ABU DHABI, Oct 8, 2026 — UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has called on mosques across the Emirates to perform Salaat Al Istisqaa, the Islamic prayer for rain, on Friday, October 9, state media reported on Wednesday.
The special prayer will be held nationwide at mosques half an hour before the Friday congregational prayer, inviting worshippers across all seven emirates to turn to prayer in the hope of rainfall amid prolonged dry conditions.
Salaat Al Istisqaa is a tradition observed by Muslims in times of drought or water scarcity. The prayer reflects a deep-rooted spiritual practice of seeking divine mercy and relief from hardship through collective worship and supplication.
A Nation United in Prayer
The presidential directive brings the Emirates together in a moment of shared faith, as communities from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah gather in mosques to ask for rain. Islamic scholars note that Salaat Al Istisqaa has been performed throughout history during periods of dryness, embodying patience, humility and trust in divine providence.
Mosques are expected to see strong turnout on Friday as worshippers respond to the call. Religious authorities have encouraged families to attend together and participate in the supplications that accompany the prayer.
Forecasters See Wetter Months Ahead
The call for the rain prayer comes as meteorologists forecast wetter months ahead for the region. Climate models indicate that El Nino conditions may bring increased rainfall to the Arabian Peninsula in the coming season, offering hope after an extended dry spell.
The UAE has long invested in understanding and responding to its arid climate, from cloud-seeding programmes to advanced weather forecasting. Scientists say the convergence of El Nino patterns with seasonal shifts could raise the likelihood of rainfall across the Emirates in the weeks ahead.
Faith and Science Against Drought
Friday’s nationwide prayer highlights a distinctive feature of the UAE’s approach to drought: pairing spiritual tradition with scientific preparation. While worshippers gather in mosques, the country’s meteorological and water authorities continue their work to secure water resources and monitor changing weather patterns.
Water security remains a national priority for the Emirates, where rainfall is naturally scarce. The prayer for rain serves as both a spiritual appeal and a reminder of the value of every drop in a desert nation.
As Friday approaches, mosques across the Emirates will prepare to welcome worshippers for a morning of devotion — a nation united in prayer, looking to the skies with hope.
