Dubai Private Schools to End Fridays Before Noon From January 2026

Private schools in Dubai, including early childhood centres within private schools, will end the school day before noon on Fridays starting January 9th, 2026. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority said the adjustment follows the nationwide change to Friday prayer time and aims to allow students and staff to return home ahead of congregational prayers. Schools may apply to offer remote learning on Fridays for students in Grade 6 (Year 7) and above, subject to parental consultation and approval by the authority. Schools are required to prioritise student wellbeing, maintain curriculum requirements, and ensure safe supervision for any students collected after the official dismissal time. Instructional hours from Monday to Thursday will remain unchanged across all private schools in Dubai. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said Friday sermons and prayers will shift from January 2nd, 2026, standardising timing across the country. When Dubai moved to a 4.5-day week in January 2022, the authority set noon as the Friday dismissal cut-off; the latest change brings this forward by 30 minutes to align with the updated schedule. Parents are expected to receive detailed updates from their children’s schools on implementation and any adjustments to Friday routines before January 9th, 2026.