New Friday School Hours Announced in Dubai
The change has been introduced in line with a nationwide adjustment to Friday prayer timings, which began in January 2nd.
From Friday 9th of January, all private school pupils in Dubai will finish classes no later than 11.30 AM every Friday. The update applies to all private schools and early childhood centres operating within private school campuses; a shift from the existing Friday half-day timetable, which previously saw lessons end at noon.
The change has been introduced in line with a nationwide adjustment to Friday prayer timings. Starting January 2nd, congregational prayers across the UAE will begin at 12.45 PM, half an hour earlier than before. School dismissal times have been brought forward accordingly, allowing students and staff sufficient time to return home ahead of prayers.
The UAE Government has also confirmed revised Friday schedules for public schools across the country, while reiterating its recommendation that private schools conclude classes by 11.30 AM.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that schools have been granted flexibility in how they manage the change. Institutions may introduce staggered or phased end-of-day arrangements to suit operational and logistical needs, provided teaching and curriculum requirements continue to be met.
The authority also noted that, for students in Grade 6 (Year 7) and above, schools may seek approval to offer online learning on Fridays. Any such arrangement would require parental consultation and formal approval from KHDA.
Meanwhile, new Friday timings for public schools across the UAE have also been confirmed. Kindergarten pupils will attend from 8.00 AM to 11.30 AM, while Cycle One students will follow either a 7.10 AM to 10.30 AM schedule or an 8.00 AM to 11.30 AM schedule, depending on the school. For Cycles Two and Three, boys will attend from 7.10 AM to 10.30 AM, while girls will attend from 8.00 AM to 11.30 AM.
