Friday Prayer Time Moved to 12:45 PM Starting January 2, 2026

The UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments announced that Friday prayers will now start at 12:45 PM across all mosques nationwide, beginning January 2, 2026. The authority is asking worshippers to stick to the new schedule and arrive early for prayers.

This timing change affects hundreds of mosques throughout the Emirates. Friday prayers are typically the most attended weekly religious service for Muslims, making this adjustment significant for millions of residents.

The new 12:45 PM start time appears designed to better align with the UAE's work schedules and daily routines. Many businesses and government offices operate on schedules that could benefit from this standardized prayer time.

The authority emphasized that worshippers should plan accordingly and arrive before the designated time. Early arrival is encouraged in Islamic tradition, as it allows for additional prayers and preparation before the main service begins.

The change will take effect on the first Friday of 2026, giving communities several weeks to adjust their schedules. Mosque administrators will likely need to coordinate with local communities to ensure smooth implementation of the new timing.