Education

Most schools set to close early as UAE Friday prayer time changes in 2026

Short Fridays are likely to become shorter for UAE students as most schools across the country are likely to close early on Fridays from January 2026 following the announcement of standardised Friday prayer timings nationwide.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat announced on Tuesday that Friday sermons and prayers will be held at 12.45pm from January 2, 2026. The decision standardises prayer timing across the country to support better organisation and ensure consistency for all worshippers. (But why were the prayer timings changed? Here are four reasons)

School principals told Gulf News on Wednesday that most educational institutions will need to adjust their Friday schedules to ensure Muslim students reach home in time for prayers.

Schools are now awaiting formal instructions from education authorities to implement schedule changes ahead of the January 2026 deadline.

KHDA begins survey

School principals said the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has begun a survey in Dubai schools to understand how the change may affect teaching hours and potential adjustments.

Lyudmyla Klykova, principal of Hampton Heights International School in Al Twar, said: “KHDA is collecting feedback through a survey to gauge the impact on school timings, teaching hours, and operational adjustments.”

Gulf News has reached out to KHDA for further comments.

Meanwhile, Klykova said the school is reviewing several options for schedule adjustments.

“The revised Friday prayer time will require adjustments to our schedule for primary and lower secondary. This may involve modifying break times or lesson durations,” Klykova said.

“We are currently reviewing options with the senior leadership team to ensure smooth implementation while maintaining instructional quality.”

She said that Friday dismissal times may change depending on how lessons and breaks are adjusted. “No final decision has been made yet. Once finalised, parents will receive a confirmed update. Our goal is minimal disruption to learning,” she added.

Regional timing challenges

Qurat Ul Ain, principal of International Indian School in Ajman, highlighted the complexities schools face across different emirates.

“Schools will have to change their Friday working hours and we are awaiting clarity and instructions from the Ministry of Education,” she said.

She pointed out that schools in Ajman already face challenges regarding Friday dispersal.

“In Ajman, prayer time is at 1.15pm while it is at 12.15pm in Sharjah. For schools in Ajman, it has been a challenge to disperse students from Sharjah early. So, we allow Sharjah buses to leave first on Fridays.”

City vs rural scenario

Fareesa Azeem, principal of Al Marfa International Private School in Abu Dhabi‘s Al Dhafra region, said the change in prayer time will definitely affect school timings.

“A lot depends upon student transport and ensuring they reach home before prayers,” Azeem said.

“Currently, we disperse at 12 o’clock as there is no big traffic issues on outskirts. With the new prayer timing at 12.45pm, we would need to leave around 11.45am. Schools in Abu Dhabi city will have to close even earlier due to the traffic challenges. We are awaiting official guidance from ADEK (Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge). A circular from ADEK would provide clarity for all schools.”

ADEK’s early survey

Mohammad Gaffar from Al Ain Juniors Schools in Al Ain said his institution currently disperses primary and high school students at 10.40am due to existing challenges, while kindergarten students leave at 12 noon.

Though he hopes the prayer time change may have minimal impact on his school, he said official guidelines would clarify the situation.

“We had raised our concerns with ADEK earlier seeking guidelines to have meaningful learning on Fridays,” he said.

Gaffar said ADEK had conducted a survey on Friday school timings some months ago. “I think more inputs will be taken in view of the new announcement about the prayer time change.”

Story by Gulf News

Education

WiseTech Global and Elm Company collaborate to drive innovation and digital transformation in the logistics sector in Saudi Arabia

7 January 2027

Sydney, Australia – WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC), the world-leading developer of logistics execution and supply chain management solutions, and Elm Company, a leading provider of digital solutions for both public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in the logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the MoU, both parties intend to explore and leverage modern technologies to drive innovation and deliver advanced technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and overall performance of the logistics sector, in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation objectives.

The scope of the collaboration includes exploring digital solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhancing customer experience through technology solutions focused on simplicity, flexibility, and service quality.

The collaboration also aims to support digital transformation efforts in the logistics sector through collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two parties, fostering integration in the development of technological solutions to deliver sustainable added value.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2025 on 13 December, with Elm represented by Hesham S. AlNaser, Vice President – Logistics Products, and WiseTech Global represented by Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, Elm’s Spokesperson and Vice President of Marketing, said:

“Elm continues to play its role as a leading digital enabler for government entities and businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, building strategic partnerships that drive the development of innovative digital solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting digital transformation and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector in line with future aspirations.”

Vlad Bilanovsky, Chief Execution Officer at WiseTech Global, said:

“Saudi Arabia represents significant opportunities for growth and development in the logistics sector. We are delighted to collaborate with Elm to explore innovative technology solutions that enhance operational performance, improve customer experience, and support the sector’s digital transformation journey.”

Photo: L-R Vlad Bilanovsky, WiseTech Global and Hesham Alnasser, ELM Company sign MoU on the sidelines of the Saudi Supply Chain and Logistics Conference.

Media contact information:
WiseTech Global: Claire Hosegood | +61 411 253 663 | claire.hosegood@wisetechglobal.com

Elm Company: To obtain a photo of the official spokesperson or for more information about Elm Company, please visit elm.com.sa or contact: media@elm.sa

About WiseTech Global

WiseTech Global is a leading developer and provider of software solutions to the logistics, global trade and supply chain industry globally. Our customers include over 17,000^[1] of the world’s logistics companies across 193 countries, including 47 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 24 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders worldwide^[2].

Our mission is to change the world by creating breakthrough products that enable and empower those that own and operate the supply chains of the world. At WiseTech, we are relentless about innovation, adding over 5,700 product enhancements to our global CargoWise application suite in the last five years while bringing meaningful continual improvement to the world’s supply chains. Our breakthrough software solutions are renowned for their powerful productivity, extensive functionality, comprehensive integration, deep compliance capabilities, and truly global reach. For more information about WiseTech Global or CargoWise, please visit wisetechglobal.com and cargowise.com.

[1] Includes customers on CargoWise and non-CargoWise platforms whose customers may be counted with reference to installed sites

[2] Armstrong & Associates: Top 50 Global 3PLs & Top 25 Global Freight Forwarders ranked by 2023 gross logistics revenue/turnover and freight forwarding volumes – Updated 14 August 2024

Education

Back to School 2026: Key changes for UAE parents

From how long children stay in school to when they sit exams and even how absences are counted – the UAE’s education system is undergoing some of its most far-reaching reforms in years. In this academic year, parents will need to adjust to a new rhythm shaped by a unified school calendar, stricter attendance rules, curriculum reforms and revised admission criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes that will directly impact students and families.

Earlier Fridays after prayer timing change

School days will now end earlier on Fridays following the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer timings to 12.45pm.

On January 2, the Ministry of Education announced that revised timings for government schools will take effect from January 9. The ministry called on private schools to abide by the 11.30am cut-off on Friday. Separately, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that all private schools and early childhood centres in Dubai must finish the school day no later than 11.30 am.

New age cut-off for KG admissions

Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, the Ministry of Education has introduced a formal age cut-off for kindergarten admissions.

Children born between September 1 and December 31, 2021 – previously ineligible for the 2025-26 intake – will be allowed to enrol in either KG1 or KG2. In private schools, placement will depend on the child’s readiness and seat availability, following school assessments.

Unified school calendar brings predictability

The UAE has rolled out a unified school calendar covering both public and private schools, offering families greater clarity when planning holidays and routines.

Under the calendar, the first term is set to end with a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, with schools reopening on Monday, January 5.

The second term runs from January 5 to March 15, followed by a spring break from March 16 to 29. Schools reopen on March 30, except private schools in Sharjah, which resume on March 23. The third term begins on March 30 and ends on July 3, with Sharjah schools concluding a day earlier on July 2.

Mid-term breaks to ease academic pressure

For the first time, structured mid-term breaks have been introduced across public and private schools, giving students regular pauses during the academic year.

The first mid-term break ran from October 13 to 19 last year. The second break is scheduled between February 11 and 15, 2026, while the third break will run from May 25 to 31, coinciding with the Eid Al Adha holiday.

New law to govern curriculum

A major shift is underway at the policy level with the introduction of a Federal Decree Law on the Governance of the National Educational Curriculum.

For the first time, the UAE now has a comprehensive legislative framework governing how the national curriculum is designed, approved, implemented and reviewed – signalling a more structured and accountable approach to learning outcomes nationwide.

Second-term exams dropped in many cases

The Ministry of Education has moved further towards continuous evaluation, removing second-term exams in many instances.

Instead, students are assessed through ongoing evaluations designed to track progress throughout the term, reducing exam pressure and placing greater emphasis on consistent performance.

Stricter attendance rules, instant alerts

One of the most significant changes affects school attendance. Under new MoE regulations, students are allowed a maximum of five unexcused absences per term and 15 per year. Exceeding this limit could result in the student repeating the year.

Absences on Fridays, or immediately before or after official holidays, will be counted as two days. Schools will also operate an instant notification system to alert parents as soon as a child misses school, tightening oversight and accountability.

Story by Gulf NEWS

Business

SP Jain and IWBD Launch Global Board Readiness Program to Empower Leaders

Dubai, UAE – SP Jain School of Global Management the top ranked Australian Business School has partnered with the International Women Board of Directors (IWBD) to launch the Global Board Readiness Program, a comprehensive 30-hour executive development initiative designed to prepare mid- to senior-level professionals for C-suite and board positions.

The five-week program addresses the persistent gender gap in corporate boardrooms by equipping women leaders with essential governance expertise, strategic decision-making capabilities, and crucial networking opportunities with executive headhunters.

“This program bridges the critical gap between executive experience and board readiness,” said Ebru Tuygun, IWBD Chairwoman and CEO of GVGL Global Marketing Management. “We’re not just teaching governance—we’re creating pathways to actual board placements through our partnerships with firms like Wilton and Bain.”

Comprehensive Curriculum Led by Industry Titans

The program features an impressive roster of regional business leaders and subject matter experts. Participants will learn from Amel Chadli, President of Schneider Electric’s Gulf Cluster and one of Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025, who will lead sessions on negotiation and influence. Banu Karakullukcu, CEO of Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages, will share insights on solving complex problems and making bold boardroom decisions.

Other faculty members include Faranak Farahmand Pour, Global Strategic Director at Google, covering artificial intelligence applications for boardrooms; George Abraham, HR Director MENA at Deloitte, discussing talent attraction strategies; and Raya Abu Gulal, CEO of RAG Legal, addressing legal rights and responsibilities of board members.

Academic expertise comes from SP Jain faculty including Dr. Christopher Abraham, Professor and CEO (S P Jain Dubai), who will tackle leadership and crisis management, and Dr. Vincent Hooper, Professor of Finance, providing essential financial acumen training for board members.

Strategic Focus on Diversity and Placement

The program’s distinctive feature lies in its practical approach to board placement. Unlike traditional executive education, participants receive direct exposure to executive search professionals who actively recruit for board positions across global markets.

Sami Zouehid, Managing Partner for Wilton & Bain in the Middle East, will conduct specialized sessions on crafting compelling board CVs and mastering interview techniques. With over 16 years of executive placement experience in the region, Zouehid brings insider knowledge of what boardrooms seek in new directors.

The IWBD, an initiative of On Board Women, has established itself as a crucial platform for advancing female representation at the highest levels of corporate governance. Through rigorous training and thought leadership initiatives, the organization champions inclusive networks that exchange skills, expertise, and best practices.

Global Perspective with Regional Relevance

Leveraging SP Jain’s international presence across Dubai, London, Singapore, Sydney, and Mumbai, the program offers participants exposure to diverse markets and governance practices. This global perspective proves essential as boardrooms increasingly require directors who understand cross-border complexities and cultural nuances.

The curriculum spans critical areas including corporate governance essentials, financial acumen, personal branding, leadership in crisis management, and AI applications in boardroom decision-making. A bonus networking panel session featuring inspirational CEO stories provides participants with real-world perspectives on navigating boardroom dynamics.

Program Details

The program is priced at USD 10,900 per person, with group and bulk discounts available. It targets professionals in mid- to senior-level positions seeking general management roles, C-suite positions, or opportunities to leverage their technical, financial, legal, or medical expertise at the board level.

Dr.Christopher Abraham CEO at SP Jain’s Dubai campus emphasized the program’s relevance: “Companies increasingly recognize that diverse boards make better decisions. This program ensures qualified leaders are prepared to contribute meaningfully from day one.”

For more information about the Global Board Readiness Program, interested professionals can contact Saud Ahmed Khan at +971 55 329 0274 or saud.ahmed@spjain.org. Additional details are available at https://executive-education.spjain.ae/open-programs/global-board-readiness-program

Click here to register : Register Now !