Following the announcement of new Friday prayer timings in the UAE, schools across Dubai are weighing various adjustments, such as earlier dismissal or revised timetables. As families prepare for a major shift in the weekend routine next year, schools are quietly mapping out how to keep learning smooth while respecting the new timings.
Most schools are steering clear of shifting to online learning on Fridays. Several have also clarified why the updated Friday prayer timings will have little to no impact on their schedules.
The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has set the Friday sermon and prayer at 12.45pm, urging worshippers to observe the revised schedule. In response, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has begun gathering insights directly from schools. As the sector awaits further instructions from the education regulator, families can expect updates over the coming weeks.
Seema Umar, Principal of Dewvale School in Al Quoz, said the sector has already been asked to weigh in.
“KHDA has circulated a survey to schools, giving us the platform to share school-specific considerations and contribute to a unified, practical solution across the sector. We are considering a range of options, including a slightly earlier dismissal or a restructured timetable that accommodates both instructional needs and the new prayer window. At present, no decision has been finalized, and online learning is not our preferred direction unless mandated,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sheela Menon, principal, Ambassador School Dubai said: “At present, lessons conclude at 11.30am on Fridays, and dispersal is completed before 12pm. To incorporate the changes, without altering break durations or the number of lessons, we are able to adjust the timetable to advance dismissal by approximately 10 minutes, enabling both students and staff to observe Friday prayers comfortably and on time.”
For many parents, the reassurance is that schools are acting early — trying to balance academic continuity with student wellbeing.
Principals highlighted flexibility will be key, and whatever the final plan looks like, communication will shape how smoothly children adapt.
Umar added that schools are preparing for this transition with a student-first mindset.
“Clear communication with parents and staff will be essential to ensure any transition is smooth for students. Once KHDA provides further clarity, we will update our community promptly and implement any changes in a manner that maintains stability and supports student wellbeing,” she said.
While several institutions may need to reshape Fridays, others say the new prayer timing will hardly disrupt them. Some already operate schedules that naturally align with the upcoming shift.
Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal, Credence High School, said, “We do not anticipate any changes to our existing Friday timings. We already conclude classes early on Fridays with lessons ending at 11.20am. For pre-KG to Grade 12 and students boarding their buses by 11.45am ensuring families and staff have ample time to prepare for prayers. We have also received and positively responded to the KHDA survey on operational preferences. At this stage, no further adjustments are required, and we remain aligned with all regulatory expectations.”
Antony Koshy, Principal of Woodlem Park School in Al Qusais, also pointed out that their existing routine offers a built-in buffer.
“Friday schedules will be adjusted to reflect the revised prayer timings, though the effect on many schools, including ours, will be limited as we already dismiss at 11.30am.”
He said that while online learning is being discussed across the sector, logistical realities — especially around coordinated dismissals — must be considered.
“Operational responses will differ by school, with some needing to revise timetables, redistribute hours across the week, or consider limited online learning. KHDA has circulated a detailed survey capturing how the changes may affect each institution. In the Al Qusais cluster, where about 12 to 14 schools operate, unified dispersal could cause severe traffic congestion, so flexibility will be essential to ensure timely access to Friday prayers,” he said.
For parents in saturated school zones, staggered dismissals may be the most practical solution.
Some schools are also exploring subtle timetable adjustments that preserve classroom learning while accommodating the prayer window.
Luydmyla Klykova, Principal of Hampton Heights International School in Tawar, said their team is examining fine-tuned modifications.
“A modified timetable with shorter breaks is also being reviewed. Online learning is not advisable, as it disrupts routine, reduces direct teacher-student engagement, and does not align with our instructional priorities. Final decisions will depend on practicality and KHDA guidance,” Klykova said.
© Khaleej Times
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