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.
One of the most inspiring moments this Ramadan has been witnessing the generosity of our community through our Ydoom Al Kheir donation drive. Families came together to contribute essential food items for those in need, supporting both Red Crescent and our incredible ancillary staff. Our UAE parents, in a heartfelt display of gratitude, provided 170 food boxes—an act of appreciation that speaks volumes about the values we cherish as a school.
Ramadan is a time for self-discipline, reflection, and compassion, and our students explored these themes through Ramadan assemblies led by our UAE Student Leaders and Ms. Mai Mahmoud. It was wonderful to see our young learners engage so deeply in discussions about the significance of fasting and how acts of kindness can create ripples of positive change. Their reflections aligned beautifully with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision for the Year of Community, reinforcing the idea that we all have a role to play in building a better world.
One of the highlights of Ramadan at BIS Abu Dhabi has been our 30-Day Service Challenge, where students completed daily acts of kindness. From helping a younger sibling with homework to offering a kind word to a member of staff, these small gestures made a big impact. Seeing our students take such joy in giving to others—while earning House Points and contributing to their BISAD Diplomas—has been a reminder that true leadership starts with service.
Ramadan is also a time of community and togetherness, and our Dakakin Ramadan market provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, shop for essentials, and celebrate the traditions of the holy month. It was a pleasure to see our school buzzing with energy and excitement as students, parents, and staff connected through this special event.
Bringing our community together is at the heart of what we do, and our Community Iftar on March 13th was a beautiful evening of shared meals and warm conversations. The true highlight of the evening was recognising our Unsung Hero, Security Guard Ibrahim, whose kindness and dedication to our school community inspire us all. Moments like these remind us that small acts of service can have a profound impact.
Each Friday throughout Ramadan, our students stepped beyond the classroom to engage in service-learning projects—from beach clean-ups and charity runs to literacy initiatives and mentoring younger students. These experiences have reinforced an important lesson: that real leadership is about taking action to improve the lives of others.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, Ramadan is not just a time of fasting; it is a time of giving, learning, and strengthening our sense of community. I could not be prouder of our students, staff, and families for the way they have embraced the values of this special month. Their commitment to kindness and service embodies the very best of what we stand for.
May I wish you all a great Spring break and thank everyone of you for all you do to make our community strong in our journey of developing amazing young people.
🌙✨ Ramadan Kareem to all!
At BIS Abu Dhabi we recognise that play is not just for early years—it is a vital component of learning at every stage of life. Play fuels creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, shaping curious minds that thrive in an ever-changing world. This year, we are continuing to build on the strong foundation of play in learning, further exploring how curiosity and hands-on experiences enrich education for all.
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.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right." - Henry Ford
Belief is a powerful force. As educators, we see daily how a student’s confidence - whether strong or fragile - shapes their learning journey. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or on stage, students thrive when they believe in their ability to succeed. As a Drama teacher, I often see this in action - students stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and growing in confidence. But this idea extends far beyond Drama; it is fundamental to education as a whole.
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