UAE Schools Modify Friday Schedules

Earlier Start, Earlier Return: UAE Schools Introduce New Friday Schedule

The educational system in the United Arab Emirates is undergoing yet another important change that not only affects the internal operations of schools but also significantly impacts families' Friday schedules. Starting January 9, 2026, all schools across the country, including both public and private institutions, will implement a modified Friday teaching schedule to align with the new unified Friday prayer time. The new prayer time has been moved forward to 12:45, aiming to give students and teachers adequate time to prepare and attend their religious obligations on Friday.

Why the change, and what does it mean in practice?

The changes are driven not just by logistical considerations but also by deeper social and cultural objectives. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Education (MOE), the new schedule aims to strengthen the role of religious and national values in shaping students' character. Aligning the Friday school schedule with religious practice signals that learning and faith are complementary, unified parts of students' lives.

In practice, this means students will be dismissed between 11:10 and 11:30 on Fridays, depending on the internal timetable of the institution. Although the class durations are shortened, the schools have stressed that this does not endanger the acquisition of the curriculum—many schools specifically emphasized that the new schedule has been tailored to meet academic requirements without compromising learning outcomes.

Institutional Examples and Practical Application

Several private schools in Dubai have already informed parents about specific measures. One school announced that students arriving by private vehicle will be dismissed between 11:10 and 11:20, while buses will depart at 11:20. Another Dubai high school, primarily following an international curriculum, confirmed that all students can leave by 11:30, with class durations adjusted accordingly.

The Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills also issued a detailed notice stating that both elementary and secondary students will finish uniformly at 11:30 on Fridays. Classes will run until 11:20, leaving a brief period for packing before students head home.

The example of Al Sadiq Islamic English School illustrates how schools are striving to maintain a balance between religious expectations and educational goals. The school emphasized in a circular that its Friday schedule was designed to fulfill curricular requirements while still providing valuable educational experiences. Attendance on Friday—despite its shortened nature—will be recorded just like any other day.

Abu Dhabi and Public Schools Follow Suit

Schools in Abu Dhabi are also adopting the new Friday timing. One school in the area indicated that all students, from kindergarten through the twelfth grade, will follow a Friday teaching schedule from 8:00 to 11:30. Schools are preparing smooth transitions with pre-sent schedules.

Public schools are not exempt from this change. Education authorities have provided clear guidelines stating that on Fridays, all schools will conclude teaching no later than 11:30. Additionally, start times tailored to different school cycles (kindergarten, elementary, secondary) have already been introduced to optimize school bus traffic and operations.

The Possibility of Online Learning

The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) indicated that for students above grade six (year 7 onwards)—i.e., high school students—schools may seek permission to offer Friday education online. This requires parental consent and official approval. Although this option has currently only been considered for a few institutions, it may become common in the long term, particularly targeting the reorganization of the high school curriculum.

What to Expect in the Coming Weeks?

As the January 9 deadline approaches, more schools will send out official circulars detailing the changes in Friday teaching schedules, new bus timetables, school opening times, and the restructured class format. Parents' feedback will be considered for fine-tuning practice, so minor adjustments might be expected post-implementation.

Summary

The new Friday teaching schedule in the United Arab Emirates is not merely a logistical adjustment but a step that seeks to reinforce the balance between religious values, education, and social well-being. Schools in Dubai and other emirates have made serious preparations to ensure students and their families adapt smoothly. Children will return home earlier, classes will be more focused, while the quality of education remains unscathed. It is another example of how rapidly and efficiently the UAE can respond to social changes.

(Source of the article: United Arab Emirates school notifications.)