UAE revises Friday school hours from January 9

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced revised Friday school hours for public schools, with the updated schedule coming into effect from Friday, January 9, 2026.

The changes follow a national decision to adjust Friday prayer and sermon timings to 12.45pm across the country, allowing students and teaching staff to fulfil religious obligations while maintaining continuity in the educational process.

Under the new directives issued by the Ministry of Education, dismissal times on Fridays will vary depending on the educational cycle.

• Kindergarten: 8am to 11.30am
• Cycle 1 (Primary level): Schools will follow one of two tracks – either 7.10am to 10.30am or 8am to 11.30am
• Cycles 2 and 3 (Intermediate and Secondary levels): Timings will differ by gender, with boys attending from 7.10am to 10.30am and girls from 8am to 11.30am

UAE Ministry of Education

The Ministry has also called on private educational institutions to align their schedules with the revised framework, stipulating that Friday school hours must not extend beyond 11.30am.

The measure is intended to give students sufficient time to prepare for Friday prayers and to support family cohesion.

The Ministry said the decision reflects its commitment to a flexible learning environment that respects the unique nature of Fridays in the UAE.

By aligning school hours with religious duties, the Ministry aims to reinforce religious and national values as a foundation of students’ character development.

It further clarified that Friday remains a standard instructional day and that all existing attendance and dismissal policies will continue to apply. The Ministry stressed that the quality of education will remain uncompromised despite the shorter school day.