The United Arab Emirates began implementing a new Friday prayer schedule across all mosques nationwide as of yesterday, Friday, reflecting the country’s commitment to organizing worship times in a manner that serves the best interests of worshippers and facilitates their daily routines, particularly during the winter season.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat announced that the Friday sermon will now commence at 12:45 p.m., instead of 1:15 p.m., in all mosques, urging worshippers to adhere to the new timing from the first day of implementation.

The Authority explained that the decision followed a comprehensive study of prayer times and the needs of worshippers across all emirates.

A large number of citizens and residents have welcomed the new adjustment, noting that it helps save time and provides families with greater flexibility to organize their daily schedules, especially with the beginning of the new year 2026 and the stabilization of prayer timings.

The Authority also confirmed that it will continue to monitor the implementation of the decision and ensure that mosques are fully prepared to provide an environment that allows worshippers to perform prayers with ease and comfort.

This adjustment comes as part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance religious services and reflects the country’s responsiveness to community needs, as well as its commitment to facilitating the practice of worship within a well-organized and comfortable environment.

In a related development, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, issued directives to launch the “Virtual Community Management Authority,” a new institution aimed at engaging community members and skilled professionals in decision-making processes and advancing participatory government practices.

The Authority seeks to provide individuals with a unique opportunity to assume real administrative roles within a flexible organizational structure, whether as directors-general or team members, under a system that promotes the exchange of expertise and ideas among diverse professional groups.

According to the leadership’s vision, this innovative model represents a pioneering step toward strengthening participatory governance and empowering society to contribute effectively to national development.

The Virtual Authority initiative is aligned with the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, which aims to create an optimal environment that enables individuals to unlock their full potential and play an active role in driving development, positioning the UAE as a global model for advanced governance practices.