UAE Schools Announce Earlier Friday Dismissals

Schools across the UAE have begun notifying parents of revised Friday schedules, confirming earlier student dismissals in line with the country’s newly unified Friday prayer timings.

Circulars and emails sent to families this week outline dismissal times as early as 11.10am, with lesson schedules, transport arrangements, and pick-up times adjusted accordingly. The changes come ahead of the nationwide implementation date of January 9, 2026.

Private schools have informed parents that Friday classes will now end no later than 11.30am. In several cases, student pick-up times have been brought forward by up to 30 minutes to ensure adequate time for preparation ahead of Friday prayers.

In a circular to parents, GEMS Our Own Indian School confirmed that students using private transport will be dismissed between 11.10am and 11.20am, while school buses will depart at 11.20am.

Explaining the rationale behind the adjustment, the school said the move is designed to support religious observance, adding: “By aligning school hours with religious obligations, the MOE seeks to strengthen the role of religious and national values as a cornerstone of the student’s character.”

Other schools have issued similar guidance. Jumeirah College told parents that all students will be dismissed by 11.30am on Fridays, noting that lesson durations will be slightly reduced while break times will remain unchanged in line with KHDA regulations and student wellbeing considerations.

Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills said both primary and secondary students will finish at 11.30am every Friday. The school shared a revised bell schedule, with lessons ending at 11.20am, followed by a short pack-up period before dismissal.

Islamic schools have also revised operations. Al Sadiq Islamic English School informed parents that school gates will open at 11.25am for collection. The school confirmed that attendance will continue to be recorded on Fridays and that curriculum requirements will be met despite the shortened day.

Early dismissal notices are not limited to Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, private schools have begun issuing similar communications, with one school confirming Friday classes from 8am to 11.30am for all students from Pre-KG to Grade 12, effective January 9.

Government schools have also been instructed to conclude the school day by 11.30am on Fridays, with staggered start times across kindergarten and school cycles already announced to support operational planning.

The revised school schedules follow the UAE’s nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer timings to 12.45pm, which is 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule.

Earlier, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said schools may seek approval to offer online learning on Fridays for students in Grade 6 (Year 7) and above, subject to parental consultation and regulatory approval.

As the January 9 rollout approaches, more UAE schools are expected to issue updated circulars and timetables to parents, finalising arrangements for the revised Friday school day.