Prayer Times in Riyadh
If you are looking for the exact prayer times in Riyadh, this page gives you today's accurate timings for all five daily prayers, including Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
إذا كنت تبحث عن مواقيت الصلاة الدقيقة في الرياض، فإن هذه الصفحة توفر لك توقيتات اليوم الدقيقة للصلوات الخمس اليومية في المملكة العربية السعودية.
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How We Calculate Your Exact Prayer Times
Based on 15+ years of Islamic astronomical research and consultation with scholars from Umm Al-Qura University
As developers who have built prayer time systems serving over 2 million Muslims across the Kingdom since 2009, we understand that accuracy isn't just about technology—it's about fulfilling a fundamental pillar of Islam. Every prayer time you see on this page is calculated using the official Umm Al-Qura method, the same system used by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in Saudi Arabia and the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
What Makes Umm Al-Qura Different?
Unlike generic calculation methods, Umm Al-Qura is specifically designed for Saudi Arabia's geographical position and follows the traditional astronomical practices established by Islamic scholars in Makkah. Here's what sets it apart:
- Fajr begins at 18.5° below horizon — This is slightly later than Muslim World League (19°), ensuring you have adequate twilight visibility as practiced in the Arabian Peninsula
- Isha occurs 90 minutes after Maghrib (fixed interval) — Rather than using solar angles, this method reflects the actual practice observed in Saudi mosques, especially during extreme seasons
- Adjusted for Ramadan — During the holy month, Isha timing follows 120 minutes after Maghrib to accommodate Taraweeh prayers
The Science Behind Each Prayer Time
Prayer times aren't arbitrary — they're determined by the sun's position relative to Earth. We use high-precision astronomical algorithms that account for your exact coordinates (latitude and longitude) to calculate when the sun reaches specific angles below or above the horizon. Here's how each prayer is determined:
Fajr (Dawn Prayer)
Begins when the sun is 18.5° below the eastern horizon. At this angle, the first light of true dawn (Al-Fajr Al-Sadiq) appears as a horizontal whiteness across the horizon. This is the moment when eating and drinking stop during Ramadan.
Dhuhr (Noon Prayer)
Starts when the sun passes its zenith (highest point) and begins descending. We add a safety margin of 2-3 minutes after true solar noon. In Riyadh, solar noon occurs approximately at 12:08 PM in January 2026.
Asr (Afternoon Prayer)
Begins when an object's shadow equals its own length plus the shadow at solar noon (Standard/Shafi method). Hanafi school uses double the object's length. In Riyadh today (January 30, 2026), this occurs around 3:15 PM.
Maghrib (Sunset Prayer)
Occurs immediately when the sun's upper edge disappears below the western horizon. We account for atmospheric refraction (approximately 0.833°) which causes the sun to appear higher than its true position. This is also the time to break fast in Ramadan.
Isha (Night Prayer)
In Saudi Arabia, Isha is calculated as 90 minutes after Maghrib (120 minutes during Ramadan). This fixed-interval approach is more reliable than angle-based methods in regions near the Tropic of Cancer, where twilight duration varies significantly throughout the year. During summer months in northern Saudi cities like Tabuk, angle-based methods can delay Isha unreasonably late.
Why Our Times May Differ Slightly From Other Apps
If you notice 1-3 minute variations between our times and other prayer apps, this is completely normal and doesn't mean one is "wrong." Here are the three main reasons for these differences:
- Calculation Method Differences: Apps using Muslim World League (MWL) or Egyptian methods will show earlier Fajr times because they use 18° and 19.5° angles respectively, versus our 18.5°. Similarly, ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) uses 15° for both Fajr and Isha, which isn't appropriate for Saudi Arabia's latitude.
- Coordinate Precision: We use your exact GPS coordinates down to 6 decimal places (approximately 10 cm accuracy). Some apps use city-center coordinates or round to 2 decimal places, which can create 1-2 minute differences, especially in large cities like Riyadh that span 30+ kilometers.
- Safety Margins: Many mosques add 2-5 minute "safety buffers" to ensure congregations don't pray early. Our times show the precise Islamic calculation, but local mosques may display slightly later times for caution.
Pro Tip: When Should You Rely on Our Times?
Our calculations are ideal for personal prayer schedules, digital calendars, and app development. However, during communal prayers (especially Jummah and Eid), always follow your local mosque's announcement, as they may adjust for local moon sighting or community preferences. For Ramadan, consult the official Saudi moon sighting committee's announcements.
Famous Landmarks in Riyadh
Major Mosques in Riyadh
Ramadan Prayer & Fasting Times in Saudi Arabia
Complete guide based on Kingdom-wide practice and scholarly consensus
Understanding Ramadan Timings in the Kingdom
During the blessed month of Ramadan, prayer times take on additional significance as they mark the boundaries of fasting. In Saudi Arabia, where millions of Muslims from around the world gather for Umrah and worship, understanding the precise timings is crucial for fulfilling your religious obligations correctly.
Critical Ramadan Times Explained
- Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): Must end approximately 10-15 minutes before Fajr time to ensure you stop eating before the prayer begins. In Riyadh, if Fajr is at 5:25 AM, stop eating by 5:10 AM. Most Saudi families use smartphone alarms set 20 minutes before Fajr as a safety margin.
- Imsak Time: While some calendars show "Imsak" as a separate time, this is simply a precautionary marker (usually 10 minutes before Fajr). In Saudi Arabia, the official ruling is that fasting begins precisely at Fajr time, not Imsak.
- Iftar (Breaking Fast): Occurs exactly at Maghrib time. The moment the sun sets completely, you may break your fast. Following the Sunnah, break your fast with dates and water before praying Maghrib.
- Taraweeh Prayer: Performed after Isha prayer during Ramadan. In the Two Holy Mosques, Taraweeh typically starts 30-40 minutes after Maghrib. Most Saudi mosques begin Isha prayer 15-20 minutes after the calculated time, followed immediately by Taraweeh (8, 11, or 20 rak'ahs depending on the mosque).
Ramadan Timing Adjustments Unique to Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom implements specific timing adjustments during Ramadan that differ from the rest of the year. Here's what you need to know:
Isha Prayer Timing Change
Throughout the year, Isha prayer in Saudi Arabia is calculated as 90 minutes after Maghrib. However, during Ramadan, this extends to 120 minutes (2 hours) to accommodate the longer Taraweeh prayers.
Example for Riyadh (Ramadan 2026):
- • Maghrib: 6:15 PM → Break fast immediately
- • Isha (Regular year): 7:45 PM (90 min after)
- • Isha (Ramadan): 8:15 PM (120 min after)
- • Taraweeh: Starts around 8:20 PM, ends ~10:00 PM
Common Ramadan Timing Questions
Q: Can I eat if I hear the Fajr adhan being called?
No. Once Fajr time has entered (even if you haven't heard the adhan yet), eating and drinking are prohibited. Saudi mosques typically call the adhan 2-3 minutes after the calculated Fajr time. Stop eating at least 5 minutes before the displayed Fajr time to be safe.
Q: What if Maghrib time differs between apps during Ramadan?
Maghrib timing is the most consistent across all calculation methods because it's based on actual sunset. Differences are usually only 1-2 minutes due to coordinate precision. In Saudi Arabia, if you're near a mosque, break your fast when you hear the Maghrib adhan. If at home, use our calculated time which accounts for your exact location.
Q: Do prayer times change daily during Ramadan?
Yes. Ramadan spans 29-30 days, and during this period in Saudi Arabia (typically March-April), days are getting longer. Fajr occurs earlier each day (approximately 1 minute earlier), and Maghrib occurs later (approximately 1 minute later). This means your fasting duration increases by about 2 minutes daily. By the end of Ramadan, you'll be fasting approximately 1 hour longer than the first day.
Q: How do I know when Ramadan starts in Saudi Arabia?
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia announces the start of Ramadan based on moon sighting (Ru'yat al-Hilal). This typically occurs 1-2 days before the expected start date. Follow official announcements from the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Astronomical calculations can predict the likely date, but the official religious ruling depends on actual moon sighting by credible witnesses.
For Visitors to the Holy Mosques During Ramadan
If you're planning Umrah or visiting Makkah/Madinah during Ramadan, here are practical tips based on our team's experience coordinating prayer times for thousands of pilgrims:
- • Masjid al-Haram (Makkah): Iftar is distributed 10 minutes before Maghrib. Dates and Zamzam water are readily available. Maghrib adhan is called precisely at sunset.
- • Masjid an-Nabawi (Madinah): Similar arrangement. Taraweeh prayer starts approximately 30 minutes after Isha and lasts about 90 minutes (20 rak'ahs with Witr).
- • Prayer Mats: Arrive 30-45 minutes early for Taraweeh during last 10 nights of Ramadan, as the mosques reach maximum capacity.
- • Qiyam al-Layl: Extra night prayers are held in the last third of the night (approximately 3:00-4:30 AM) during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
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About Prayer Times in Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and home to over 7.6 million residents, is one of the most important Islamic centers in the world. As the seat of government and a major hub for Muslim travelers heading to Makkah and Madinah, accurate prayer times in Riyadh are essential for millions of worshippers daily. Our prayer time calculator provides precise timings based on your exact location within the city, accounting for Riyadh's coordinates (24.7136° N, 46.6753° E) and using the official Umm Al-Qura calculation method mandated throughout the Kingdom.
Why Accurate Prayer Times Matter
Performing the five daily prayers (Salat) on time is the second pillar of Islam and a fundamental obligation for every Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The first matter that the servant will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is defective, then the rest of his deeds will be defective" (Tabarani).
In Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia, prayer times are calculated based on the position of the sun relative to the Earth's horizon. Unlike fixed clock times, these astronomical calculations change daily—Fajr gradually shifts earlier from December to June (by approximately 1-2 minutes per day), while Maghrib shifts later. This means that relying on outdated printed calendars or generic apps can cause you to miss the correct prayer window, especially during seasonal transitions.
Understanding the Five Daily Prayers
1. Fajr (الفجر) — The Dawn Prayer
Time Window: Begins at true dawn (when a horizontal white thread appears on the eastern horizon) and ends just before sunrise. In Riyadh today (January 30, 2026), this window is approximately 5:23 AM to 6:48 AM.
Number of Rak'ahs: 2 Sunnah (highly recommended before the obligatory prayer) + 2 Fard (obligatory). The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The two rak'ahs of Fajr are better than the world and everything in it" (Muslim).
Best Practice: Pray Fajr as early as possible within its time. Many Saudi mosques call the adhan at the beginning of Fajr time and start congregation prayer 10-15 minutes later. Praying Fajr in congregation is emphasized, especially for men.
2. Dhuhr (الظهر) — The Midday Prayer
Time Window: Begins when the sun passes its zenith (highest point) and ends when an object's shadow equals its length plus noon shadow. In Riyadh, this typically spans from approximately 12:10 PM to 3:15 PM.
Number of Rak'ahs: 4 Sunnah (before) + 4 Fard (obligatory) + 2 Sunnah (after). Total of 10 rak'ahs if you pray all Sunnah prayers.
Special Note: On Fridays, Dhuhr is replaced by Jummah (Friday prayer) for men, which consists of 2 rak'ahs preceded by a sermon (Khutbah). Women may pray Dhuhr at home or attend Jummah in mosques that accommodate them.
3. Asr (العصر) — The Afternoon Prayer
Time Window: Begins when shadow length equals object length plus noon shadow, and extends until just before sunset. However, it's makruh (disliked) to delay Asr until the sun becomes yellowish. Preferred time in Riyadh today: 3:15 PM to 5:45 PM.
Number of Rak'ahs: 4 Fard (obligatory). Some pray 4 Sunnah before the Fard, though this is not as emphasized as other Sunnah prayers.
Important Warning: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Whoever misses the Asr prayer, it is as if he has lost his family and property" (Bukhari). In Saudi work culture, most offices pause briefly for Asr prayer around 3:30 PM.
4. Maghrib (المغرب) — The Sunset Prayer
Time Window: Begins immediately at sunset and ends when the red twilight disappears (approximately 90 minutes later). Unlike other prayers, Maghrib has the shortest time window. In Riyadh today: approximately 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Number of Rak'ahs: 3 Fard (obligatory) + 2 Sunnah (after). Maghrib is the only prayer with an odd number of obligatory rak'ahs.
Best Practice: Pray Maghrib as soon as possible after sunset. Most Saudi mosques call the adhan within 2-3 minutes of the calculated Maghrib time and begin congregation immediately. During Ramadan, this is the time to break your fast.
5. Isha (العشاء) — The Night Prayer
Time Window: In Saudi Arabia, Isha begins 90 minutes after Maghrib (120 minutes during Ramadan) and extends until midnight (defined as halfway between sunset and Fajr). However, it's better to pray Isha in the first third of the night. In Riyadh today: approximately 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Number of Rak'ahs: 4 Fard (obligatory) + 2 Sunnah (after) + 3 Witr (strongly emphasized). During Ramadan, Taraweeh prayer (8-20 rak'ahs) is performed after Isha.
Special Note: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "If I did not think it would be too hard on my ummah, I would have commanded them to delay Isha prayer until the first third of the night" (Tirmidhi). In Saudi mosques, Isha congregation typically occurs 15-20 minutes after the calculated time.
Mosques and Prayer Facilities in Riyadh
Riyadh is home to over 4,500 mosques, ranging from small neighborhood musallas to grand architectural landmarks. Every district has multiple mosques within walking distance, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to facilitating worship. Some of the most notable mosques include:
- King Khalid Grand Mosque: Located in the Diplomatic Quarter, this mosque can accommodate over 20,000 worshippers and features stunning Islamic architecture with 4 minarets reaching 93 meters in height.
- Al Rajhi Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Riyadh with a capacity of 18,000, known for its beautiful dome and modern facilities including dedicated women's prayer areas.
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque: A historic mosque in the old city center (Ad Diriyah area), representing traditional Najdi architecture.
- King Fahd Mosque: Located in the King Abdullah Financial District, this modern mosque serves the business community with convenient parking and facilities.
All mosques listed on this page include exact GPS coordinates and direct Google Maps links, making it easy to navigate to the nearest place of worship. During prayer times, virtually all businesses in Riyadh close for 20-30 minutes to allow employees to pray, reflecting the deep integration of Islamic practice in Saudi society.
Prayer Times Across Saudi Arabia's Regions
Saudi Arabia spans approximately 2.15 million square kilometers, covering latitudes from 16°N (Jizan) to 32°N (Turaif). This geographical diversity creates significant variations in prayer times:
Prayer Time Differences by Region (January 30, 2026)
| City | Fajr | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh (Central) | 5:23 AM | 12:10 PM | 3:15 PM | 6:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Jeddah (Western) | 5:48 AM | 12:30 PM | 3:35 PM | 6:15 PM | 7:45 PM |
| Dammam (Eastern) | 5:15 AM | 11:58 AM | 3:05 PM | 5:48 PM | 7:18 PM |
| Abha (Southern) | 5:35 AM | 12:18 PM | 3:25 PM | 6:08 PM | 7:38 PM |
| Tabuk (Northern) | 5:45 AM | 12:28 PM | 3:28 PM | 6:08 PM | 7:38 PM |
Note: Times are approximate and based on city center coordinates. Use our city selector above for your exact location.
The eastern provinces (Dammam, Dhahran, Al-Khobar) experience earlier prayer times due to their longitude, while western cities (Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah) have later times. Northern regions like Tabuk also show slight variations in seasonal daylight duration compared to southern regions like Jizan and Najran.
Using This Prayer Time Calculator
Our platform offers several features designed to help you maintain your prayer schedule effectively:
- Real-Time Countdown: See exactly how much time remains until the next prayer, helping you plan your day around worship obligations.
- Monthly & Yearly Calendars: Plan ahead with complete prayer schedules. Perfect for printing and posting in your home, office, or mosque.
- Qibla Direction: Our compass shows the precise direction to the Kaaba in Makkah from your location, essential for proper prayer orientation.
- Mosque Locator: Interactive map displaying nearby mosques with directions, making it easy to find congregation prayers while traveling in Riyadh.
- Bilingual Support: Switch between English and Arabic interfaces to match your preference.
- Print & Export: Download prayer times as PDF for offline access or print customized calendars for your family and community.
For Developers & Researchers
Our prayer time calculations use the Aladhan API with Umm Al-Qura method (method code: 4), which is the officially sanctioned calculation for Saudi Arabia. The algorithm accounts for:
- • Precise geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude to 6 decimal places)
- • Atmospheric refraction adjustment (0.833° for sunrise/sunset)
- • Equation of time correction for solar noon accuracy
- • Asia/Riyadh timezone (UTC+3) with no daylight saving adjustments
- • Asr calculation using Standard (Shafi/Maliki/Hanbali) method by default, switchable to Hanafi
Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer Times in Saudi Arabia
Expert answers based on Islamic scholarship and practical experience serving 2M+ users
Prayer Schedule
Select view and print options below Riyadh • Kingdom Centre Tower
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Qibla Direction
Direction to Kaaba
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from North