Prom season in the UAE is in full swing with students from various schools across the country attending end-of-year proms. One student, Zeineldein, shared his experience of feeling a strong sense of community and friendship during his first prom at Repton School in Dubai. Proms are typically formal dance parties held in hotel ballrooms, where students dress up in their best attire and enjoy a night of music and dancing. These events mark the end of an academic year for students who have completed board exams, such as Year 11 and Year 13 in British syllabus schools.
Some proms are organized by students themselves, while others are school-led. Zeineldein mentioned that his prom was organized by the students, adding an extra layer of excitement and ownership to the event. Similarly, Minha Shanod, a student at Cambridge International School Dubai, took on the challenge of organizing her school’s prom after a friend suggested the idea at the beginning of the academic year. This involved months of planning, from contacting hotels for venues to arranging DJs, photo booths, and other elements for the event.
Among the challenges Minha faced was pricing the tickets for the prom. Initially set at Dh275, she managed to negotiate with vendors to reduce costs and ultimately lower the ticket price to Dh230. Despite facing criticism and negativity from some classmates, Minha persevered and successfully organized a prom that was attended by over 80 students. The event turned out to be a success, with Minha even being voted as the ‘Prom Queen’ by her peers.
For Ethan Mellor, a student at Dubai College, this year’s prom marked his third consecutive attendance at the event. He shared how enjoyable it was to celebrate the end of his school life in Dubai with his friends and wider school community. The evening included student-organized prizes, a graduation video, and a delightful buffet with various options. Ethan highlighted the enjoyable atmosphere of celebrating with close friends and classmates, making the event a memorable and special occasion.
Proms are an important milestone for students as they mark the end of an academic year or school life. These events provide an opportunity for students to come together, celebrate their achievements, and create lasting memories with friends. Despite the challenges and efforts involved in organizing proms, the sense of community, camaraderie, and joy experienced by students make these events truly unforgettable. As prom season continues in the UAE, students eagerly anticipate and cherish the memories created at these end-of-year celebrations.
