Dubai Schools to Finish Earlier on Fridays

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KHDA Adjusts School Schedules as UAE Moves Friday Prayer Earlier

Dubai’s private schools and early childhood centres will end classes earlier on Fridays starting January 9, 2026, as the emirate adapts to nationwide changes in Friday prayer timings, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced. 

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Under the new guidelines, all private schools in Dubai will conclude the school day no later than 11:30 am on Fridays to ensure students and staff can travel home in time for the updated Friday prayers, which have been moved earlier across the UAE. 

This change comes in response to an announcement by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat that Friday sermons and congregational prayers will begin at 12:45 pm instead of the previous 1:15 pm, starting from early January 2026. 

New Timings and Flexible Learning Options

KHDA has allowed schools to adopt staggered or phased dismissal arrangements on Fridays to minimise disruption to teaching while accommodating the new schedule. For students in Year 7 (Grade 6) and above, schools may apply to offer online learning on Fridays, subject to parent consultation and regulatory approval, giving older pupils greater flexibility. 

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Instructional hours from Monday to Thursday will remain unchanged, ensuring the total weekly curriculum time is preserved. 

Authority and School Collaboration

In announcing the Friday adjustment, KHDA emphasised that the move prioritises student wellbeing while maintaining educational standards and safety for pupils who remain on campus until they are collected after dismissal. 

Authorities have consulted with schools across the emirate to ensure a smooth transition and have provided flexibility for different operational needs. 

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What This Means for Families

For families and students in Dubai, the earlier Friday finish aligns school schedules with religious practices and helps communities better observe weekly prayers without significantly impacting academic routines. 

As the UAE continues adjusting public schedules to reflect evolving social and cultural rhythms, Dubai’s school timing changes are among the latest examples of policy shifts aimed at balancing tradition with daily life.