The UAE has announced a new nationwide Friday prayer time, with the sermon and prayer set to begin at 12:45pm starting January 2, 2026. This change replaces the long-standing 1:15pm timing used in most emirates since 2022, while Sharjah—previously following an earlier schedule—may now align with the unified time. Worshippers have been urged to follow the updated timing and arrive early at mosques.
The shift is expected to influence how residents plan their Fridays, easing pressure on families, office-goers, and commuters. Many residents say the new timing will make the day more manageable, reducing the rush for school students in Sharjah and allowing employees to complete prayers and lunch breaks without extending work hours. For commuters traveling between emirates, a unified schedule may reduce confusion and help ensure they do not miss the prayer.
Schools and workplaces across the country may adjust their Friday routines once the change takes effect. With more than a month of preparation time, the uniform timing is expected to make Fridays smoother, more predictable, and less rushed for residents.