The ongoing debate over the reopening of schools should take into consideration all the factors involved, as much as how the decision would impact the thousands of pupils and their families. The consideration by the UAE Ministry of Education of whether or not the schools will commence with the start of Ramadan is hoped to be one that has factored in how schedules during the holy month affect all others to a great extent.

Even if the ministry opts for changing the dates, it should take into account how the rule would affect the entire academic year and the time periods when schools are closed.

With countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait arranging for their schools to begin after Ramadan - for obvious reasons - in the UAE, the decision should weigh all the benefits and obstacles before it is reverted or given the green light to go ahead.