UAE to hold rain prayers on Friday as wet weather expected

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed has urged citizens to participate in Salaat Al Istisqaa, an Islamic rain prayer, on Friday as wet weather is expected. Worshippers are encouraged to gather at mosques across the nation to request divine mercy and blessings for the country. The congregational prayer will commence 30 minutes prior to the weekly Jumuah prayers at 12:45pm.

The UAE experienced intermittent rainfall this year, but most regions remained dry. Rainfall is crucial for agriculture in the arid region, aiding farmers in cultivating crops despite challenging conditions. However, rainfall levels in parts of the Middle East are decreasing. So far in 2025, the UAE has received significantly less rainfall than the historical average, with about 38% less than the baseline and nearly three times less than the rainfall recorded in 2024.

Salaat Al Istisqaa is a special prayer performed by Muslims to seek rain from Allah. It involves some of the Prophet Mohammed's practices, teachings, and traditions. Unlike regular prayers, Salaat Al Istisqaa does not have an adhan (call to prayer) or an iqamah. Early arrivals may perform voluntary prayers, or nawafil, before or after the special rain prayer.

The prayer consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer) performed facing the qibla, or direction of the Kaaba in Makkah. After the imam delivers a sermon, he turns his cloak inside out as a symbol of hope that Allah will transform hardship into ease by bringing rain after a prolonged drought. At the end of the second sermon, the imam raises his hands and supplicates for rain and divine mercy.