A mosque in Dubai. Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

UAE authorities on Thursday (June 27) ordered imams across the country to shorten their Friday sermon and prayer to 10 minutes. The directive will be in place from June 28 until October to protect worshippers from searing summer temperatures, authorities said. According to the General Authority Of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the 10-minute cap is in line with Islamic practices to protect community health. Mosques across the country host special prayers called Jum’uah every Friday, which Muslims consider the holiest day of the week. Mosques across the country are often filled to capacity during Friday prayers, with many worshippers seen praying on streets and open spaces in and around mosques. In mid-June, authorities also imposed the annual midday work ban to protect employees during the summer season. Under the ban, private sector companies are prohibited from requiring their employees to work outdoors from 12:30pm to 3pm. The directive is in place until September 15.
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