For Muslims, prayer (Salah) is one of the most significant pillars of Islam, offering a direct connection with Allah five times a day. In a bustling city like Dubai, where the daily routine is fast-paced, being aware of the correct prayer times is essential.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, knowing the precise Salah schedule ensures you never miss the spiritual moments that punctuate the day.
This guide provides a comprehensive timetable for prayer times in Dubai for December 2024 and January 2025. You’ll also learn about how prayer times are calculated, how they change daily, and the best ways to stay updated with them. Whether you prefer printed schedules, mosque announcements, or mobile apps, we’ve got you covered.
By the end of this blog, you’ll have a complete understanding of Dubai’s prayer times and access to an accurate timetable for the months of December and January.
What Are the Five Daily Prayers?
The five daily prayers, also known as Salah (صلاة), are one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These prayers serve as a spiritual connection between Muslims and Allah, offering moments of reflection, gratitude, and devotion throughout the day.
Each prayer is performed at a specific time, and these times are based on the position of the sun. Performing these prayers on time is considered an essential part of Islamic worship.
Here is a detailed look at the five daily prayers, their significance, and the specific times they are performed:
1. Fajr (فجر) – The Dawn Prayer
- Time: Before sunrise (begins at the break of dawn and ends at sunrise)
- Spiritual Significance:
- Start of a New Day: Fajr marks the beginning of a new day, symbolizing a fresh start and spiritual awakening.
- Spiritual Rewards: It is believed that the Fajr prayer holds immense spiritual blessings as it is performed at a time when most people are still sleeping.
- Protection from Neglect: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Fajr and Asr) will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari).
- Rakat (Units of Prayer): 2 Sunnah + 2 Fard (mandatory)
The Fajr prayer is one of the most challenging to observe due to its early timing. However, it carries tremendous rewards for those who wake up early to perform it. It signifies spiritual discipline and devotion.
2. Dhuhr (ظهر) – The Midday Prayer
- Time: After the sun crosses its zenith (midday)
- Spiritual Significance:
- Break from Work: Dhuhr is performed during the busiest part of the day. It provides Muslims with a spiritual break from their daily tasks and allows them to refocus on their faith.
- Spiritual Cleansing: It cleanses the soul from worldly distractions, helping believers reconnect with Allah.
- Rakat (Units of Prayer): 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard (mandatory) + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl (optional)
Dhuhr is often observed during lunch breaks or work hours, especially in cities like Dubai. Public areas, offices, and malls in Muslim-majority countries often have designated prayer areas to accommodate this crucial prayer time.
3. Asr (عصر) – The Afternoon Prayer
- Time: Late afternoon (when the shadow of an object is equal to its height until just before sunset)
- Spiritual Significance:
- Reminder of Time’s Value: Asr occurs when the day begins to wind down, serving as a reminder of the passage of time and the importance of making the most of it.
- Guardian Prayer: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Asr prayer, saying, “He who misses the Asr prayer, it is as if he has been deprived of his family and wealth.” (Sahih Bukhari).
- Rakat (Units of Prayer): 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard (mandatory)
The Asr prayer serves as a spiritual checkpoint as the day draws to a close. It reminds Muslims to remain focused, conscious of their actions, and aware of their relationship with Allah before the sun sets.
4. Maghrib (مغرب) – The Sunset Prayer
- Time: Immediately after sunset (begins as soon as the sun sets)
- Spiritual Significance:
- Completion of the Day: Maghrib symbolizes the end of the day. It marks the moment when daylight turns to darkness, reflecting the shift from worldly affairs to spiritual reflection.
- Time for Gratitude: After a long day, Maghrib serves as an opportunity to show gratitude for the blessings and experiences of the day.
- Rakat (Units of Prayer): 3 Fard (mandatory) + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl (optional)
In Dubai, the Adhan (call to prayer) for Maghrib is broadcast through loudspeakers, and you can often see people hurrying to mosques to observe the Maghrib prayer on time. It is the shortest window for prayer because it lasts only until the disappearance of twilight.
5. Isha (عشاء) – The Night Prayer
- Time: After darkness has fully settled (begins after twilight disappears)
- Spiritual Significance:
- Closing the Day with Worship: Isha marks the final prayer of the day, allowing Muslims to reflect on their deeds and seek forgiveness before going to sleep.
- Opportunity for Extra Worship: It is recommended to offer additional prayers (Tahajjud) during the night, especially in the last third of the night.
- Spiritual Blessings: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the Isha prayer and the Fajr prayer. If they knew what is in them, they would come even if they had to crawl.” (Sahih Bukhari).
- Rakat (Units of Prayer): 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard (mandatory) + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl (optional) + Witr (1 or 3 Rakat)
The Isha prayer is often considered one of the most peaceful prayers, as it is performed after the day’s work has concluded. In Dubai, many people perform the Isha prayer at home, but mosques remain open for those who wish to pray in congregation.
How Are Prayer Times Calculated in Dubai?
Prayer times are not arbitrary; they are determined by the position of the sun in relation to the Earth. Here’s a breakdown of how each prayer time is calculated in Dubai:
- Fajr – This prayer starts at dawn when the first light appears in the sky.
- Sunrise – While not a formal prayer time, it marks the end of Fajr and the beginning of the daytime.
- Dhuhr – It begins when the sun moves slightly past its highest point in the sky (zenith).
- Asr – This prayer time is calculated when the shadow of an object becomes equal to its height.
- Maghrib – It begins right at sunset, marking the end of the day and the start of the night.
- Isha – This prayer begins after complete darkness has set in, once twilight disappears.
In Dubai, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities ensures that prayer times are calculated accurately. These times shift slightly each day due to the Earth’s rotation and changes in the position of the sun relative to Dubai.
Prayer Time Schedule for December 2024
Below is the full prayer timetable for Dubai in December 2024, showing Fajr, Sunrise, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha times for each day of the month.
| December | Jumada Al-Awwal | Fajr | Sunrise | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
| 1 Sun | 29 | 5:25 AM | 6:47 AM | 12:08 PM | 3:09 PM | 5:29 PM | 6:59 PM |
| December | Jumada Al-Akhirah | ||||||
| 2 Mon | 1 | 5:26 AM | 6:48 AM | 12:09 PM | 3:09 PM | 5:29 PM | 6:59 PM |
| 3 Tue | 2 | 5:26 AM | 6:48 AM | 12:09 PM | 3:09 PM | 5:29 PM | 6:59 PM |
| 4 Wed | 3 | 5:27 AM | 6:49 AM | 12:10 PM | 3:09 PM | 5:29 PM | 6:59 PM |
| 5 Thu | 4 | 5:28 AM | 6:50 AM | 12:10 PM | 3:09 PM | 5:29 PM | 6:59 PM |
| 6 Fri | 5 | 5:28 AM | 6:50 AM | 12:10 PM | 3:09 PM | 5:29 PM | 6:59 PM |
| 7 Sat | 6 | 5:29 AM | 6:51 AM | 12:11 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 8 Sun | 7 | 5:29 AM | 6:52 AM | 12:11 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 9 Mon | 8 | 5:30 AM | 6:52 AM | 12:12 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 10 Tue | 9 | 5:31 AM | 6:53 AM | 12:12 PM | 3:10 PM | 5:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11 Wed | 10 | 5:31 AM | 6:54 AM | 12:13 PM | 3:11 PM | 5:31 PM | 7:01 PM |
| 12 Thu | 11 | 5:32 AM | 6:54 AM | 12:13 PM | 3:11 PM | 5:31 PM | 7:01 PM |
| 13 Fri | 12 | 5:32 AM | 6:55 AM | 12:14 PM | 3:11 PM | 5:31 PM | 7:01 PM |
| 14 Sat | 13 | 5:33 AM | 6:56 AM | 12:14 PM | 3:12 PM | 5:31 PM | 7:01 PM |
| 15 Sun | 14 | 5:33 AM | 6:56 AM | 12:15 PM | 3:12 PM | 5:32 PM | 7:02 PM |
| 16 Mon | 15 | 5:34 AM | 6:57 AM | 12:15 PM | 3:13 PM | 5:32 PM | 7:02 PM |
| 17 Tue | 16 | 5:34 AM | 6:57 AM | 12:16 PM | 3:13 PM | 5:33 PM | 7:03 PM |
| 18 Wed | 17 | 5:35 AM | 6:58 AM | 12:16 PM | 3:13 PM | 5:33 PM | 7:03 PM |
| 19 Thu | 18 | 5:36 AM | 6:58 AM | 12:17 PM | 3:14 PM | 5:34 PM | 7:04 PM |
| 20 Fri | 19 | 5:36 AM | 6:59 AM | 12:17 PM | 3:14 PM | 5:34 PM | 7:04 PM |
| 21 Sat | 20 | 5:37 AM | 7:00 AM | 12:18 PM | 3:15 PM | 5:35 PM | 7:05 PM |
| 22 Sun | 21 | 5:37 AM | 7:00 AM | 12:18 PM | 3:15 PM | 5:35 PM | 7:05 PM |
| 23 Mon | 22 | 5:37 AM | 7:00 AM | 12:19 PM | 3:16 PM | 5:36 PM | 7:06 PM |
| 24 Tue | 23 | 5:38 AM | 7:01 AM | 12:19 PM | 3:16 PM | 5:36 PM | 7:06 PM |
| 25 Wed | 24 | 5:38 AM | 7:01 AM | 12:20 PM | 3:17 PM | 5:37 PM | 7:07 PM |
| 26 Thu | 25 | 5:39 AM | 7:02 AM | 12:20 PM | 3:18 PM | 5:37 PM | 7:07 PM |
| 27 Fri | 26 | 5:39 AM | 7:02 AM | 12:20 PM | 3:18 PM | 5:38 PM | 7:08 PM |
| 28 Sat | 27 | 5:40 AM | 7:03 AM | 12:21 PM | 3:19 PM | 5:38 PM | 7:08 PM |
| 29 Sun | 28 | 5:40 AM | 7:03 AM | 12:21 PM | 3:19 PM | 5:39 PM | 7:09 PM |
| 30 Mon | 29 | 5:40 AM | 7:03 AM | 12:22 PM | 3:20 PM | 5:40 PM | 7:10 PM |
| 31 Tue | 30 | 5:41 AM | 7:04 AM | 12:22 PM | 3:21 PM | 5:40 PM | 7:10 PM |
As December progresses, you’ll notice slight changes in the timing of Fajr and Isha. This is due to seasonal shifts and the change in daylight hours.
Prayer Time Schedule for January 2025
Here is the full prayer timetable for Dubai in January 2025. This schedule shows how prayer times shift daily.
| January | Rajab | Fajr | Sunrise | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
| 1 Wed | 1 | 5:41 AM | 7:04 AM | 12:23 PM | 3:21 PM | 5:41 PM | 7:11 PM |
| 2 Thu | 2 | 5:41 AM | 7:04 AM | 12:23 PM | 3:22 PM | 5:42 PM | 7:12 PM |
| 3 Fri | 3 | 5:42 AM | 7:04 AM | 12:24 PM | 3:23 PM | 5:42 PM | 7:12 PM |
| 4 Sat | 4 | 5:42 AM | 7:05 AM | 12:24 PM | 3:23 PM | 5:43 PM | 7:13 PM |
| 5 Sun | 5 | 5:42 AM | 7:05 AM | 12:25 PM | 3:24 PM | 5:44 PM | 7:14 PM |
| 6 Mon | 6 | 5:43 AM | 7:05 AM | 12:25 PM | 3:25 PM | 5:44 PM | 7:14 PM |
| 7 Tue | 7 | 5:43 AM | 7:05 AM | 12:26 PM | 3:25 PM | 5:45 PM | 7:15 PM |
| 8 Wed | 8 | 5:43 AM | 7:05 AM | 12:26 PM | 3:26 PM | 5:46 PM | 7:16 PM |
| 9 Thu | 9 | 5:43 AM | 7:05 AM | 12:26 PM | 3:27 PM | 5:47 PM | 7:17 PM |
| 10 Fri | 10 | 5:43 AM | 7:06 AM | 12:27 PM | 3:27 PM | 5:47 PM | 7:17 PM |
| 11 Sat | 11 | 5:43 AM | 7:06 AM | 12:27 PM | 3:28 PM | 5:48 PM | 7:18 PM |
| 12 Sun | 12 | 5:44 AM | 7:06 AM | 12:28 PM | 3:29 PM | 5:49 PM | 7:19 PM |
| 13 Mon | 13 | 5:44 AM | 7:06 AM | 12:28 PM | 3:29 PM | 5:50 PM | 7:20 PM |
| 14 Tue | 14 | 5:44 AM | 7:06 AM | 12:28 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:50 PM | 7:20 PM |
| 15 Wed | 15 | 5:44 AM | 7:06 AM | 12:29 PM | 3:31 PM | 5:51 PM | 7:21 PM |
| 16 Thu | 16 | 5:44 AM | 7:06 AM | 12:29 PM | 3:31 PM | 5:52 PM | 7:22 PM |
| 17 Fri | 17 | 5:44 AM | 7:05 AM | 12:29 PM | 3:32 PM | 5:53 PM | 7:23 PM |
| 18 Sat | 18 | 5:58 AM | 7:13 AM | 12:57 PM | 4:14 PM | 5:53 PM | 7:23 PM |
| 19 Sun | 19 | 5:59 AM | 7:14 AM | 12:58 PM | 4:14 PM | 5:54 PM | 7:24 PM |
| 20 Mon | 20 | 5:59 AM | 7:14 AM | 12:58 PM | 4:15 PM | 5:55 PM | 7:25 PM |
| 21 Tue | 21 | 6:00 AM | 7:15 AM | 12:59 PM | 4:16 PM | 5:56 PM | 7:26 PM |
| 22 Wed | 22 | 6:00 AM | 7:15 AM | 12:59 PM | 4:16 PM | 5:56 PM | 7:26 PM |
| 23 Thu | 23 | 5:43 AM | 7:04 AM | 12:31 PM | 3:36 PM | 6:43 PM | 7:54 PM |
| 24 Fri | 24 | 6:01 AM | 7:16 AM | 12:31 PM | 4:17 PM | 5:58 PM | 7:28 PM |
| 25 Sat | 25 | 5:43 AM | 7:04 AM | 12:32 PM | 3:37 PM | 5:59 PM | 7:29 PM |
| 26 Sun | 26 | 5:43 AM | 7:04 AM | 12:32 PM | 3:38 PM | 5:59 PM | 7:29 PM |
| 27 Mon | 27 | 5:43 AM | 7:03 AM | 12:32 PM | 3:38 PM | 6:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| 28 Tue | 28 | 5:42 AM | 7:03 AM | 12:32 PM | 3:39 PM | 6:01 PM | 7:31 PM |
| 29 Wed | 29 | 5:42 AM | 7:02 AM | 12:32 PM | 3:40 PM | 6:02 PM | 7:32 PM |
| 30 Thu | 30 | 5:42 AM | 7:02 AM | 12:33 PM | 3:40 PM | 6:02 PM | 7:32 PM |
| January | Shaban | ||||||
| 31 Fri | 1 | 5:41 AM | 7:02 AM | 12:33 PM | 3:41 PM | 6:03 PM | 7:33 PM |
As seen in the table, Dubai experiences a slight shift in prayer times throughout January as the days get longer.
Importance of Accurate Prayer Times
Adhering to the right Salah time is vital for Muslims. Here’s why:
- Spiritual Significance – Praying at the right time strengthens the connection with Allah.
- Discipline and Routine – Scheduled prayers bring structure to daily life.
- Religious Obligation – Offering Salah on time is a key religious requirement for Muslims.
With apps, mosque announcements, and printed calendars, it’s now easier than ever to stay updated on Dubai prayer times.
Conclusion
Knowing the prayer times in Dubai for December 2024 and January 2025 helps Muslims plan their daily worship schedule. Each prayer marks a special moment for reflection and connection with Allah. Thanks to tools like IslamicFinder and mosque announcements, it’s easier than ever to stay updated.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor in Dubai, having access to an accurate prayer timetable ensures you never miss a prayer. Stay updated, stay connected, and keep your Salah on track.
FAQs About Prayer Time Dubai
What time is Fajr prayer in Dubai in December?
On December 1, Fajr starts at 5:25 AM. It shifts to 5:41 AM by December 31.
Why do prayer times change daily?
Prayer times are based on the sun’s position, which changes daily due to Earth’s rotation.
How can I get daily prayer time notifications?
You can download apps like IslamicFinder or Muslim Pro to get daily alerts for prayer times.
Is there a difference in prayer times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes, but it’s a slight difference, usually 1-2 minutes due to the different longitude positions.
How do mosques announce prayer times in Dubai?
Mosques announce Adhan (call to prayer) at the start of each Salah.
Which is the most accurate app for prayer times in Dubai?
Apps like IslamicFinder are widely trusted for accurate prayer time updates.
Can I get a printed prayer time calendar for Dubai?
Yes, mosques and Islamic organizations distribute printed calendars each month.
