UAE President Calls for Special Prayers for Rain on Upcoming Friday

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered special prayers for rain to be held at all mosques across the country this Friday, October 17. The prayers will take place 30 minutes before regular Friday prayers, asking for rainfall to bless the nation.

The directive follows Islamic tradition, where communities gather to pray for rain during times of need. Sheikh Mohammed called on everyone to turn to God with humble prayers, seeking divine mercy and blessings for the country and its people.

This move reflects the UAE's ongoing water challenges in one of the world's most arid regions. The country has invested heavily in desalination plants and cloud seeding programs to secure water supplies, but traditional prayers for rain remain an important cultural and religious practice.

The timing comes as the Gulf region experiences irregular rainfall patterns. While the UAE doesn't rely solely on natural precipitation for its water needs, rainfall still plays a role in groundwater recharge and reducing pressure on desalination infrastructure.

Friday's coordinated prayers across all UAE mosques will bring together communities in a shared spiritual effort, combining modern water management strategies with centuries-old religious traditions.