Private schools in Dubai will operate on a shortened school day during Ramadan, with lessons capped at a maximum of five hours, under new guidance issued by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The authority said the adjusted schedule is designed to respect the spirit of the holy month while ensuring continuity in learning and reducing pressure on both students and teachers.

Fasting students excused from PE classes

As part of the guidance, KHDA said fasting students should be excused from physical education classes throughout Ramadan, citing health and safety considerations.

Schools are expected to provide suitable alternative learning activities for students who are exempted from PE lessons during this period.

Earlier finish on Fridays

KHDA also confirmed that on Fridays, private schools must end the school day no later than 11.30am, allowing students and staff sufficient time to attend Friday prayers.

Parents’ input encouraged

In a move aimed at strengthening collaboration between schools and families, KHDA urged private schools to consider parents’ views when setting daily start and finish times during Ramadan. The authority said this approach supports flexible learning arrangements and helps families better manage daily routines during the holy month.

Supporting a balanced school environment

KHDA said the measures are intended to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that reflects the social, health and religious values observed in the UAE during Ramadan.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new bridge at the busy Al Qudra Road intersection, reducing journey times by more than 50 per cent and almost tripling traffic capacity along one of the city’s fastest-growing corridors.

The 600-metre bridge, which links Al Qudra Road with the route between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City, carries four lanes in each direction and forms part of a wider road upgrade serving around 400,000 residents and visitors.

Major boost to traffic capacity

According to the RTA, the project has increased traffic capacity at the junction by 191 per cent, from 6,600 vehicles per hour to 19,200, while cutting average waiting times by more than half.

A second bridge at the nearby intersection with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street is set to partially open on February 15, helping traffic move more smoothly towards Al Qudra City and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Travel time cut to under 3 minutes

Speaking after the opening, Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA, said the upgrades would reduce overall travel time along Al Qudra Road from 9.4 minutes to under three minutes.

He added that the project supports Dubai’s rapid urban expansion by improving mobility and easing congestion across several residential areas, including:

• Arabian Ranches
• Dubai Motor City
• Dubai Studio City
• DAMAC Hills
• Mudon
• The Sustainable City

Key corridor for Dubai’s growing communities

Al Qudra Road is a major east–west transport corridor, connecting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with Emirates Road. The wider project includes 11.6 kilometres of road upgrades, new bridges and improved intersections aimed at enhancing traffic flow and road safety.

Further works are continuing along the corridor, including additional bridges, service roads and lane expansions to support ongoing residential development and future population growth in the area.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has unveiled a set of gold and silver commemorative coins to mark the fifth anniversary of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

The special issue celebrates five years since the university officially opened its doors in 2020, highlighting the UAE’s growing role as a global leader in artificial intelligence, innovation and advanced technology.

Limited-edition gold and silver coins issued

To mark the occasion, the CBUAE has issued:

• 10 gold coins
• 500 silver coins

Each commemorative coin weighs 50 grams and will be available for purchase through the Central Bank of the UAE and MBZUAI.

Coin design details

One side of the gold coin features an image of MBZUAI, along with the years 2020–2025. The reverse side displays the UAE national emblem, surrounded by the name “Central Bank of the UAE” in both Arabic and English.

The design also includes the inscription “Power from Knowledge to Serve”, encircled by the name “Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence” in Arabic and English, alongside the university’s official logo.

The silver coin carries the same design, with its reverse side featuring a face value of Dh50.

Celebrating innovation and leadership

The commemorative release marks MBZUAI’s fifth anniversary and reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge research, artificial intelligence and knowledge-based development.