Dubai schools may change schedules with regulator approval — The National

Schools in Dubai, UAE, have been allowed to change their start and finish times to reduce traffic congestion. To do so, institutions must obtain approval from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and demonstrate that the changes will benefit student well-being and have parental support, The National reports.

Conditions for changing schedules

KHDA Director General Aisha Miran said that the regulator does not plan to establish a single timetable for all schools in the emirate. According to her, institutions follow different curricula and have different needs, including regarding extracurricular activities.

Miran noted that any changes to school schedules require KHDA approval. She stressed that when reviewing timetables, schools must consider student well-being and parental feedback.

Some Dubai schools have already introduced staggered start times to distribute traffic flows during the hours when children are brought to school.

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Schools closer to residential areas

Miran noted that adjusting school schedules may make daily commutes easier, but will not by itself solve the problem of getting around the city. According to her, long-term changes depend on neighborhood planning and the location of educational institutions.

Dubai’s E33 Education Master Plan aims to bring schools closer to where children live. This should make it easier for students to walk, cycle or ride scooters to school. For those who use cars or school buses, authorities seek to ensure an acceptable journey duration.

Miran also recalled that Dubai’s urban plan provides for destinations to be accessible within 20 minutes. The number of students at Dubai private schools reached approximately 406,500, up 4.6% compared with June.