As companies across the UAE adjust their operations to align with the newly revised Friday prayer timings, many are wondering whether employees might soon benefit from earlier workday endings or modified schedules to accommodate the updated routine.
Could UAE employees receive earlier Friday finishing times as businesses adapt to the updated prayer schedule?
Office workers across the UAE may soon experience notable changes to their Friday routines as businesses prepare to adjust lunch breaks and prayer times in accordance with the nationwide shift to a 12:45 PM Friday prayer, which officially comes into effect on January 2, 2026.
The announcement from the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Zakat earlier this week has prompted organisations of all sizes to revisit the structure of their Friday workday. Employers are now evaluating how best to realign schedules so employees can comfortably attend the earlier prayer without feeling rushed or disrupting the natural flow of their day. This change is expected to influence not only the timing of the weekly congregational prayer but also the traditional mid-day rhythm that many workers have become accustomed to.
For years, employees have followed a familiar pattern on Fridays—wrapping up morning tasks, stepping out for prayer around early afternoon, and then extending lunch until nearly 2:30 PM before returning to work. By the time they settled back at their desks, a substantial portion of the day often felt already consumed by the extended break. However, with the prayer time moving earlier, these long-standing habits may soon evolve, giving way to a more streamlined and efficient flow to the workday.
Many companies are now considering how to craft schedules that provide adequate time for prayer while still maintaining productivity. Some may opt for an earlier start to the lunch break, while others might shorten the gap between prayer and work resumption. A few organisations may even explore flexible arrangements such as adjusted hours, early dismissal, or staggered breaks, depending on the nature of the workplace and operational needs.
Employees, on the other hand, may find these adjustments beneficial. The earlier prayer time could help reduce mid-day pressure, eliminate the usual rush to the mosque, and allow workers to return to the office with more clarity and less disruption to the afternoon workflow. The shift may also create a more balanced pace to the end of the week, making Fridays feel less fragmented and more orderly.
As the implementation date approaches, companies are expected to communicate their updated Friday policies, ensuring a smooth transition for all staff while aligning with the new national prayer schedule.
Currently, Hotpack schedules its Friday breaks between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM, providing employees with a two-hour window to complete their midday prayers and enjoy lunch without feeling rushed. This extended break has traditionally allowed staff to manage their religious and personal routines comfortably, but it also often leads to a long pause in work that can disrupt workflow. With the nationwide adjustment of the Friday prayer to 12:45 PM starting January 2, 2026, the company has indicated that this change offers an opportunity to reorganize the day more efficiently. By aligning breaks more closely with the new prayer timing, Hotpack aims to create a smoother schedule for its employees, balancing both spiritual and professional commitments. Management believes that the revised timetable will not only support staff in fulfilling their religious duties but also enhance productivity and make the transition between breaks and work periods more seamless.
Mujeebur Rahman, Director at Hotpack, confirmed that the company will be adjusting its Friday break schedule to better align with the newly announced national prayer timing. “We will now begin the Friday break at 12:00 PM and conclude it by 2:00 PM,” he explained. “The total duration remains two hours, so employees will continue to have sufficient time for prayer and lunch. The adjustment simply ensures that the break is more in sync with the updated prayer schedule.”
He emphasized that this change will not affect the overall number of work hours for staff. “Our standard workday remains the same,” Mujeebur added. “We are not reducing or extending employees’ hours; we are merely repositioning the break to match the new 12:45 PM prayer timing. This ensures that staff can perform their religious duties comfortably while maintaining their usual work commitments.”
By implementing this revised schedule, Hotpack aims to create a smoother transition between the mid-day break and the continuation of work. Employees will continue to complete the same number of hours as before, but the new timing is expected to make the workday flow more efficiently, minimizing disruptions and helping staff return to their tasks in a more focused and timely manner.
Some firms are still waiting for clarity on the structure of the prayer, specifically the exact timing of the adhan and khutba, before making a decision.
“Right now, our Friday break is 12.30pm to 2.30pm,” said Masiuddin Mohammed, founder of Superjet Group. “We are considering 11:30am to 1.30pm or 12pm to 2pm, but we will finalise it once the timing of the khutba is fully confirmed.”
“The working day stays exactly the same for our staff,” said Mohammed. “Only the timing of the Friday break is being adjusted. Their total hours and responsibilities are not affected.”
For employees, the change could ease one of the most common Friday pressures: late lunches and tasks to be completed after the break.
“Currently, the prayer is around 1.30pm and our employees are given lunch break till 2.30pm,” said Mohammed Basheer, admin manager at Jaleel Holdings. “With updated prayer timings, our employees’ break will start earlier and lunch can be finished by 2pm.”
“So once the new timings come into effect, it will help people plan their break without hassle,” added Basheer.
Insider 18 reached out to several schools across the UAE to understand how the shift in Friday prayer timing might impact their schedules, and administrators confirmed that they are in the process of reviewing and adjusting their Friday routines accordingly. One school principal explained that while specific details are still pending, preparations are already underway to accommodate the new timing. “We are currently waiting for the complete guidance from the governing authorities, including the full Friday schedule for the academic institutions,” the principal said. “Once we have all the information, we will finalise a revised Friday timetable. At the moment, schools are on holiday, but we plan to announce the updated schedule soon, ensuring that teachers, students, and staff are fully informed in advance.”
This proactive approach highlights how educational institutions are working to adapt quickly to the nationwide adjustment of Friday prayer to 12:45 PM, which will officially come into effect on January 2, 2026. Schools, much like private companies, are keen to ensure that their routines allow students to participate in the congregational prayer comfortably without compromising instructional time or the overall learning experience. Administrators are exploring ways to restructure mid-day breaks, lesson timings, and extracurricular activities so that the shift in prayer timing integrates smoothly with the school day.
Meanwhile, several private companies across the country have already begun reworking their workday schedules to match the earlier prayer time. Many organisations welcomed the early announcement from the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Zakat, noting that having advance notice gives them sufficient time to review existing timetables and fine-tune their operations. By planning ahead, businesses can ensure that employees have ample opportunity to perform their Friday prayers while maintaining productivity and workflow.
The lead time also allows HR departments and management teams to communicate changes clearly to staff, avoiding confusion or last-minute adjustments. Companies and schools alike are emphasising that while Friday routines will be updated, overall work hours or study hours will remain unchanged, ensuring that the adjustment primarily affects scheduling rather than total time commitments. With only a few days remaining before the change officially takes effect, both the education sector and the corporate world are using this period to finalise plans and prepare for a smooth transition that respects religious obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.
