Guide

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Dubai Named As the Cleanest City in the World Once More

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Dubai School Inspections Will Be Skipped for One Year

Build Your Child's Education Your Way, With King's InterHigh

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

application for school and question about family religion??????

Log in to post new content in the forum.

Jumeriah Jane36452

476

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:40

The bottom line is if you put Islam on the form your child will go into Islamic classes, end of. You will never be able to get them out of them if you wanted to. If you put another religion no one will prob follow it up. If you leave it blank administration in some schools will deem your child muslim based on the family names and nationality of the child and parents, once put in Islamic classes again your will never get them out.

Jumeriah Jane36452

476

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:38

You do have to fill this in on all school application forms and Muslim children are required to attend Islamic Studies classes (hours vary from school to school). GCC nationals and children from some Arab countries are required to attend Arabic as a first language as well. I'm at a loss to figure out how they decide for those Arab countries that are multilingual and may not have Arabic as a first language. But I digress... You can apply to the KHDA for an exemption for your children from either Arabic as a first language or Islamic Studies (or both, if you wish). They do ask for an explanation of why you'd like them to be exempt and of course, their decision is based on your own unique circumstances. edited by Simone N on 13/01/2011 I have never known an exemption form Islamic studies for any muslim child, don't believe this happens. Arabic can only be made exempt if you can prove it is detrimental and your child has a learning difficulty.

225

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:31

You do have to fill this in on all school application forms and Muslim children are required to attend Islamic Studies classes (hours vary from school to school). GCC nationals and children from some Arab countries are required to attend Arabic as a first language as well. I'm at a loss to figure out how they decide for those Arab countries that are multilingual and may not have Arabic as a first language. But I digress... You can apply to the KHDA for an exemption for your children from either Arabic as a first language or Islamic Studies (or both, if you wish). They do ask for an explanation of why you'd like them to be exempt and of course, their decision is based on your own unique circumstances. <em>edited by Simone N on 13/01/2011</em>

1236

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:21

What about familes who come from countries where Islam is the main faith but have minority Christian followers? We have a Pakistani family in our church back home and his name is Abdul. I'm also quite sure that there will be people who although born Muslim have no wish to follow the faith and that choice should be respected. LOL Joyce. In Islam it is against your religion to denounce your religion and it is a punishable offence. Respect that Hmm, no comment ;)

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:04

What about familes who come from countries where Islam is the main faith but have minority Christian followers? We have a Pakistani family in our church back home and his name is Abdul. I'm also quite sure that there will be people who although born Muslim have no wish to follow the faith and that choice should be respected. LOL Joyce. In Islam it is against your religion to denounce your religion and it is a punishable offence. Respect that

123

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:03

Embassies can sometimes issue a certificate stating the person's religion, I know most Arab countries do so for their Christian minorities. It is sometimes required for applying for an alcohol license. Not sure whether Western embassies can do the same as religion is usually not registered by the state.

1236

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 09:00

What about familes who come from countries where Islam is the main faith but have minority Christian followers? We have a Pakistani family in our church back home and his name is Abdul. I'm also quite sure that there will be people who although born Muslim have no wish to follow the faith and that choice should be respected.

4747

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:52

My friend is not Muslim her DH is but they don't want the kids to do Islamic studies at school so they put Christian on all forms. i know families that the father is from iran and the mother welsh they had to do islamic studies unfortunately thats the way it is here unless you change their name. My friend's DH is from Suadi, all the kids have his last name and they've never had to do Islamic studies as on the form they say Christian, the kids do have British Passports though so that might help. well the kids that i know of who have father from iran, mother from wales, they have british passport they had to to islamic studies in ad, but then ministry do have different rules for the different emirates sometimes.

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:39

That is correct Sophia, in ASD DD did not do Islamic classes, but things are a-changing there, and it may soon be the case.

1618

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:36

My friend is not Muslim her DH is but they don't want the kids to do Islamic studies at school so they put Christian on all forms. i know families that the father is from iran and the mother welsh they had to do islamic studies unfortunately thats the way it is here unless you change their name. My friend's DH is from Suadi, all the kids have his last name and they've never had to do Islamic studies as on the form they say Christian, the kids do have British Passports though so that might help.

4747

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:12

My friend is not Muslim her DH is but they don't want the kids to do Islamic studies at school so they put Christian on all forms. i know families that the father is from iran and the mother welsh they had to do islamic studies unfortunately thats the way it is here unless you change their name.

2322

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:12

Sorry but I can't understand why a Muslim parent would not want their child to have religion classes. It's not like they ram it down your throat in the schools here. Surely the child deserves to have the information to make their own decision? My parents are atheist but allowed me to study the religion they were born into and decide for myself whether to practice it or not. Don't ram it down throats here? that actually made me laugh out loud! Not seen the cirriculum for social studies then for non islamic kids at around the age of 5 or 6 then have you?! lol!

103

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 08:02

Sorry but I can't understand why a Muslim parent would not want their child to have religion classes. It's not like they ram it down your throat in the schools here. Surely the child deserves to have the information to make their own decision? My parents are atheist but allowed me to study the religion they were born into and decide for myself whether to practice it or not.

123

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 07:57

The only religion in question that the child would be made to study is Islam. In case that is what you want to avoid it will be very difficult if the father has an obviously Muslim name.

1618

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 January 2011 - 07:01

My friend is not Muslim her DH is but they don't want the kids to do Islamic studies at school so they put Christian on all forms.

4747

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 22:17

i know in chouefiat in ad in the past they managed to get away with not having arabic lessons the rules for the ministry in ad was 2 hours a week

226

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 21:47

What school? I think there are a few that are exempt even though you still have to fill it out on the form That was from the application for JESS.. what are the schools that are exempt from that then?? Thanks Sophia:)) edited by Hannadina on 12/01/2011 It depends on the school and which country you're from! Speak to the regisrar before you fill out the form, you may be able to state your religion as "other". But if your child's birth certificate says "Muslim" then there is not much you can do about it!!

521

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 21:45

I applied to a few and I am pretty sure they all asked what religion the applicant is However, I am pretty sure ASD does not have mandatory Islamic studies Maybe someone on here knows

Annabelle0921001

236

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 21:09

What school? I think there are a few that are exempt even though you still have to fill it out on the form That was from the application for JESS.. what are the schools that are exempt from that then?? Thanks Sophia:)) <em>edited by Hannadina on 12/01/2011</em>

4747

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 20:41

thanks ladies for your help.. but what if we do not want our child to take religion classes?? edited by Hannadina on 12/01/2011 if you are muslim you have no choice you will have to do islamic studies, if you are non muslim then you will just do arabic. they teach different things.

521

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 20:21

What school? I think there are a few that are exempt even though you still have to fill it out on the form

5452

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 20:00

thanks ladies for your help.. but what if we do not want our child to take religion classes?? edited by Hannadina on 12/01/2011 If your child is deemed Muslim, then you have no choice. He/she must take religion classes.

Annabelle0921001

236

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 19:57

thanks ladies for your help.. but what if we do not want our child to take religion classes?? <em>edited by Hannadina on 12/01/2011</em>

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 19:53

if yr not muslim, put down christian, or whatever. I always put down N/A but have since found out not having a religion is illegal. Who knew? It really doesnt matter, but kids of the islamic faith are required to do islamic studies, kids who are not (of that faith) are not. hth? That is correct. You must state a religion. I believe you would have to do the same when applying for a resident visa.

2322

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 19:50

if yr not muslim, put down christian, or whatever. I always put down N/A but have since found out not having a religion is illegal. Who knew? It really doesnt matter, but kids of the islamic faith are required to do islamic studies, kids who are not (of that faith) are not. hth?

Servants Quarte...

384

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 19:48

Well, quite simply, this is a requirement from the MOE. Whatever your unique circumstances, you should be as honest as possible, and that is what they expect. The law here states that if the childs father is a Muslim, then the child will have Islamic classes. That is one example.

940

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 19:48

If your DH is a Muslim your child will be considered as a Muslim and will have to join in Islamic classes.

Annabelle0921001

236

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 12 January 2011 - 19:39

So here I am trying to apply for school for my LO and apart from the shocking waitlist, they have umm a question on the application form in which they are asking about the mother's religion, the father's religion and the child's religion and they wrote between brackets ( you have to fill it out and not be left blank), ummm what is that about???? what if you have a unique situation, i mean i do not understand honestly what they expect??? can anyone explain this to me please. Thanks:)))

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Eid Al Adha 2025 in the UAE confirmed public holiday dates

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

Dubai public parking fees to change from April 2025

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

RAK Biggest Weight Loser Challenge 2025 news

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Region's first ever baseball park to open in the UAE

First-Ever Baseball Park in the Middle East Will Be Opening in the UAE

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?