Today's prayer times in Riyadh:
For real-time accurate prayer times in Riyadh, install FivePrayer. The app auto-uses the Umm al-Qura calculation by default and works offline once installed. Free on iOS, Android, and Chrome.
About the Umm al-Qura calculation method
Riyadh follows the Umm al-Qura method, the official Saudi calculation set by the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca. Fajr is calculated at 18.5 degrees below the horizon, and Isha is fixed at 90 minutes after Maghrib (120 minutes during Ramadan, when the timetable extends slightly for sahoor coordination).
All official Saudi prayer time publications, including the Ministry of Islamic Affairs daily timetable, use Umm al-Qura. FivePrayer's Umm al-Qura preset matches these official times to the minute and updates automatically for Ramadan's extended Isha.
Major masjids and the Muslim community in Riyadh
King Fahd Mosque (Diplomatic Quarter) and Al Rajhi Grand Mosque (Al Hayer Road) are among Riyadh's largest masjids. Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in the historic Deera district is the oldest and adjacent to Al-Masmak Fort. Almost every block in Riyadh has at least one neighbourhood masjid.
Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Mosque on the university campus hosts academic-quality Friday khutbahs. Al Rajhi Mosque off King Fahd Road can hold 25,000 worshippers and is a major Eid venue. The Diplomatic Quarter Mosque caters to embassy staff and international residents.
Qibla direction from Riyadh
From Riyadh, the Qibla bearing to Mecca is approximately 242 degrees from true north, west-southwest. The distance is about 870 km. Almost every Riyadh building, including all hotel rooms and corporate offices, has a Qibla indicator. Public buildings and malls have green Qibla arrows on the ceiling.
Practical tips for praying in Riyadh
Business stops for prayer: Most Riyadh shops and restaurants close for 20 to 30 minutes during each prayer time, with reopening immediately after iqama. Plan errands around the prayer schedule, especially for Maghrib and Isha which come in quick succession in summer.
Friday afternoon rhythm: Jumuah at major masjids draws large crowds. The khutbah begins about 30 minutes before Dhuhr. Many offices close for the entire Friday afternoon, with the workweek now Sunday to Thursday in Saudi Arabia.
Summer heat planning: July and August midday temperatures exceed 45°C. Dhuhr congregations rely on heavy air conditioning, and many masjids have outdoor sahn areas that are only used in winter.
FAQ
What is the prayer calculation method in Riyadh?
Riyadh masjids predominantly use the Umm al-Qura method. FivePrayer defaults to this when it detects a Saudi Arabia location.
What time is Fajr in Riyadh?
Fajr in Riyadh ranges from around 5:25 AM in December to 3:45 AM in June, set by Umm al-Qura. FivePrayer matches the official Saudi timetable.
What is the Qibla direction from Riyadh?
Approximately 242 degrees from true north, west-southwest. See our Qibla guide for how to verify with a compass.
Best prayer app for Riyadh?
FivePrayer: free, no ads, no account, Umm al-Qura by default, gentle adhan lock. Works offline once installed.
Are there masjids near central Riyadh?
Yes, see the masjid section above for landmark venues. Most districts of Riyadh have at least one neighbourhood masjid within walking distance.
FivePrayer: free, no ads, gentle adhan lock.
Auto-detects the Umm al-Qura calculation for Saudi Arabia. Works offline. Free on iOS, Android, and Chrome.