Will UAE Workers Get Earlier Friday Breaks As Companies Adjust To New Prayer Time?

Office goers in the UAE may soon have new Friday schedules, as companies adjust lunch and prayer breaks to match the nationwide shift to a 12.45pm Friday prayer time starting January 2, 2026.

The General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Awqaf and Zakat announced the updated Friday prayer timing earlier this week, leading employers to reassess the midday schedules of their teams. For many workers, familiar routines like rushing to prayer, stretching lunch until almost 2.30pm, or returning to the desk with half the day gone could soon look different.

At Hotpack, Friday breaks currently run from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, giving staff two hours to pray and have lunch. The company said the new timing allows them to plan a smoother schedule.

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“We will now start the break at 12pm and end by 2pm,” said Mujeebur Rahman, director at Hotpack.“It's the same two hours, just more aligned with the updated prayer time.”

“Our overall work hours will remain unchanged. What we are doing is simply shifting the Friday break to match the new prayer timing. Employees will still complete the same number of hours as before,” added Mujeeb.

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.

Khaleej Times has also reached out to schools in the UAE, and they responded that they are also reviewing their Friday routines.“We are awaiting complete information from the governing body and the complete Friday schedule. Currently, holidays are underway, and we will be coming up with a Friday schedule soon,” said a principal of a school in the UAE.

With just a few days before this change takes effect, companies said the early announcement gives them time to fine-tune their plans.

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