hours are created to provide students with enough time for home revision, reduce academic stress, and maintain balanced preparation ahead of the upcoming exams.
Remote Learning Announced for November 19
Schools have confirmed that Wednesday, November 19, will shift entirely to remote learning for all student groups. Here, teachers will give the following elements to the students:
- Review links
- Subject-specific revision materials
- Assignments and practice tasks
These resources will be shared in advance to ensure that students can revise thoroughly from home. Moreover, administrators have noted that the online days are going to follow a structured timeline to maintain discipline and maximise learning outcomes during the final review phase.
Strict Attendance Rules During Revision Days
School authorities have also highlighted a firm attendance policy to ensure students do not miss important revision sessions. The policy states that a single unexcused absence is going to count as double days of absence.
This stricter circular highlights the importance of attending these revision-focused days, which teachers consider important for exam readiness. Moreover, schools have urged parents to ensure students do not miss any of these sessions unless there is an important medical or valid reason for absence.
Why the Temporary Schedule Matters for the UAE Schools
Education experts have confirmed that these changes are a part of a broader strategy to boost student performance during the end-of-term assessment period. The revised schedule is expected to give the following perks:
- Allow students additional time for focused revision at home
- Help teachers conduct targeted review sessions in school
- Reduce stress levels by shortening the classroom duration
- Prepare learners gradually for the exam mindset
- Support smooth transition to remote learning on November 19
As the exams are scheduled to begin on 20 November, these days will act as the final and most crucial preparation window. Therefore, students must attend these sessions.
Parents Welcome the Decision
Many parents across the UAE have responded positively to the change. In addition, they have praised the efforts of schools to tighten the academic load while keeping the focus on exam preparation.
Parents have noted that shorter hours help students to revise better at home, especially younger students who struggle with long school days. Moreover, UAE remote learning on November 19 also offers flexibility and ensures continuity without interruption.
Schools Urge Students to Use Time Wisely
Teachers and administrators have advised students to use these hours for the following purposes:
- Solving practice worksheets
- Reviewing weak subjects
- Going through the school-provided revision links
- Preparing early to avoid last-minute pressure
On top of it, the UAE schools have also requested parents to avoid unnecessary travel or outings during these days. Thus, they have highlighted the purpose of this change by asking parents and students to use the extra hours for exam preparation.
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