Changing the working hours of private schools in Abu Dhabi on Fridays… a maximum of 11:30 for students and 12:00 for teachers

The Department of Education and Knowledge Abu Dhabi announced that the hours of private schools in Abu Dhabi will be modified on Fridays, so that the maximum departure time for students from school will be no later than 11:30 am, starting tomorrow, Friday, January 9, while the maximum departure time for teachers will be 12:00 noon.
The department said in a circular it sent to schools under the title of updating school hours on Friday, seen by Emirates Today: “In line with the decision issued regarding amending Friday prayer times to be at 12:45 noon throughout the country, and to take into account the amended timetable while ensuring the continuity of the educational process, the updated times will be applied starting on Friday, January 9. The department granted school principals the flexibility to determine school hours as they see fit, with the recommendation to do so after consulting with their teachers and parents. matters for their students, and the school community.”
The department confirmed that for students, the beginning of the school day will not be determined. However, school hours should not extend beyond 11:30 a.m., and for teachers and employees, it is strongly recommended to allocate half a working day on Friday, with the work ending no later than 12:00 noon. Regardless of working hours, ensuring that employees have the opportunity to attend Friday prayers is mandatory, stressing that this measure allows students enough time to prepare for Friday prayers and supports family cohesion.
The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat had adjusted the time for holding Friday prayers in all mosques in the country, to 12:45 noon, starting from Friday, the second of January 2026.