From January 9, UAE schools will end classes early on Fridays to align with 12.45pm prayer/Representative Image
From January 9, schools across the UAE will shorten Fridays, allowing students from kindergarten to grade 12 to leave earlier. The change aligns with the updated 12.45pm Friday prayer time and gives families more time for religious observance, reflecting a nationwide effort to balance academic schedules with cultural and spiritual commitments.
Primary school adjustments
Kindergarten classes will run from 8am until 11.30am. For Cycle 1 students, covering grades 1 to 4, schools will use staggered schedules to manage classroom and transport logistics:
- First group: 7.10am to 10.30am
- Second group: 8am to 11.30am
These changes are designed to allow parents enough time to pick up their children and attend Friday prayers without rushing, while still completing the required curriculum hours.
Secondary school timings
For students in Cycles 2 and 3, which include grades 6 to 12, the Ministry has announced separate timings for boys and girls:
- Boys: 7.10am to 10.30am
- Girls: 8am to 11.30am
In addition, schools may offer online learning for students in Grade 6 and above on Fridays. Such arrangements require consultation with parents and approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). This measure is intended to provide flexibility while maintaining academic continuity.
Private schools and early childhood centres
Dubai’s KHDA confirmed that all private schools and early childhood centres within private schools will end lessons by 11.30am on Fridays starting January 9. Many schools have already begun sending circulars to parents, informing them of the revised hours. The adjustment follows the nationwide shift of Friday prayer times to 12.45pm, as confirmed by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Zakat. KHDA emphasized that schools have the flexibility to implement staggered or phased dismissal arrangements to meet operational and academic needs while minimizing disruption to teaching and learning.
Wider implications for families
While the change is mainly aligned with religious timings, parents note that it also affects daily routines beyond the classroom. Earlier dismissal impacts traffic flow, workplace arrangements, and childcare schedules. Families particularly feel the pressure in the short window between school pick-up and Friday prayers, highlighting the practical ripple effects of the new timing.KHDA described the move as a balance between students’ well-being and curriculum requirements, ensuring that learning continues effectively while giving families the opportunity to participate in Friday prayers. Go to Source
