Ramadan 2023: Working hours announced

As we approach the Holy month of Ramadan, the city is in full swing preparing for the biggest observance in the Muslim calendar.

What is Ramadan?

If you’re new here, you might not be up to speed with what exactly Ramadan is, why it’s celebrated and what to expect.

Here are a few things to help:

Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar when Muslims around the world observe fasting, prayer, and reflection.

During this month, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. They also engage in acts of charity, self-discipline, and increased worship as Ramadan is considered a time for spiritual purification, reflection, and growth.

Ramadan then culminates with a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, which is a festive holiday to mark the end of the month-long fast!

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on 21st March, 2023 - this is to be confirmed by the sighting of the crescent moon.

Throughout the holy month, working hours and schooling hours are reduced. Today the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced the below:

Private sector workers:

The working hours for private sector companies have been reduced by two hours.

Government and federal workers:

The working hours for government and federal authority workers have been decreased to 9 AM - 2:30 PM from Mon-Thurs and 9 AM - 12:00 PM on Fridays.

Shorter hours for schools and educational institutes :

Schools have two timing choices:

Mon-Thurs: 7:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Mon-Thurs: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Both timings must end at 11:45 AM on Fridays though, to accommodate the prayers.

Eid Holidays in the UAE

Based on astronomical charts, Eid Al Fitr in the UAE is predicted to commence on Thursday, April 20, and last until Sunday, April 23.

If you’re looking to make the most of your four-day break then take a look at the best staycation deals during Eid-Al-Fitr.