Worshippers arrived early at mosques across the UAE to take part in the first Friday prayers held under the new start time of 12.45pm.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat last month announced the decision to move the traditional prayers forward from 1.15pm to coincide with 2026 being the UAE's Year of the Family.
The decision to change the schedule was made in an effort to allow worshippers to devote more of their energy to their families. Schools and kindergartens across the Emirates are to finish earlier from Friday, January 9, in line with the strategy.
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