Schools across the UAE have begun sending notification emails and circulars to parents confirming early Friday dismissals, as campuses move to align the school day with the country’s new unified Friday prayer timings.
Dismissal times vary across schools, with some dispersing students from as early as 11.10am, and pick-up times being moved forward by as much as 30 minutes. Schools have revised lesson timings, dismissal procedures and transport schedules to accommodate the change.
Private schools have informed families that classes will end no later than 11.30am on Fridays from January 9, 2026.
Several schools have issued detailed, school-specific guidance. In a circular to parents, GEMS Our Own Indian School said students using their own transport will be dispersed between 11.10 and 11.20am. Those using the bus will depart at 11.20am.
The school said the move is intended to provide ample time for students to prepare for the Friday Prayer. “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.”
Jumeirah College said in its note to parents that all students will be dismissed by 11.30am on Fridays. The school said lesson timings would be slightly reduced to accommodate the earlier dismissal, while break times would remain unchanged in line with KHDA requirements and student wellbeing considerations.
Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills notified families that primary and secondary students will finish at 11.30am every Friday while continuing with existing dismissal procedures adjusted for the earlier end to the school day. The school also shared a revised bell schedule, with lessons concluding by 11.20am, followed by a short pack-up period before dismissal.
Other schools have focused on balancing logistics with learning continuity. In a circular sent to parents, Al Sadiq Islamic English School said the school gate would open at 11.25am for student collection. The school said its Friday timetable had been carefully revised to ensure curriculum requirements and learning outcomes continue to be met without compromise, while confirming that attendance will still be recorded on Fridays.
Similar early-dismissal notifications are also being issued in Abu Dhabi. In a message shared with parents, a private school informed families that Friday classes will run from 8am to 11.30am for all students, from Pre-KG to Grade 12, effective January 9, with updated timetables to be shared ahead of implementation.
Government schools, meanwhile, have also been instructed to end the school day by 11.30am on Fridays, with staggered start times across kindergarten and school cycles already announced to manage operations.
The changes follow the nationwide revision of Friday prayer timings to 12.45pm — 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule.
Earlier, the KHDA said that for students in Grade 6 (Year 7) and above, schools may seek approval to offer online learning on Fridays, subject to parental consultation and regulatory approval.
As the January 9 implementation date approaches, more schools across the country are expected to continue issuing circulars and emails to parents, notifying them of the revised Friday timings.
© Khaleej Times
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