The Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs has announced the designation of 698 mosques across the emirate for Eid al-Adha prayers this year. Officials confirmed that all facilities are prepared for congregants, with specific prayer times set for various cities and regions to ensure the orderly performance of the religious observance.
Preparation and Facility Readiness
As of May 25, 2026, the Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs has finalized its operational roadmap to accommodate the expected influx of worshippers during the upcoming Eid al-Adha. The department has officially allocated 698 mosques throughout the emirate, a significant logistical undertaking designed to provide an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence for families and individuals attending the prayers.
The agency’s preparations have been extensive, focusing on both the physical infrastructure and the comfort of the community. Maintenance teams have completed preventive servicing and deep cleaning of the designated sites. Sound systems have been tested and adjusted, and facility amenities have been upgraded to handle the high density of worshippers. This effort includes a coordinated approach with other government entities in Sharjah to manage traffic flow around the mosques and ensure the safety and security of all participants.
To guarantee that each of the 698 locations meets the required standards, the department deployed inspection committees across the emirate’s central, eastern, and western regions. These teams were tasked with verifying the functionality of air conditioning units, the structural integrity of the prayer halls, and the accessibility of sanitation facilities. The department confirmed that these audits were completed ahead of schedule to allow for any necessary minor repairs or adjustments before the morning of the Eid prayer.
Regional Prayer Schedules
To minimize congestion and provide clarity for residents, the department has released a structured timetable for the morning prayers. The timing varies slightly by location to account for regional differences across the emirate:
- Sharjah City and Al Hamriyah: 05:45 AM
- Al Dhaid and Al Batayeh: 05:44 AM
- Al Madam and Maliha: 05:45 AM
- Eastern Region: 05:42 AM
These times, as reported by the Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs, are intended to facilitate a smooth start to the Eid festivities. The department has also continued its broader educational outreach throughout the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, offering lectures and sessions on the significance of the holiday, the requirements for ritual sacrifices, and the traditions associated with Eid. These sessions are designed to prepare worshippers for the religious obligations associated with the season, ensuring that the community is informed about the proper conduct and timing for ritual slaughter and charitable giving.
Inclusivity and Multi-Lingual Services
A core component of this year’s strategy is the expansion of services for the emirate’s diverse expatriate population. The department has earmarked over 90 mosques for the delivery of the Eid sermon in languages other than Arabic. These include Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil, and English, ensuring that non-Arabic speakers can engage fully with the religious proceedings.
This commitment to accessibility builds on previously established infrastructure projects. In prior cycles, the department had invested in physical improvements such as the installation of interlocking tiles at sites like the Al Dhaid, Al Zubair, and Al Burair North prayer areas, specifically to aid the mobility of the elderly and individuals with disabilities. As noted by Al Khaleej, such efforts represent a sustained policy of the Sharjah government to improve the religious environment for all community segments. By prioritizing these structural enhancements alongside the new multilingual sermon initiative, the department aims to create a more inclusive environment for the diverse demographics that reside within the emirate.
Logistical Coordination and Safety Protocols
Beyond the physical preparation of the 698 mosques, the Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs has emphasized the importance of safety protocols during the congregation. The department is working in collaboration with municipal authorities to ensure that parking facilities around major mosques are clearly marked and adequately staffed. This coordination is intended to prevent traffic bottlenecks, which historically occur in densely populated neighborhoods during the morning of Eid.
Furthermore, the department has issued guidelines for worshippers, encouraging early arrival to avoid overcrowding and to adhere to the designated prayer times. The department has also coordinated with local security teams to provide assistance at larger mosques where high attendance is anticipated, ensuring that the movement of worshippers into and out of the prayer halls remains orderly.
The department’s communication strategy for this year also includes real-time updates via its digital platforms. Residents are encouraged to monitor the department’s official channels for any last-minute announcements or adjustments to the prayer schedules. This proactive approach to public information is part of a broader effort to modernize the administrative response to religious events, ensuring that the community remains well-informed and that the religious rites are conducted in a safe and dignified manner. By maintaining a high standard of facility readiness and clear, accessible communication, the Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs seeks to uphold the emirate’s long-standing tradition of facilitating the Eid al-Adha observance for all its citizens and residents.