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, this is the first time I’ve lived and worked in a Muslim country, and I wanted to learn more about the importance of this special time of year - especially since The President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has declared 2025 as the Year of Community - and Ramadan is such an important time for the community.
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, which will be held on Thursday, 13th March, at 5:30 pm in the snug and basketball area.
John Dibdin
Head of Primary
I was really touched by Áine’s newsletter piece last week, posing the question: ‘What would I tell my younger self?’
I spent some time afterwards thinking about my own parenting journey, and what it’s all been about, now that my two are adults and have ‘flown the nest’. Parenting isn’t easy for any of us, and that’s true even if you’re an experienced school leader – at home, I’m just Dad.
You might have seen the trend going around - “If I could tell my younger self one thing…” - a moment to reflect, to offer advice we wish we’d heard earlier, or to remind ourselves of what truly matters.
As students prepare to cross some of the biggest milestones in school life, it feels like the perfect time to pause and join in that conversation. But it’s not just our students who are preparing — so are we, as parents. These milestones don’t just belong to them. We’re living every part of it too: the anticipation, the pride, the nerves, and the quiet hopes. Sometimes, it’s the hardest thing in the world — to watch them take these big steps, to stay strong when they wobble, to let go just a little more. It’s a milestone for us as much as it is for them — and we’re walking it together.
At The British International School Abu Dhabi, we believe that education is not just about academic success—it’s about nurturing compassionate, responsible young people who understand the importance of giving back. This Ramadan, I have been truly moved by the way our students have embraced the spirit of the holy month, demonstrating kindness, generosity, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
.jpg?h=4160&iar=0&w=6240&rev=3a6f2141dddc472fb958169bb826c0d8&hash=73AB5BCB0D6782A16236413B7A9C7618)
.jpg?h=3648&iar=0&w=5472&rev=db1214d9abbf4d408432e5aef1f2d79a&hash=CC6C47871ABC9A2A697D7DF50D798106)
.png?rev=1619813b30a347d9bc71977e2cfe09d2&hash=66B98CDC659BBF07EB36660B4381E1E7)
