The UAE announced on Tuesday that Friday prayers will be held earlier from the start of 2026, moving from 1.15pm to 12.45pm, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat confirmed. The adjustment coincides with the country’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family.
Aligning With Global Timings
The UAE first changed Friday prayer timings in January 2022, aligning with a revised working week that shifted the weekend to Saturday and Sunday. At that time, the weekly sermon and prayer were set to begin at 1.15pm “throughout the year,” replacing variable seasonal timings used previously. Public institutions observed a half-day on Fridays, and schools adjusted schedules to allow students and staff to attend the sermon and prayer.
Official Circular and Guidelines
A circular announcing the latest timing change was posted on the authority’s website on Tuesday. It “urged all worshippers to take care to adhere to the new timings,” specifying that “the Friday prayer will be held at exactly 12.45pm” starting January 2, 2026.
Regional Differences
Sharjah, in contrast, did not alter Friday prayer timings and instead adopted a four-day working week from Monday to Thursday back in 2022, highlighting the regional variations in work and prayer schedules.
