UAE changed Friday prayer timings for social, not religious reasons, says official

A four-year study and extensive public feedback informed the UAE’s decision to standardise Friday prayer timings at 12.45pm across all mosques, according to Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat.

On a social media video, Al Darei said the review was undertaken following the previous adjustment to Friday prayer schedules and examined how evolving social patterns, work routines, and family lifestyles have reshaped Fridays across the country. The change, which will take effect from January 2, 2026, is intended to strengthen family cohesion and encourage family gatherings, particularly as the UAE approaches the Year of the Family.

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The UAE first standardised Jumuah prayer timings at 1.15pm in 2022, in line with the introduction of the revised workweek. As part of those reforms, the national weekend shifted from Friday–Saturday to Saturday–Sunday, with Friday designated as a half-working day for public sector employees in most emirates. Private sector employees were also typically given time around early afternoon to attend congregational prayers.

According to Al Darei, these changes significantly altered how families organise their Fridays, with work, school schedules and commuting patterns no longer aligned with earlier prayer timings. Over time, this prompted authorities to reassess whether the existing schedule continued to serve the social needs of families and communities.

He stressed that the decision was grounded in social considerations rather than religious necessity, emphasising that it does not conflict with Islamic Sharia. Al Darei explained that the permissible time window for both Dhuhr and Friday prayers extends until the Asr prayer, making the revised 12.45pm timing religiously valid. “Performing the prayer at any point within this period is correct and permissible,” he said.

The announcement has sparked public discussion, particularly among parents and students. Residents have raised concerns about school schedules, student transport arrangements, and whether children who rely on school buses would be able to attend Friday prayers on time. Parents who transport their children themselves have also questioned their ability to reach mosques before the prayer begins.

In response, schools across the country are assessing possible adjustments, including earlier dismissals or revised timetables, to allow students to join their families for Friday prayers. The change has also reignited broader conversations around workplace flexibility, including the possibility of remote or staggered work arrangements on Fridays, as families and institutions adapt to the new timing.

Sara AlKuwari

sara@khaleejtimes.com

Sara AlKuwari is an Emirati reporter who may look shy and quiet but is determined and has a strong desire to highlight Emirati culture in an impactful way. She is also a tea lover and an avid reader.