Indian Schools in UAE Prepare for Diwali with Traditional Decorations and Cultural Events

Indian educational institutions across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are preparing to celebrate Diwali by incorporating a blend of traditional activities, cultural performances, and creative lessons, bringing together students and staff before the holiday break.

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, falls on Sunday, November 8th this year. Schools are planning celebrations that introduce children to the meaning of the festival while encouraging the adoption of its traditions—from making and exchanging handmade clay lamps to creating colorful rangolis and wearing traditional festive attire.

Some institutions are also focusing on eco-friendly decorations, principles of inclusivity, and the importance of celebrating diverse cultures within their varied communities.

Since the Diwali holidays coincide with weekends in some schools, families will have more time to spend together and celebrate the festival.

At Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi, students participated in making clay lamps during art classes, and these handmade diyas will be part of the school's festivities. Director Abhilasha Singh reported that the school has prepared events for both students and staff, including a special event for personnel before the start of the holidays.

Singh noted: 'We have planned a special themed event for our staff on the evening of November 6th, right before the Diwali break.' For students, the celebration will include an exchange of the diyas they made, some of which will be presented to the school management. Singh added that such school diyas are also used as corporate gifts.

Students will also be encouraged to wear bright clothing and participate in creative activities such as lantern making, alongside sessions explaining the significance of the festival. She emphasized: 'We will also conduct sessions highlighting the meaning of Diwali to help children understand the festival and its traditions.'

At Credence High School, the celebration will take place on Thursday, November 5th, where students and staff are encouraged to wear bright festive colors. CEO and Director Dipika Tapar Singh stated that the school's celebrations reflect its multicultural approach, enthusiastically marking festivals from various communities.

She emphasized: 'On our campus, we celebrate festivals of different cultures and traditions with great zeal and enthusiasm, reflecting the vibrant multicultural spirit of our school community.' The celebration will also include traditional rangoli, cultural performances, and creativity-focused activities, with the school emphasizing eco-conscious celebrations.

The focus is on using environmentally friendly decorations and minimizing waste, and staff will be encouraged to participate on designated color days. The school also provides accommodations for employees observing religious fasts, demonstrating the importance of accommodating diverse needs during holidays. Dipika Tapar Singh stated: 'We pay special attention, understanding, and support to employees observing religious fasts, which reflects our commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect.'

The school will observe the Diwali holidays from Friday, November 6th, to Monday, November 9th, giving families time for joint celebration.

For schools, such events also serve as an opportunity to bring together students from different walks of life through shared experiences and understanding of cultural traditions.

At Gems Our Own Indian School in Dubai, the holidays adjacent to the weekend are expected to give families an extended opportunity to reconnect. Director and CEO Lalita Suresh described Diwali as a festival that unites people through its message of hope and unity. She previously said: 'Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a cherished celebration that brings families and communities together in the spirit of joy, hope, and unity.'

Because the festival falls on a weekend, families will get a four-day break to mark the occasion. Lalita Suresh added: 'This year, since the festival coincides with the weekend, our families can enjoy a welcome four-day break—a wonderful opportunity to pause, reconnect, and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.'

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www.khaleejtimes.comOctober 28, 17:08

UAE Flag Day in 2026: Information on Celebrations, Date, and School Events

After the autumn holidays conclude, parents across the UAE may already be thinking about the next school break. However, UAE Flag Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 3rd this year, does not mean an extra day off for students.

The annual national celebration involves raising the UAE flag in schools, workplaces, and homes across all emirates, with ceremonies traditionally held at 11 am.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called on citizens and residents of the country to participate in the current celebration. In a message published on October 27th, Sheikh Mohammed asked ministries, government agencies, schools, universities, and families in all seven emirates to raise the flag.

Describing the event as a general expression of national pride, he noted that it is a moment when the country and its people unite before the symbol of their honor and glory. He concluded his address with the words: 'Long live the homeland, long live the Flag.'

What happens at 11 am?

UAE Flag Day is celebrated annually on November 3rd, marking the anniversary of the presidency of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE in 2004. This initiative was launched by Sheikh Mohammed in 2013 to encourage people across all emirates to celebrate the national flag and the values it represents. The current celebration is the 14th edition of Flag Day.

The flag raising across the country traditionally takes place at 11 am, with participation from schools, government departments, and other organizations. Parents are advised to check with their children's schools regarding the ceremony time and any special plans for November 3rd.

The UAE flag was first raised on December 2, 1971, by the country's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when the federal state was formed. For the country's diverse school communities, Flag Day also provides an opportunity to help children understand the history of the national symbol and their connection to the place they call home.

How do UAE schools celebrate Flag Day?

Schools across the UAE may hold flag-raising ceremonies, assemblies, and events that introduce students to the meaning of the national flag. During assemblies, the national anthem may be played or performed, and classroom lessons may explore the significance of the flag's red, green, white, and black colors, the country's history, and the values associated with its national identity. Some schools may also organize art projects and other flag-related activities.

The celebration will vary depending on the institution, so announcements in schools are the best source of information for parents about what their children will participate in. For younger students, these lessons can turn concepts such as unity, respect, and belonging into something they can see and experience. In a country where families come from different parts of the world, this holiday also offers an opportunity to learn about the history of the UAE and appreciate the community they are part of.

This day is dedicated not only to displaying the flag but also to understanding why it is important. School ceremonies can help children connect the national symbol with the people, history, and values that have shaped the country in which they grow up.

What do the four colors of the flag symbolize?

The UAE flag has four colors—red, green, white, and black—each carrying a specific meaning related to the country's history, values, and aspirations. According to official guidelines, the red color honors the sacrifices of previous generations who helped lay the foundations of the Union. Green symbolizes growth, prosperity, and cultural revival, while white reflects the UAE's humanitarian contribution and commitment to promoting peace and security worldwide. Black symbolizes the strength of the Emiratis and the nation's rejection of injustice and extremism.

Is UAE Flag Day a public holiday? Will schools be closed?

No. UAE Flag Day is not an official public holiday, and schools are expected to operate under normal schedule on Tuesday, November 3rd. Therefore, parents should plan for a regular school and work day unless the child's institution announces any specific changes to its schedule. This holiday does not require families to make extra childcare arrangements simply because Flag Day is being observed.

It is important not to confuse Flag Day with UAE National Day, Eid Al Ittihad, which is celebrated on December 2nd and is an official public holiday. Although Flag Day is marked through ceremonies and events rather than a day off, it remains an important annual occasion when schools and workplaces gather together in recognition of the country.

How should the UAE flag be treated?

Flag Day also provides an opportunity for families and schools to teach children proper handling and care of the national flag. According to UAE guidelines, flags must remain clean and in good condition, and damaged, faded, or discolored flags must be replaced. They should also be inspected after adverse weather and carefully folded and stored when not displayed.

Flags that are no longer suitable for use must be disposed of in a way that they do not continue to look like national flags; burning such flags is not permitted according to the provided guidelines. As November 3rd approaches, parents can check if their children's schools are planning a ceremony or class lesson and use this opportunity to talk about the history of the UAE and national symbols.

www.khaleejtimes.comOctober 28, 05:00

Diwali celebration in the UAE may provide some schools with four-day holidays

Due to the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which falls on Sunday, November 8th this year, some schools with an Indian curriculum in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are considering granting students extra time to spend with loved ones, which could result in a four-day break.

At GEMS Our Own Indian School in Dubai, Director and CEO Lalita Suresh stated that the festive period adjacent to the weekend will allow families to celebrate the festival together. She emphasized that Diwali is a valuable celebration that unites families and communities in an atmosphere of joy, hope, and unity.

The school plans its academic calendar to accommodate the festival while maintaining the required number of school days. Lalita Suresh noted that thanks to the holiday adjacent to the weekend, families can enjoy a welcome four-day break, which will be a wonderful opportunity to pause, reconnect, and create unforgettable memories with relatives.

In Abu Dhabi, Shining Star International School is also planning a four-day break, integrating Diwali holidays into its calendar in accordance with the emirate's requirements for school days. Director Abhilasha Singh stated that schools are obligated to adhere to the prescribed number of school days while allocating time for important cultural events.

Abhilasha Singh clarified that ADEK allows a maximum of 196 school days with a minimum requirement of 191 days. The school meets this requirement and is entitled to allocate two days for Diwali and one day for another autumn festival, as well as one day for a parent-teacher meeting. She added that the school goes through the necessary approval procedure before announcing holidays to families by submitting applications through the ADEK events calendar.

For parents, such an extended break provides an opportunity to organize family gatherings, prepare traditional festive dishes, and help children participate in celebrations without the immediate pressure of returning to school.

However, not all schools with an Indian curriculum in the UAE grant extra days off for Diwali. At Sharjah Indian School, the academic calendar is structured around the emirate's weekly school structure, and holidays are included within the available school days. A school representative explained that there are no separate Diwali holidays in Sharjah because schools now have three days off every week, leaving four working days.

He explained that previously, schools had a reserve of four days off per year that could be used for festivals like Onam or Diwali. However, the current system, which mandates four working days a week and a comprehensive CBSE curriculum, does not allow for additional days off. This agreement was reached with the school directors initially.