Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced updated school hours for Fridays, impacting both private and public schools starting January 9, 2026. Private school students will now finish classes before 11.30am every Friday to align with earlier Friday prayer times, which have been moved from 1.15pm to 12.45pm. The adjustment ensures students and staff can return home in time for congregational prayers while maintaining curriculum requirements.
Flexible dismissal arrangements are allowed, enabling schools to implement staggered or phased pick-ups to suit operational needs. Students in Grade 6 and above may also have the option for online learning on Fridays with parental consent and KHDA approval. Public schools across the UAE have announced similar Friday schedules: Kindergarten classes will run from 8am to 11.30am, Cycle One from either 7.10am to 10.30am or 8am to 11.30am, and Cycles Two and Three will have Boys from 7.10am to 10.30am and Girls from 8am to 11.30am. Parents should plan ahead to accommodate the new shorter Friday school days.