An official said the UAE’s decision to change Friday prayer timings was motivated by social considerations, emphasizing practical community needs rather than religious doctrine or theological reasons, according to officials.
Social Factors Behind UAE’s Friday Prayer Timing Change, According to Official
The UAE’s decision to unify Friday prayer timings at 12.45pm across all mosques was shaped by years of study and widespread public input, according to Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. He said the move follows an extensive four-year review that closely examined how social and lifestyle changes have transformed the way Fridays are spent in the country.
Speaking in a video shared on social media, Al Darei explained that the reassessment began after earlier changes to Friday prayer schedules were introduced. Authorities analysed shifting work patterns, school routines, commuting habits and family dynamics to understand whether the existing prayer timing continued to meet the needs of society. The revised schedule, which will come into effect on January 2, 2026, is designed to support stronger family connections and encourage shared time, particularly as the UAE prepares to mark the Year of the Family.
The UAE previously standardised Friday congregational prayer times in 2022, setting them at 1.15pm nationwide. This decision coincided with the introduction of the updated workweek, which saw the national weekend change from Friday–Saturday to Saturday–Sunday. Under the revised system, Friday became a half-working day for most public sector employees, while many private sector workers were also granted flexibility around midday to attend prayers.
According to Al Darei, these reforms significantly altered how families organise their Fridays. With schools, offices and transport schedules no longer aligned with older prayer timings, many households found it increasingly difficult to coordinate work, education and religious commitments. Over time, this shift prompted authorities to reconsider whether the 1.15pm prayer time continued to reflect the realities of daily life and social wellbeing.
He noted that feedback from the public played a crucial role in shaping the final decision. Families, employees, educators and community members shared their experiences and concerns, highlighting how evolving routines affected their ability to gather, pray together and spend meaningful time on Fridays. This collective input helped guide the authorities toward a timing they believe better accommodates modern schedules while preserving the spiritual importance of the day.
Al Darei emphasised that the change is rooted in social considerations rather than religious obligation. He clarified that Islamic law allows flexibility in the timing of both Dhuhr and Friday prayers, which may be performed anytime before the Asr prayer begins. From a Sharia perspective, the newly announced 12.45pm timing is fully valid and acceptable. “Offering the prayer at any time within this window is correct and permissible,” he explained, stressing that the adjustment does not alter religious principles.
Despite these assurances, the announcement has generated discussion among residents, particularly parents and students. Some families have expressed concern about whether school schedules and transport arrangements will allow children to reach mosques in time for Friday prayers. Parents whose children depend on school buses worry that tight timetables may make attendance difficult, while others who drive their children themselves have questioned whether they can manage the earlier prayer time alongside work and school commitments.
In response to these concerns, schools across the UAE are reviewing their schedules to explore possible solutions. Options under consideration include earlier dismissals on Fridays or modified timetables that enable students to join their families for congregational prayers. Education authorities and school administrators are expected to work closely with parents to ensure a smooth transition once the new timing comes into effect.
The revised prayer schedule has also renewed broader discussions about workplace flexibility on Fridays. Some employees and employers are considering staggered hours, remote work options or adjusted break times to accommodate the earlier prayer. These conversations reflect a wider effort to balance productivity with family life and community engagement.
Ultimately, officials say the standardised 12.45pm prayer time reflects the UAE’s broader approach to policymaking—one that carefully weighs social wellbeing, family cohesion and religious practice. By responding to long-term studies and public feedback, authorities aim to ensure that Friday remains both a spiritually significant and socially meaningful day for families across the country.
