The UAE has rolled out a big digital initiative today, ahead of millions of Muslims praying Eid Al Adha together across the UAE, to enable non-Arabic speakers to join in with Holy Q’uran and the Eid sermon as it happens. Either citizens or visitors to the UAE can now hear live sermons translated instantly on their phone in five key languages via the official AWQAF UAE platform, allowing for instant messages of instructions in the worshipper’s native language.
The campaign is particularly relevant for the UAE’s expatriate community, as citizens from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are not only Islamizing their Eid prayer services in Arabic-speaking mosques, but are also participating in the celebrations. The UAE is making it more accessible and inclusive to pray Eid with synchronised English, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali.
UAE Introduces Live Eid Sermon Translation for Expats
The multilingual feature of Eid sermons has been officially opened to Eid Al Adha 2026 by the AWQAF – General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments. The prayers are now available for streaming in translated audio through the mobile application of the AWQAF UAE to the mosques and open air musallahs attended by worshippers.
Through this service, people can listen to the sermon of the Imam and remain without any confusion even in their native tongues. Users in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and all other emirates get synchronized prayer translation on their mobile phones during Abu Gosh Arabic lectures/sermons.
This move was met with great enthusiasm by ex-patriate communities as many families pray Eid prayers together and would like their young and old members to have a proper appreciation of what is associated with Eid Al Adha which include sacrifice, unity, compassion and charity.
How to Download the Official AWQAF UAE App?
The live translation of the Eid sermon will be available only after downloading the official AWQAF UAE application to your smartphone. This app can be used by Android or iPhone users via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store links.
Download the application at least one day before the start of the prayers during Eid is suggested. To avoid delay or issues during prayer time, users are advised to download the App in advance on Eid days as mosques will experience high levels of network congestion on the morning of Eid.
Once installed, users need to go into the application and select the desired interface language from the initial setup screen. This will make it easier for users to navigate within the application during jam-packed prayer sessions.
How to Access the Live Translation Feature?
Inside the AWQAF UAE mobile app, users will go into the “Khutba” / “Sermon” section on the main dashboard. One of the banners is a “Live Translation” banner which is active from a short distance before the prayer is started during the period of Eid Al Adha .
The users can then switch between English, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali, all of which have been provided. The system automatically switches to the central feed of Sermon being broadcast in sync with the various mosques in the UAE.
The mosque etiquette handout is notable at the point of worshippers being strongly encouraged to use earphones (wired or wireless) at the sermon. Use hand-held tech devices in their silent mode, so as not to interrupt others’ prayers from noisy music.
Alternative Option: Download the Eid Sermon PDF Offline
Additionally, AWQAF provides downloadable transcripts of the sermons in various languages, catering to those with weak cell phone reception or data networks that might be congested. These are uploaded to the official portal prior to Eid prayers.
The “Sermon Archive” section of AWQAF website, or inside the app allows users to download the translated Eid khutbah PDF onto their phones. This enables the worshippers to read the sermon even if they don’t have enough time to do it while listening to the Imam in prayer.
It is particularly beneficial for the offline feature for those elderly believers, or those who visit to attend their prayers, and come to pray during peak-time hours during a musallah that has no internet provided and the signal can drop between prayers.
FAQs
What language(s) are there for UAE Eid to dictate translation?
The official AWQAF UAE platform currently has the following versions of Eid Al Adha sermon in different languages: English, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali.
Is there any fee on the AWQAF UAE app?
Yes, it is free to download and use by all the residents and visitors in UAE.
Is it allowed to hear the sermon translation during Eid prayer?
Yes, it is possible for users to broadcast the translated khutbah live whilst participation in Eid prayers.
Don’t Miss These Stories
What are smart expat saving tips?
Explore practical money-saving strategies that help expats reduce daily expenses and survive rising costs in Gulf countries.
Why are Gulf workers facing rising costs?
Discover how increasing living expenses are impacting South Asian workers and reshaping financial stability across the Gulf.
Which GCC country is cheapest now?
Check out the most affordable GCC destination where expats can enjoy a lower cost of living without compromising lifestyle.
Where are budget-friendly GCC cities located?
Explore the top cities offering affordable living options for Indian and Asian expats across the Gulf region.
How is global inflation affecting Gulf life?
Discover how rising global inflation is influencing everyday expenses and reshaping expat lifestyles in the Gulf.
News1 week ago
News1 week ago
News1 week ago
News1 week ago
