Dubai schools will now finish lessons half an hour earlier on Fridays to accommodate the updated Friday prayer schedule. This change is part of a broader effort to prioritize student well-being while maintaining academic standards.
Friday Lessons Adjusted for Prayer Time
Starting from Friday, January 9, all private schools and early childhood centers in Dubai will conclude Friday lessons at 11.30am, instead of the previous 12pm. This adjustment ensures that students have sufficient time to attend the weekly Friday prayer, which has been moved forward.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) emphasized that the change provides schools with flexibility. Schools may implement staggered or phased dismissal plans to suit logistical, operational, and academic needs while minimizing disruption to teaching and learning.
For students in Year 7 and above, schools may apply for KHDA approval to offer online learning on Fridays, following consultation with parents. This approach helps older students continue their studies while aligning with new prayer schedules.
Why Prayer Times Are Changing
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat recently announced the adjustment to Friday prayers. Starting in 2026, the weekly sermon and prayer will begin at 12.45pm, replacing the previous 1.15pm timing.
This change coincides with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family and aims to standardize the working week. When the UAE shifted its weekend from Friday–Saturday to Saturday–Sunday in 2022, public institutions, workplaces, and schools adapted schedules to match the new rhythm of the week. Friday became a half-day for many, allowing attendance at the sermon and prayer.
Previously, prayer times followed a seasonal schedule. The updated fixed timing helps both institutions and families plan their Fridays more effectively, creating consistency across the country.
Impact on Students and Schools
By finishing lessons earlier, Dubai schools aim to strike a balance between religious observance and academic learning. Students now have adequate time to attend prayers without feeling rushed, while teachers can complete the curriculum efficiently.
The KHDA has highlighted the flexibility schools have in applying this schedule. Some institutions may opt for phased dismissals, while others could allow older students to study online, ensuring minimal disruption to the school day. This approach reflects a modern, student-centered mindset that considers both spiritual and educational priorities.
Supporting Family and Community Life
The adjustment aligns with the UAE’s broader emphasis on family and community life. By harmonizing school schedules with prayer times, families can spend more meaningful time together on Fridays. The move also reinforces the importance of balancing spiritual, educational, and personal development in students’ daily lives.
Parents are encouraged to coordinate with schools regarding any online learning options for older students, ensuring continuity in education while respecting the new prayer schedule.
Conclusion
Dubai’s decision to finish Friday lessons earlier reflects a thoughtful approach to education, blending academic requirements with cultural and religious observance. By adjusting school schedules in response to the prayer time change, the KHDA ensures students can attend prayers comfortably while maintaining a strong focus on learning.
This change not only benefits students’ well-being but also strengthens family and community life, highlighting Dubai’s commitment to a balanced, forward-looking approach to education and societal values.
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