Ramadan 2024 in UAE: reduced working and school hours

In some Muslim countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the sighting of the Ramadan crescent confirmed that the holy month starts today on March 11, 2024.

The start of Ramadan depends on the lunar calendar, typically lasting either 29 or 30 days. This variability adds to Ramadan's anticipation and spiritual significance, a time marked by deep reflection, prayer, and communal celebration.

The reverence of Ramadan is palpable in the UAE as communities prepare for the Islamic holy month. From bustling streets to tranquil mosques, the anticipation of this sacred time is felt across the nation. Here's the ultimate guide to life and living in the UAE during this solemn occasion.

Moon sighting

The UAE moon-sighting committee invited all Muslims in the country to sight the crescent of the month of Ramadan on March 10, 2024. It was announced that the moon was sighted on Sunday evening. This means that the month that precedes Ramadan in the Hijri calendar — Sha'ban — ended at 29 days. Ramadan 1, therefore, is on March 11.

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court also called on all Muslims to sight Ramadan's crescent moon on the evening of Sunday, March 10. Since it was sighted, March 10 is the last day of the month of Sha'ban, and the holy month will begin on Monday, March 11.

The holy month is expected to last 30 days as per astronomical calculations. If this is the case, Ramadan 30 will fall on Wednesday, April 10. As per the list of holidays announced by the UAE, residents will get a break from Ramadan 29 till Shawwal 3 to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.

The corresponding dates on the Gregorian calendar are from Tuesday, April 9 (Ramadan 29), to Saturday, April 13 (Shawwal 3). If one factors in the Sunday weekend, that’s a six-day break.

Work hours

Federal employees in the UAE will work 3.5 hours less from Monday to Thursday and 1.5 hours less on Friday, as stated by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR). The Islamic holy month will see all ministries and federal agencies operating from 9am to 2:30pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, working hours are from 9am until 12 noon, unless the nature of the work necessitates otherwise.

The government bodies that work with in a shift system must determine the start and end of shifts during the holy month according to their needs. The number of hours per shift must not exceed five and a half hours.

For private sector employees, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) stated that the number of work hours would be reduced by two during the Islamic holy month.

Companies have the option to implement flexible or remote work schedules within the limits of daily working hours specified during the holy month, and in accordance with the nature of their work.

Similar announcements were made in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates.

The nursing hours that female employees are usually allowed will be cut during Ramadan.

3-day weekend

Umm Al Quwain announced that government employees in the emirate will have three-day weekends during Ramadan.

In the announcement, it was confirmed that Friday to Sunday would be the weekend during the holy month, and government employees would work five and a half hours on the other days of the week.

Immigration office working hours

Most service centres of Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will remain open from 9am to 5pm during the holy month of Ramadan. This came as the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) announced reduced working hours during the holy month for government employees.

Paid parking hours

Paid parking hours and public transport timings for the holy month of Ramadan.

For public parking, charges apply to all zones from Monday to Saturday.

School hours

School timings in the UAE during Ramadan should not exceed five hours of instruction time, the authorities announced. Additionally, it specified that school hours on Fridays should be limited to 3 hours, with attendance from 9 a.m. until 12:00.

Educational institutions are engaging in careful lesson planning and conducting summative assessments this week, as they anticipate the upcoming holy month. Headteachers revealed that schools are adapting curriculum planning to reduce the emphasis on new learning while students observe fasting.

Global Village timing

Dubai's Global Village is all set to welcome guests with wonderful Ramadan experiences. The family destination has revised its opening and closing hours for the holy month. Doors will now open from 6pm until 2am, as opposed to the regular time of 4 pm to midnight.

Visitors will be able to enjoy iftar and suhoor offerings with a multitude of options across a variety of cuisines. Guests can also shop at the brand-new Ramadan Wonders Souk, filled with offerings of all types of unique trinkets from around the world.