Some UAE families scale back Eid Al Adha celebrations due to school final exams
Eid Al Adha celebrations in some students' homes in the UAE have been scaled back this year as their exams fall right after the four-day holiday to mark the Islamic festival.
What was once a season filled with family visits, late-night gatherings, travel plans, and hotel bookings has, for many, been scaled down to brief visits and simple greetings. Final exams in public schools are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 10, immediately after Eid Al Adha, and will run through June 19 for students in Grades 3 to 12.
The Eid break begins on Thursday, June 5 (Arafah Day), and ends on Sunday, June 8. Eid Al Adha falls on Friday, June 6, leaving little time between the celebrations and the start of final exams.
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that end-of-year results will be released between June 30 and July 2. This tight timeline has left students and families torn between joy and stress, forcing them to reevaluate how they spend Eid.
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Meanwhile, schools have begun offering intensive virtual academic support sessions, aimed at helping students prepare for the third-semester exams. School administrators describe these sessions as a valuable opportunity to enhance performance and boost confidence. Parents have been encouraged to support their children in attending, as the sessions directly impact their final results.
According to parents interviewed by Khaleej Times, the two events — Eid Al Adha and final exams — coincide, leaving students and their families torn between joy and stress, as time for the usual meetings and activities is limited.
Simple joy, considerable stress
For Um Maha, an Emirati mother whose daughter attends a government school, this year's Eid is unlike any other. 'This year, the preparations weren't the same. I only bought simple clothes for my daughter. My focus has been entirely on her studies,' she said.
She explained that exams are particularly challenging and require her full attention.
'I'll spend the entire day studying with my daughter, starting after noon on the first day of Eid and continuing until 9pm. That's the only way I can make sure she fully understands the material.'
As for celebrations, she's keeping things minimal. 'I plan to attend just one family gathering, late on the second day of Eid. The rest of the time will be spent studying, from the first day until the exams begin.'
She wishes the exam schedule had been arranged differently. 'Eid has its own joy, its own significance. It's not right to mix the happiness of Eid with the stress and pressure of studying,' she added.
For Eman Alblooshi, a mother of four whose children study in government schools, the story is similar. 'This Eid comes at a somewhat sensitive time,' she said. 'I'm trying to experience the joy of Eid in a simple and balanced way. Finding time to rest, celebrate, and support my children with their studies.'
Although the family still plans to visit relatives, the celebration feels lighter. 'My mind is preoccupied with exams. We'll enjoy ourselves, but the time will be shorter, and our focus will be divided. We'll even cut down on outings to make time for studying.'
She expects many families to follow a similar path, 'Activities will be fewer. Most people will likely limit Eid plans to family lunches or brief visits. There's just no room for travel or full-day outings when exams are around the corner.'
Students are also doing their best to navigate the overlap. Sheikha Hamad, a 12th grade student at a government school, believes that Eid can still be joyful with proper preparation.
'Eid is like any other Eid. There's no shortage of activities or joy,' she said. 'The secret is in the preparations before Eid. I make sure to study everything I need to, so after Eid, I only need to review. That way, I can enjoy the holiday without any regrets.'
Still, the exam pressure is unavoidable. 'There's a little tension because I know I have to review and be ready. If anything changes, it's the late nights. Most people stay up late during Eid and disrupt their sleep schedule, but I'm planning to manage my sleep so I can stay focused and get everything done.'
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