On-Campus Celebrations in UAE Schools Muted Amid Gaza Crisis
Some schools in the UAE will offer an extended weekend to students to celebrate the Indian festival of Diwali. However, on-campus celebrations will be muted as the Israel-Hamas war rages on.
In a circular sent to parents, Gems Our Own Indian School said it would remain closed on Friday, November 10, and Monday, November 13, on occasion. This would translate into a four-day weekend for the students.
An Abu Dhabi-based school has cancelled all major celebrations this year. The school has stopped all forms of music and dance activities. “Somehow, at this point, we really feel guilty about being happy. Our hearts are heavy. We are only sticking to the necessary parts of the curriculum. We are collectively praying for the peace of the entire region. The humanitarian crisis should end soon,” said their principal.
One school in Sharjah has given the day off for Diwali but called off all festivities.
Schools across the UAE have set up collection boxes for parents and students to donate food, blankets, tents, soap bars, toothpaste, women’s hygiene essentials, diapers, and wet wipes, among others, to the civilians in Gaza.
Gems Education had earlier sent a communique to schools, announcing the suspension of celebratory events “until further notice” as they would be “inappropriate” given the conflict currently raging in the region. According to the note, the affected events included celebrations of a religious nature, such as Diwali, as well as Christmas events and parties, including winter wonderlands and festive fêtes, among others.
