Ranches Primary School (RPS), a leading British curriculum community school in Dubai, is hosting its annual Ramadan Souk, bringing pupils, parents and staff together to assemble and distribute 1,100 care bags to local community workers during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Taking place from 16 February to 20 February, the Ramadan Souk is now in its fifth year and has grown significantly since it began as a small initiative collecting around 100 care bags. The event has since developed into a whole-school effort, reflecting both the expansion of the school and the strengthening engagement of its families.
Promoting Cultural Understanding and Universal Values
Inspired by the values of Ramadan, the Souk encourages participation from pupils and parents of all cultural and religious backgrounds. Together, they prepare care bags containing essential food and hygiene items. As a British curriculum school in the UAE, Ranches Primary School places strong emphasis on helping pupils understand and celebrate the traditions and culture of the country. The initiative supports the development of universal values including kindness, generosity, gratitude, empathy and community responsibility.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Steve Arnold, Principal of Ranches Primary School, said:
“The Ramadan Souk is proudly a celebration of the UAE’s culture and values, while also bringing learning to life for our pupils. Through educational sessions, storytelling activities and assembling the care bags themselves, children experience the spirit of Ramadan through a collective act of compassion and generosity. As a British curriculum community school, we believe it is important that children both celebrate and learn from the culture of the country they call home, understand the value of giving back and see the impact of their efforts firsthand.”
Immersive Learning Experience Supports Student Development
At the centre of the initiative is a carefully structured educational journey. The school’s library, Media Hub and Innovation Hub are transformed into an immersive Souk environment, where pupils learn about Ramadan and the significance of giving. Each class begins with an educational session exploring the meaning of the Holy Month, followed by interactive activity stations linked to science, social studies, moral education, Islamic Studies and Arabic. Pupils then visit a storytelling tent where parent volunteers read age-appropriate stories focused on kindness and generosity. Students continue their experience through a supermarket-style Souk where they select essential items and assemble care packages themselves. Throughout the journey, pupils carry a Ramadan Souk passport which guides them through each stage while encouraging reflection on their learning. After completing the experience, pupils return to class to share their thoughts on gratitude, community and the importance of giving sincerely.
Parents and Partners Strengthen Community Collaboration
Parents play a key role in the initiative, volunteering to support Souk preparation, storytelling sessions, activity stations, packaging and distribution of the care bags at the start of Ramadan. The care packages are distributed to cleaners, gardeners, security and maintenance teams, delivery drivers and other essential workers who support the surrounding neighbourhood throughout the year. The initiative is supported by partners including King’s College Hospital, which is providing reusable bags and basic health checks during distribution days.
Pupils and Parents Reflect on the Impact of the Initiative
This year’s Ramadan Souk has made a strong impression on both pupils and parents involved.
Archie, a pupil shared:
“In RPS, Ramadan Souk is not just a community for Muslims. We make sure everyone is cared for and everyone feels part of the community.”
Siobhan, a parent volunteer added:
“What a wonderful initiative the Ramadan Souk has been. I personally have watched this idea grow and develop over the last four years into something really amazing. This event brings our community together when parents, students and teachers are also keen to help out and give in the spirit of Ramadan. It’s been a real pleasure to be involved.”
For more information about Ranches Primary School, please visit
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