UAE mosques observe Friday prayers at the new 12.45 pm timing

Unified prayer timings aim to standardise worship and support easier community planning

Last updated: January 02, 2026 | 13:44

2 MIN READ

Worshippers gather at a mosque in Abu Dhabi for Friday prayers, which were held at 12.45 pm under the new nationwide schedule.

Afra Alnofeli/Gulf News

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Worshippers at Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai after the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat announced a unified 12.45pm Friday prayer time across all emirates.

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Friday prayers across the UAE are set to be observed at a fixed 12.45pm time to standardise worship nationwide.

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A unified sermon time aims to ensure congregations attend the full khutbah and receive consistent religious guidance.

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Mosques across multiple emirates follow the same Friday prayer schedule under the new national timing system.

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Worshippers arrive for Friday prayers at a mosque in The Greens, Dubai.

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The timing change aligns with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of the Family’, supporting shared time and balance.

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Islamic scholars note that holding Friday prayers at 12.45pm falls within the accepted Dhuhr prayer window.

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The nationwide Friday prayer schedule reflects broader efforts to simplify daily life through unified national policies.

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Worshippers during Friday prayers at Jumeirah mosque in Dubai.

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