ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has announced a unified Friday sermon and prayer timing for all mosques across the country. The new schedule will take effect on 2 January 2026, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) said.

🔹 Friday Prayer Set for 12:45pm Nationwide

Under the new system, the Friday sermon (khutbah) and prayer will begin at 12:45pm local time across every emirate. This marks the first time all mosques in the UAE will follow one unified timing.

🔹 Change From Previous Emirate-Based Timings

Previously, Dubai and Abu Dhabi held Friday prayers at around 1:30pm. In contrast, Sharjah and several northern emirates performed the prayer earlier, at approximately 12:30pm. The updated schedule replaces all regional variations.

🔹 Aim: Better Organisation and Community Coordination

Awqaf said the decision will improve prayer organisation and provide smoother crowd management. The authority believes the unified timing will strengthen community coordination and ensure consistency nationwide.

🔹 Worshippers Urged to Arrive Early

The authority advised worshippers to reach mosques ahead of time. Early arrival ensures they do not miss the sermon and receive full spiritual reward. Punctuality remains an important part of Islamic practice, Awqaf added.

Friday sermon