UAE schools to extend hours amid late start - paper

Many private schools in the UAE will extend their work hours or stay open on Saturdays to make up for the loss of days following the education ministry’s decision to postpone the reopening of the 2009-10 academic year.

Classes in government schools for the academic year 2009-2010 have been postponed until after the holy month of Ramadan the ministry confirmed on Wednesday.

Though some parents welcomed the decision, some shared their concerns with Arabian Business, hoping that the move would not affect the study schedules of students.

The Gulf News daily reported that some private schools will seek the ministry's permission to work on Saturdays or have extended working hours. It quoted Ashok Kumar, CEO of Indian High School in Dubai, as saying that his school will have to work on Saturdays to compensate for the loss of days.

Schools will begin on September 23; administrative and teaching staff must report on September 13, the daily added.

Meanwhile in another interview with Arabian Business, a spokesperson at GEMS international school said that the enrolment figures next term are up 12 percent on last year, bucking the trend despite fears of an expatriate exodus from the UAE.

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