In a significant move to accommodate religious observances, schools across the United Arab Emirates will implement shorter Fridays starting January 9. The decision, which affects students from kindergarten through Grade 12, is designed to align the academic schedule with the updated nationwide Friday prayer time of 12.45pm. This initiative aims to provide families with ample time for spiritual commitments while balancing curriculum requirements.
Revised School Timings for Primary and Secondary Students
The new schedule introduces specific dismissal times for different educational cycles. For the youngest learners, kindergarten classes will run from 8am until 11.30am. Students in Cycle 1, covering Grades 1 to 4, will follow a staggered schedule to manage logistics effectively. The first group will attend school from 7.10am to 10.30am, while the second group's timings will be 8am to 11.30am.
For older pupils in Cycles 2 and 3 (Grades 6 to 12), the Ministry has announced separate timings based on gender. Boys in these grades will have school from 7.10am to 10.30am, and girls will attend from 8am to 11.30am. Furthermore, schools have the option to provide online learning for Grade 6 and above on Fridays, subject to parental consultation and approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Implementation Across Private Schools and Family Impact
The KHDA in Dubai has confirmed that all private schools and early childhood centres within private institutions will conclude lessons by 11.30am on Fridays. Many schools have already begun notifying parents about the revised hours through circulars. The authority has emphasized that schools retain the flexibility to implement staggered or phased dismissal plans to meet operational needs while minimizing disruption to teaching.
While the primary goal is to facilitate religious observance, the change carries wider implications for daily family life. The earlier dismissal is expected to influence traffic patterns, workplace arrangements, and childcare schedules. Parents have noted the practical challenge of managing the short interval between school pick-up and the commencement of Friday prayers, highlighting the ripple effects of the policy on routine logistics.
Balancing Well-being with Academic Requirements
The KHDA has described this adjustment as a careful balance between student welfare and curricular demands. The core objective is to ensure that effective learning continues while granting families the opportunity to participate in Friday congregational prayers without haste. This nationwide effort underscores the UAE's commitment to harmonizing its educational framework with the cultural and spiritual values of its community.
