UAE Mosques to Hold Rain Prayer on October 9 as Rainfall Forecasts Rise

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has called for the performance of Salaat Al Istisqaa, a prayer for rain, at all mosques across the country on Friday, October 9. The prayer is scheduled to take place half an hour before the Friday congregational prayer.

The President encouraged the community to pray for rain and mercy, following the traditions of Prophet Muhammad.

In a related update, the UAE has adjusted the timing of Friday prayers in mosques nationwide. Starting January 2, 2026, the prayer time will be set to 12:45 pm, replacing the current 1:15 pm schedule that has been in place since 2022, except in Sharjah.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted above-average rainfall in the UAE from October through January, marking the onset of the cooler and wetter season. The NCM highlighted that this year’s El Niño phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, is particularly strong and is expected to contribute to beneficial rainfall patterns.

However, the meteorological department also noted that heavy rainfall could occur intermittently if favorable weather conditions arise.