In the UAE, some schools have decided to offer students an extended weekend to celebrate the Indian festival of Diwali. However, due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, on-campus celebrations will be toned down. Gems Our Own Indian School, for example, will be closed on Friday, November 10, and Monday, November 13, allowing for a four-day weekend. This conclusion is aimed at giving families more time to observe Diwali. School celebrations this year will be low-key, with educational class assemblies, and students are encouraged to participate in the Emirates Red Crescent campaign to support Palestinians affected by the conflict.
Another school, Shining Star International in Abu Dhabi, has cancelled major celebrations this year, seeing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The school has halted music and dance activities and focused on the essential parts of the curriculum, accentuation the importance of peace in the region.
Meanwhile, one school in Sharjah has given the day off for Diwali but has suspended festivities. Schools across the UAE have established collection boxes for donations to help civilians in Gaza, providing essential items such as food, blankets, tents, soap, hygiene products, diapers, and wet wipes.
Gems Education has also proclaimed the suspension of celebratory events, including religious celebrations like Diwali, Christmas events, and parties, due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
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