Brief
Dubai schools consider staggered timings to ease traffic, KHDA says changes need approval
Principals say staggered start times could shorten commutes, while the KHDA stresses schools cannot act alone.
By Felo News Desk · Published
With Dubai’s roads growing busier during school runs, several schools are saying they are willing to review start and finish times to help ease traffic, according to Khaleej Times.
Principal Seema Umar of Dewvale School said the school is ready to adjust its timetable as family and student needs evolve. She highlighted that long journeys can leave children tired before classes begin and suggested that a 15‑30 minute variation between schools in the same neighbourhood could spread peak traffic and shorten commutes. Umar added that any timing change must be carefully planned around learning time, transport logistics and family routines, and should not reduce overall learning hours.
Bloom World Academy already operates with a later start, beginning its core day at 9 am. The school introduced the schedule to give families greater flexibility and to ensure students arrive rested and ready to learn.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) clarified that schools cannot alter their timetables independently. The regulator said it does not intend to impose a single timing across Dubai’s diverse school sector because of differing curricula and extracurricular activities. However, KHDA left room for schools to explore alternatives, provided any proposed changes are approved and do not compromise learning or student wellbeing.
Umar said schools would be willing to work with KHDA and other institutions to find practical solutions if greater flexibility could ease congestion. She emphasized avoiding unnecessarily early starts for younger children, noting that adequate sleep and a calm start are essential for wellbeing.
Key facts
- Dewvale School principal Seema Umar said the school is open to reviewing its start and finish times. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Bloom World Academy starts its core day at 9 am as part of a flexible schedule. (khaleejtimes.com)
- KHDA stated schools cannot change timings independently and any changes need regulator approval. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Umar suggested a 15‑30 minute staggered start across nearby schools could reduce peak traffic. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “Some Dubai schools ‘open’ to changing timings to ease traffic, shorten commutes”
