Pupils and teachers at many Indian schools in the UAE will enjoy an extended holiday for Diwali this week, with the majority closing on Thursday, October 31, and resuming classes on Monday, November 4.
This year, celebrations began on Tuesday, October 29, with Dhanteras – the first day of Diwali, which is considered auspicious for buying gold and is associated with good luck and positivity. The main day of festival will be marked on Thursday.
Many educational institutions declare a holiday every year to allow families time to mark the occasion in their homes. Delhi Private School Dubai is one such school.
Vibrant celebrations
Rashmi Nandkeolyar, principal at the school, told The National the Festival of Lights is a symbol of harmony and togetherness.
“When we meet with friends and family and celebrate the traditions associated with Diwali we are filled with joy and nostalgia,” she said.
International Indian School Abu Dhabi will have an extended holiday from Thursday to Sunday, while Gems Our Own Indian School in Dubai celebrated Diwali with pupils on Wednesday before closing for the break.
“Each section of the school held a dedicated assembly where pupils explored the significance of Diwali through presentations on its cultural importance,” said Lalitha Suresh, principal of Gems Our Own Indian School. “The assemblies came alive with vibrant dance performances and heartwarming skits presented by our talented students, capturing the spirit of Diwali with joy and enthusiasm.”
To mark the occasion, pupils wore colourful clothes and members of staff received gifts. “This extended holiday allows everyone to immerse themselves fully in the festivities, by celebrating Diwali with family and friends at home,” Ms Suresh added.
Bonding and togetherness
The Indian Academy in Dubai will be closed for a Diwali break from Thursday until Sunday. Principal Shiny Davison said: “Eighty per cent of our pupils are Indian so it's good to give them time off to celebrate with their families. For the teachers, too, it's a break.”
K George Mathew, principal at Gems United Indian School – Abu Dhabi, said: “As an Indian curriculum school, celebrating the Festival of Lights is calendared and we have approval from our regulator, Adek, to take off Thursday 31 October and Friday 1 November.
“Our community of pupils and teachers celebrate with their families. All light up their homes, share sweets, and pray for prosperity. It is a festive time when families bond and enjoy togetherness.”
Many schools around the world close for Diwali celebrations. Marking a first, public schools in New York City will close for the festival on November 1 this year.
Key facilities
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Visa changes give families fresh hope
Foreign workers can sponsor family members based solely on their income
Male residents employed in the UAE can sponsor immediate family members, such as wife and children, subject to conditions that include a minimum salary of Dh 4,000 or Dh 3,000 plus accommodation.
Attested original marriage certificate, birth certificate of the child, ejari or rental contract, labour contract, salary certificate must be submitted to the government authorised typing centre to complete the sponsorship process
In Abu Dhabi, a woman can sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit stating she is an engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse or any profession related to the medical sector and her monthly salary is at least Dh 10,000 or Dh 8,000 plus accommodation.
In Dubai, if a woman is not employed in the above categories she can get approval to sponsor her family if her monthly salary is more than Dh 10,000 and with a special permission from the Department of Naturalization and Residency Dubai.
To sponsor parents, a worker should earn Dh20,000 or Dh19,000 a month, plus a two-bedroom accommodation
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
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