With effect from 9 January 2026, the United Arab Emirates will introduce new school timetables on Fridays for all of the state schools. This decision is intended to enable pupils, teachers and educational staff to return home before Friday prayer, now set at 12.45 pm across the country.
This measure forms part of a wider commitment to improving the balance between school life, family life and religious practices.
Standardised timetables for state schools
The new Friday timetables will apply to all levels of state education, with arrangements tailored to the pupils’ ages and educational requirements.
The official timetable announced is as follows:
For the Nursery, lessons will take place from 8.00 am to 11.30 am.
For the Cycle 1 (primary), two time slots are scheduled, depending on how the schools are organised: 7.10 am to 10.30 am or 8.00 am to 11.30 am.
For the Cycles 2 and 3 (lower secondary and upper secondary), the timetables will vary:
The boys will take place on 7.10 am to 10.30 am, whilst the girls will attend the classes at 8.00 am to 11.30 am.
This arrangement ensures the continuity of teaching whilst respecting the requirements of Friday prayers.
A strong recommendation for private schools
Although the measure officially applies to state schools, the private schools are also are asked to finish their lessons by 11.30 am on Friday.
The aim is to standardise educational practices nationwide and to make life easier for families whose children attend different types of schools.
This recommendation is likely to be widely followed, as many private schools have already begun to adjust their timetables in recent years to meet the expectations of parents and the authorities.
A positive impact on families and teaching staff
For families, this change represents a greater clarity and flexibility. Finishing lessons early on Fridays makes it easier to manage travel arrangements, reduces logistical pressure and allows for better planning of the weekend.
For teachers and school staff, these new timetables also offer a better allocation of time and a framework that is more in line with social and religious practices.
This development reflects the Emirates’ ability to adapt their education system to cultural realities whilst maintaining high academic standards.
A measure in line with recent social reforms
These new working hours form part of a series of reforms introduced in recent years in the Emirates, aimed at modernising the organisation of work and education, whilst respecting traditions.
Following the introduction of the Saturday–Sunday weekend and the adjustment to Friday prayer times, this measure further strengthens the overall coherence of the Emirati education system.
From January 2026, the school Friday in the Emirates will therefore enter a new phase: one that is more flexible, clearer and better suited to families’ needs.
