Overview
- The new 12:45 pm Jumu'ah time took effect today across all emirates, with mosques reporting earlier arrivals and calmer services on the first Friday.
- Dubai's KHDA directed private schools to dismiss students by 11:30 am on Fridays from January 9, with potential online provision for Grade 6 and above subject to parental consultation and approval.
- The Ministry of Education set revised Friday hours for public schools from next week, including staggered schedules for Cycle 1 and gender-based timings for Cycles 2 and 3.
- Transport and aviation agencies prepared for heavier flows, with Emirates issuing a weekend red alert and Dubai's RTA increasing Metro and Tram frequencies.
- Parents and residents flagged likely overlaps between school pick-ups, prayer traffic and work commitments once classes resume, with the full impact expected to emerge next Friday.