In a historic move aimed at simplifying weekly routines, the United Arab Emirates has introduced a single, unified timing for the crucial Friday congregational prayers across all seven emirates. Effective from Friday, January 2, 2026, the sermon for the Jumu'ah prayer will now commence at 12:45 PM nationwide, regardless of location.
A Landmark Decision for National Unity
The groundbreaking decision was announced by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf). This move ends the previous practice where prayer timings could differ by up to 15 minutes between emirates like Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. The authority stated that the change is designed to bring consistency to the weekly rhythm for millions of families, professionals, and workers, ensuring everyone observes the most important prayer of the week simultaneously.
While the astronomical timing for Dhuhr (midday prayer) still varies slightly from city to city, the official congregational Friday prayer is now firmly fixed at the 12:45 PM mark. This standardization is a key part of the UAE's broader 'Year of the Family' initiative, facilitating better planning for community gatherings and allowing students and employees to reach home in time for prayers with their loved ones.
Detailed Prayer Timings and Practical Advice
Here are the complete prayer timings for major emirates on this historic Friday, with the unified Jumu'ah slot highlighted:
Dubai: Fajr 05:41 AM, Sunrise 07:04 AM, Friday Prayer 12:45 PM, Asr 03:22 PM, Maghrib 05:42 PM, Isha 07:12 PM.
Abu Dhabi: Fajr 05:44 AM, Sunrise 07:06 AM, Friday Prayer 12:45 PM, Asr 03:27 PM, Maghrib 05:47 PM, Isha 07:17 PM.
Sharjah: Fajr 05:41 AM, Sunrise 07:04 AM, Friday Prayer 12:45 PM, Asr 03:21 PM, Maghrib 05:41 PM, Isha 07:11 PM.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK): Fajr 05:40 AM, Sunrise 07:00 AM, Friday Prayer 12:45 PM, Asr 03:23 PM, Maghrib 05:39 PM, Isha 07:09 PM.
Fujairah: Fajr 05:38 AM, Sunrise 06:58 AM, Friday Prayer 12:45 PM, Asr 03:21 PM, Maghrib 05:37 PM, Isha 07:07 PM.
Authorities have advised worshippers to aim to arrive at mosques by 12:20 PM to secure a place, as exceptionally large congregations are anticipated for this first-ever unified prayer.
Traffic Surge and Weather Conditions
The new timing coincides with a weekend of heavy travel, prompting authorities to issue alerts. Emirates Airline has declared a 'Red Alert' for the weekend, expecting a massive influx of returning travellers. Passengers flying out of Dubai International (DXB) are strongly recommended to arrive at the terminal at least four hours before their flight.
On local roads, commuters should brace for a 'double rush' effect. Firstly, schools now dismiss at 11:30 AM on Fridays to align with the new prayer schedule. Secondly, the single 12:45 PM prayer window will concentrate mosque-bound traffic like never before. To manage the flow, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has increased frequencies for the Metro and Tram services, which are currently being used by over 2.8 million residents post-New Year celebrations.
Weather-wise, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts 'fair to partly cloudy' conditions for the rest of the day. After a morning of heavy mist and humidity, the afternoon is expected to be clear with pleasant temperatures peaking between 24°C and 26°C. Light-to-moderate winds will create ideal conditions for the traditional Friday family lunch outdoors following the prayer service.
This unified prayer timing marks more than just a logistical adjustment; it represents a significant step towards national synchronisation and social cohesion, simplifying life for the UAE's diverse population.
