Dubai schools will close early on Fridays, starting in January 2026, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). The early finish time for private schools in the emirate comes after the UAE announced earlier Friday prayer timings at mosques in the country from 2026 onwards. To accommodate the changes, the KHDA reported  that schools will finish no later than 11.30am on Fridays. New school timings in Dubai A press statement from the KHDA said: “In line with the adjustment of the Friday prayer time across the country to 12.45pm, and following consultations with educational institutions, effective Friday, January 9, 2026, all private schools and early childhood centres operating within private schools in Dubai will finish the school day no later than 11.30am on Fridays.” Education authorities and providers are consulting with parents over the possibility of providing remote learning lessons for secondary school students on Fridays. The KHDA said: “For students in Grade 6 (Year 7) and above, schools may seek approval to offer online learning on Fridays, subject to parental consultation and KHDA approval”. Teaching timings and school start and finish times from Monday to Thursday will not be impacted. The UAE announced new timings for Friday […]