The best laid plans ...

The number of ill-thought out Government announcements in Dubai and the Emirates are legion. Salik (the road toll system) caused huge problems when it started and the ID card situation is still a complete fiasco.

The latest announcement is that schools will remain closed during Ramadan, delaying the start of the new school year by 3 weeks or so. Apparently this is because of feedback Sheikh Mohammed received on his Facebook account. Listening to the people is one thing, but Government by Facebook is quite unbelievable! It isn't surprising that most respondents thought closing schools during Ramadan was a good idea - it is a tough time for Muslims after all - but no thought seems to have been given as to how the extra days are to be made up during the year. For myself, I think my kids spend enough time at school as it is. The school day is already going to be lengthened next year for more arabic lessons, which I don't have a problem with, but any additional hours or Saturday working is just going to be too much of a burden on all concerned.

Anyway, in the usual way of things here, it isn't clear if private schools are going to be affected as well or not. Apparently discussions with the private schools are ongoing, although it is clear they are against the plan and wish to open as originally planned on September 6. As a result our plans for holidays are up in the air whilst we wait to see what happens.