Message from the Head of Primary, Mr. John Dibdin
During my time as a headteacher and school leader, I have worked with many Muslim families and colleagues in the UK who observe the holy month of Ramadan. However, now that I live and work in a Muslim country, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the significance of this special time of year — especially as 2025 has been declared the Year of Community and 2026 the Year of the Family by The President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Ramadan reflects both of these themes so powerfully, bringing people together in community and strengthening the bonds of family.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts for either 29 or 30 days. Because the Islamic year is slightly shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan moves forward by approximately 10 days each year in relation to the non-Muslim world. I found it fascinating to learn that over a 33-year cycle, this means Ramadan will have been observed at every point of the year and in all seasons.
I also discovered that, in Islamic tradition, it was during Ramadan - on Laylat al-Qadr, the "Night of Power" - that God revealed the Holy Qur’an to the Prophet as guidance for the people. While I already knew that Ramadan is a time of fasting for Muslims, I have been reminded that it is also a time of ṣalāt (reflection and spiritual connection), communal prayer, and reading of the Qurʾān. Some Muslims strive to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan, which is a true act of self-discipline and faith.
This understanding was truly brought to life for me when Mai Mahmoud, our Head of Islamic Studies, spoke to us all at a recent staff briefing. She spoke with such passion about the significance of Ramadan and the special place it holds in her life. I believe that everyone in the room, whether Muslim or not, felt the importance of this time and was deeply moved by the emotion in her words.
Thank you, Mai, and I warmly invite you all to join us for our wonderful Community Iftar, held on the terrace behind the Liwan Diner.
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