The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced new Friday school hours for public schools, in line with updated Friday prayer times, effective Friday 9 January 2026.
Public school hours for kindergarten will be from 8:00am until 11:30am, and for Cycle 1 students either 7:10am until 10:30am or 8:00am until 11:30am. School hours for Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 vary by gender, with boys attending from 7:10am until 10:30am and girls from 8:00am until 11:30am.
MoE urges private schools to end classes by 11:30am on Fridays to allow students to fulfil religious duties while maintaining the approved study plans.
This decision reflects MoE's commitment to a flexible education environment that honours Friday, supports students' religious practices, strengthens family bonds and reinforces religious values as a core part of national identity and the development of well-rounded Emirati students.
MoE noted that Friday remains a regular school day with standard attendance rules, and that the adjusted hours ensure uninterrupted learning while accommodating early dismissal and the day's special significance.