A leading UAE billionaire has advocated for shorter school days in the UAE, arguing that educational quality isn’t determined by classroom hours.
Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor, chairman of the Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group, reiterated his stance on November 14, highlighting the extended school hours. In May, his similar appeal sparked discussions among parents, with many expressing concerns about the impact of long school days on children’s energy, health, and family life.
“I’ve mentioned that prolonged school hours don’t enhance productivity; they simply exhaust students. Some disagreed, insisting that ‘the curriculum requires more time.'”
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“We often burden students with excessive hours and homework and then question why they lose enthusiasm, focus, or find education burdensome,” he continued.
In his tweet, Al Habtoor tagged the UAE Ministry of Education and Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), urging them to consider the issue seriously.
“I hope we reassess school hours—not to cut learning, but to enhance its quality, revive student life, and bring joy back to their days,” he remarked, attaching a photo of an empty classroom.
The Swiss model
Al Habtoor referenced Switzerland’s successful educational model, which aligns with his views. He noted the structured academic year, featuring 6-8 weeks of classes followed by brief breaks, emphasizing that such systems recognize “a child is not a machine.” The focus is on effective knowledge delivery and teaching methods.
He further supported his argument by noting, “The men who built this nation—ministers, officials, and others—attended simple schools with short hours. They didn’t have extensive curricula or lengthy days but showed determination, intelligence, eagerness to learn, and responsibility.”
The debate over school timings and shorter days is gaining momentum as Dubai residents grapple with increasing traffic issues.
