UAE Changes Friday School Hours Starting January 9
Revision of Friday School Hours in UAE
The UAE Ministry of Education has announced an adjustment to school hours for public schools on Fridays, effective January 9, 2026. This modification follows a national decision to synchronize the timing of Friday prayers and sermons across the country, now set for 12:45 PM. The initiative aims to enable students and staff to meet their religious commitments while ensuring a seamless educational experience.
New School Dismissal Times
Under the newly established timetable, dismissal times for public schools on Fridays will be specifically tailored to different educational cycles. The updated schedule is designed to accommodate students based on their respective levels of education, creating a structured approach that addresses both academic and religious needs.
Kindergarten Hours
For Kindergartens, the school hours on Fridays will be from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This schedule provides ample time for young students to complete their educational activities before dismissal.
Primary Education Timings
Schools for Cycle 1, which covers the primary level, will have two potential schedules. Schools can opt for either a dismissal at 10:30 AM for students starting at 7:10 AM or a later dismissal at 11:30 AM if the school starts at 8:00 AM. This flexibility allows schools to cater to different preferences while keeping students’ educational needs in mind.
Intermediate and Secondary Levels
For students in Cycles 2 and 3, encompassing intermediate and secondary education, the dismissal times will differ based on gender. Boys will attend school from 7:10 AM to 10:30 AM, while girls will be in school from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This division has been implemented to further address the preferences and needs of different student demographics.
Alignment for Private Institutions
The UAE Ministry of Education has urged private educational institutions to adopt a similar framework for Friday school hours, emphasizing a requirement that these hours do not extend beyond 11:30 AM. This request aligns with the goal of allowing students sufficient time to prepare for Friday prayers, thereby promoting family coherence.
Commitment to Educational Quality
The measures introduced reflect the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a flexible learning environment that acknowledges the unique significance of Fridays in UAE culture. By aligning school hours with religious observances, the Ministry aims to reinforce religious and national values, which play a crucial role in character development for students.
It is important to note that Friday will still be considered a standard instructional day. All existing attendance and dismissal policies will remain in effect. The Ministry has stated that despite the adjustment to school hours, the quality of education will not be compromised.
Conclusion
This initiative marks a significant step in the UAE’s education system, demonstrating a balance between academic responsibilities and religious practices. As the revised Friday school hours take effect, the Ministry of Education underscores its commitment to providing a learning environment that is responsive to the cultural and religious fabric of the nation.
Published on 1767424943 • Category: Education, Ministry of Education, UAE Ministry of Education, uae schools
