The UAE will introduce a new unified Friday prayer time from January 2, 2026, with the sermon and prayer set to begin at 12:45pm across all mosques in the country. The update was announced by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf), which urged worshippers to follow the revised timing and arrive early.
A major shift from current practice
The new 12:45pm prayer time replaces the 1:15pm schedule followed since 2022 in most emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Sharjah has been operating on an earlier schedule of around 12:20pm, as the emirate retained its Friday Sunday weekend structure.
Before the nationwide workweek change in 2022, Friday prayers traditionally took place shortly after midday.
How the new timing affects daily routines
The change is expected to influence how families, workers and commuters plan their Fridays, with many residents seeing it as a welcome adjustment.
More breathing room for families
Sharjah resident Abbas W said the earlier timing in the emirate often forces students to rush home from school before prayer.
“If Sharjah also shifts to 12:45pm, it will really help my nephew,” he said. “He’ll have enough time to get home, freshen up and head to the mosque without stress.”
Smoother workdays
Dubai resident Maryam Suha recalled that when prayers were closer to 1:30pm, her lunch break extended into mid-afternoon.
“With a 12:45pm timing, I can pray, have lunch and return to work earlier,” she said. “My Friday moves faster, and I get extra time with my children.”
Fewer missed prayers for commuters
For residents travelling between emirates, the unified schedule may reduce confusion.
Mohammed Faisal, who lives in Sharjah and works in Dubai, often found himself navigating multiple prayer times.
“Sometimes I miss the early prayer in Sharjah, so I drive to Dubai for the 1:30pm prayer,” he said. “If the timing becomes the same everywhere, it will be easier and more predictable.”
Schools and offices likely to revise Friday hours
The updated timing means many schools and workplaces may need to adjust their Friday schedules. Institutions are expected to review class timings, lunch breaks and early-dismissal practices to ensure students and employees can reach mosques on time.
What’s next?
The new prayer time takes effect on January 2, 2026, giving schools, businesses and commuters more than a month to prepare. For many residents, the unified schedule promises a less rushed Friday and a more consistent routine across the country.
