The UAE is set to begin 2026 with an important update that will affect mosques, workplaces, schools, and daily routines across the country. Starting January 2, 2026, Friday sermons and prayers will officially begin at 12:45 PM nationwide, marking a shift from the timings followed over the past few years.
The move brings all emirates under one consistent Friday prayer schedule, making planning easier for residents and helping reduce confusion around differing prayer times.
What’s Changing From January 2026?
For several years, Friday prayer timings varied across the UAE. Since 2022, most emirates scheduled prayers at 1:15 PM, while Sharjah continued with an earlier time due to its Friday–Sunday weekend structure.
Under the new arrangement:
• All mosques across the UAE will begin Friday sermons and prayers at 12:45 PM
• The change applies uniformly, including emirates that previously followed different schedules
• Authorities have advised worshippers to plan travel and daily commitments accordingly
Why The Change Matters
1. Easier Planning Across Emirates
A single nationwide prayer time means residents no longer need to adjust schedules based on location. Whether commuting between emirates or attending prayers near work or home, the consistency reduces uncertainty.
2. Smoother Workdays On Fridays
Many employees have shared that later prayer times disrupted lunch breaks and extended workdays. The earlier 12:45 PM timing allows for better-aligned breaks and a smoother wrap-up before the weekend.
3. Less Rush For Families
For families with school-going children, earlier prayer timings often meant rushing home to prepare. The updated schedule provides more breathing room, allowing worshippers to attend prayers without feeling pressured.
4. Improved Commuting Experience
Traffic congestion has long made Friday travel challenging. A unified prayer time helps worshippers attend prayers closer to their location instead of travelling between emirates to match preferred timings.
Impact On Schools And Offices
Educational institutions and workplaces typically structure Fridays around prayer schedules. With the new timing in place, some organisations may adjust timetables, lunch hours, or dismissal times to accommodate the change smoothly.
A Step Toward Greater Coordination
The updated Friday prayer schedule reflects a broader effort to simplify routines and improve coordination nationwide. As 2026 approaches, residents are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead to make the transition seamless.
For official guidance and detailed updates, worshippers can refer to announcements from the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf).
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