New year, new payer timings in the UAE / Image: File
Today, Friday, January 2, 2026, marks a landmark shift for the UAE. For the first time, the nation has moved to a unified Friday prayer timing of 12:45 PM across all emirates. This change, announced by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), aims to simplify the weekly rhythm for families and workers, ensuring that whether you are in Abu Dhabi or Fujairah, the sermon starts at the same moment.
Today’s prayer timetable
While the astronomical Dhuhr (midday) time varies by a few minutes between cities, the official congregational Friday Prayer (Jumu’ah) is fixed at 12:45 PM nationwide. Below are the specific timings for the five daily prayers across the major emirates:
| City | Fajr | Sunrise | Friday Prayer (Jumu’ah) | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
| Dubai | 05:41 AM | 07:04 AM | 12:45 PM | 03:22 PM | 05:42 PM | 07:12 PM |
| Abu Dhabi | 05:44 AM | 07:06 AM | 12:45 PM | 03:27 PM | 05:47 PM | 07:17 PM |
| Sharjah | 05:41 AM | 07:04 AM | 12:45 PM | 03:21 PM | 05:41 PM | 07:11 PM |
| RAK | 05:40 AM | 07:00 AM | 12:45 PM | 03:23 PM | 05:39 PM | 07:09 PM |
| Fujairah | 05:38 AM | 06:58 AM | 12:45 PM | 03:21 PM | 05:37 PM | 07:07 PM |
Note: It is highly recommended to arrive at the mosque by 12:20 PM today to secure a space, as large congregations are expected for this historic first unified prayer.
New year traffic surge
If you are commuting today, be prepared for significant road activity. Emirates Airline has issued a “Red Alert” for this weekend, anticipating a massive surge in returning travelers. For those flying out of Dubai International (DXB), the advice is to arrive at the terminal at least four hours before departure.On the local roads, expect a “double rush.” First, as schools now finish at 11:30 AM on Fridays to accommodate the new prayer schedule, and second, as the unified 12:45 PM timing concentrates mosque-bound traffic into a single window. The RTA has increased Metro and Tram frequencies to help manage the 2.8 million residents currently utilizing public transport following the New Year celebrations.
Weather
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reports “fair to partly cloudy” conditions for the rest of the day. While many regions saw heavy mist and humidity this morning, the afternoon will be clear with temperatures peaking between 24°C and 26°C. Light-to-moderate winds make it the ideal weather for the traditional Friday family lunch outdoors following the 12:45 PM service.This adjustment isn’t just about the clock; it is part of the “Year of the Family” initiative. By standardizing the time, the government has eliminated the 15-minute confusion that used to exist when traveling between emirates. This allows for better synchronization of community events and ensures that students and workers can reach home in time for the most important prayer of the week.
