UAE gears up for Ramadan 2024: Expected start date and working hours
From free parking during iftar, and reduced office hours, here’s all you need to know.
Dubai residents, mark your calendars! Ramadan is just around the corner, promising a shift in daily life with its traditions of fasting and prayer. As the UAE prepares for this sacred month, it’s essential to be aware of the adjustments in daily routines that come with it.
One of the primary questions on everyone’s mind is, “When does Ramadan begin in the UAE?” While the official announcement awaits the sighting of the crescent moon by the UAE’s moonsighting committee next month, astronomical predictions suggest that Ramadan is likely to commence on March 11, 2024.
One significant aspect of Ramadan is its impact on working hours. Various sectors, including offices, malls, restaurants, and even parking services, undergo changes during this period. Let’s delve into the details of what to expect during Ramadan:
1. Private Sector Offices:
According to Article 15 (2) of ‘Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021,’ working hours in private sector offices are reduced by two hours during Ramadan. Notably, this reduction applies to non-Muslim workers as well, as confirmed by the UAE government’s official website, u.ae.
2. Opening Hours of Restaurants:
Most restaurants align their hours with the fasting schedule during Ramadan. Typically closed during the day, they open after evening prayers. However, exceptions exist, with some establishments offering daytime services, allowing patrons to order food for delivery, take away, or dine in within designated enclosures.
3. Opening Hours of Grocery Shops and Malls:
Supermarkets and grocery shops maintain regular operating hours during Ramadan, ensuring accessibility for residents. Malls, on the other hand, tend to extend their hours into the late night, providing ample time for shoppers.
4. Parking Timings:
Paid public parking hours undergo adjustments during Ramadan. Specifics about parking timings, fees, and payment methods are typically displayed on parking meters in various emirates. For instance, in Dubai, paid public parking hours during Ramadan typically span from 8 am to 6 pm and from 8 pm to 12 midnight, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Detailed information for all emirates will be announced closer to the onset of Ramadan.
5. Availability of Taxis:
While taxis in the UAE are generally available 24/7, hailing one directly from the road might pose challenges during evenings in Ramadan. Many drivers may be concluding their fasts, making it advisable to book taxis in advance through popular ride-sharing apps like Careem, Hala Taxi, or Uber.
As the UAE embraces the upcoming month of Ramadan, residents can anticipate these adjustments in various aspects of daily life. Being mindful of these changes ensures a smoother transition into the holy month, allowing everyone to partake in the spiritual significance and community celebrations that characterize Ramadan.
