Dubai , January 3 . 2026 : The Ministry of Education has announced new Friday school hours for public schools, effective from January 9, 2026, following the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer and sermon timings to 12:45 pm.
Under the revised schedule, kindergarten classes will run from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. Cycle 1 (primary) schools will operate on one of two schedules: 7:10 am to 10:30 am or 8:00 am to 11:30 am. For Cycles 2 and 3, boys’ schools will run from 7:10 am to 10:30 am, while girls’ schools will operate from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.
The ministry has also urged private schools to adjust their schedules, with Friday classes not extending beyond 11:30 am, to allow students sufficient time to prepare for Friday prayers and support family cohesion.
The Ministry of Education said Friday will remain a regular instructional day, with existing attendance and dismissal policies continuing to apply, adding that the decision reflects its commitment to balancing educational continuity with religious and national values.
