Millions of people in the UAE and around the world observe Ramadan every year. Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar when Muslims around the world fast from dawn until dusk, pray more and increase acts of charity. The month commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1. However, the start date will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee. If Ramadan does indeed start on March 1, it will end on March 29 or 30. The exact timing depends on the phases the moon goes through every lunar month.
When the waning crescent is spotted by UAE astronomers, it will signify the final night of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr 2025, the next public holiday in the UAE.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset. Non-Muslims are also obliged to respect the fasting practices in public. The Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) during Ramadan. Traditionally, Muslims perform additional tarawih prayers throughout the month. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a time for prayer, reflection and religious devotion.
The Islamic calendar relies on Moon phases, which are either 29 or 30 days long. The sighting of a new Moon signals the start of a new month. In the UAE, the moon-sighting committee will begin searching for the new crescent Moon after maghrib prayers on Shaban 29, the month preceding Ramadan.
UAE working hours during Ramadan
Private sector workers in the UAE are required to work 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours in the UAE are reduced by 2 hours every day. The UAE Labour Law says that working hours should be reduced by two hours per day and does not differentiate between fasting and non-fasting employees. Therefore, it is applicable to all employees irrespective of their religion or whether they are fasting or not.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced last year a reduction of two working hours per day for private sector employees during the Holy Month of Ramadan. “In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during Ramadan,” the Ministry said.
The announcement came in the implementation of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations and its amendments.
For public sector employees, the official working hours for ministries and federal agencies last year began at 9 AM and ended at 2.30 PM, from Monday to Thursday. Working hours on Fridays were from 9 AM to 12 PM. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said last year that exceptions can be made when the nature of an employee’s work requires otherwise.
Last year, the Sharjah Human Resources Department also announced that official working hours for government entities in the emirate during Ramadan will be from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
UAE school hours during Ramadan
Official announcements regarding school hours during Ramadan 2025 have not been made yet in the UAE. However, it is expected that they will follow last year’s schedule.
In 2024, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) mandated that private schools operate for a maximum of five hours per day during Ramadan, with classes ending by 12 PM on Fridays.
Public transport adjustments during Ramadan
Dubai’s public transport systems, including the Dubai Metro and buses, will extend their operating hours to accommodate late-night travel for Iftar and Taraweeh prayers. These adjustments aim to provide affordable and convenient travel options during Ramadan.
Dubai Metro
- Extended Hours: The Dubai Metro will operate until midnight or later during Ramadan, ensuring seamless travel for those attending evening prayers and gatherings.
- Frequency: Trains may run more frequently during peak hours to accommodate increased ridership.
Buses
- Adjusted Timings: Bus schedules will align with Iftar and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) timings, ensuring residents can travel to and from mosques and community events without hassle.
- Extended Services: Some routes may operate later into the night to cater to increased demand during Ramadan evenings.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
- Increased Availability: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem will have more vehicles on the road during Iftar and late-night hours to support travelers.
Paid parking hours during the Holy month
One of the key adjustments during Ramadan is the change in parking timings and Salik toll rates in Dubai.
To accommodate the unique rhythm of the holy month, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) implements changes to parking timings and Salik toll rates. By offering free parking during Iftar (sunset meal) and adjusting toll timings, the RTA ensures residents can attend prayers and family gatherings without hassle.
In addition, split parking shifts and variable Salik toll rates help manage traffic flow during peak hours. Meanwhile, extended free parking hours and flexible toll timings make it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the city during Ramadan.
Paid parking is usually operational from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily across most zones in Dubai. In Ramadan, the first shift begins at 8:00 AM and ends on 6:00 PM. Meanwhile, the second shift starts at 8:00 PM and ends at 10:00 PM. The free parking window begins at 6:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM, coinciding with Iftar.
Multi-storey parking facilities operate 24/7 with standard charges applicable at all times, even during Ramadan. This provides a convenient option for those who need parking outside the adjusted timings.
UAE holiday calendar for 2025
According to a legislation passed by the UAE cabinet, the public and private sector will observe the following holidays this year:
- Gregorian New Year | January 1 | One day
- Eid Al Fitr | Shawwal 1 to 3 | Three days
- Arafa Day | Thu Al-Hijjah 9 | One day
- Eid Al Adha | Thu Al-Hijjah 10 to 12 | Three days
- Hijri New Year | Muharram 1 | One day
- Prophet’s Birthday | Rabi’ Al Awal 12 | One day
- National Day | December 2-3 | Two days
If the month of Ramadan completes 30 days, day 30 shall be deemed as an official holiday in the UAE added to the Eid Al Fitr holiday. The legislation, published in the official gazette on May 15, 2024, came into effect on January 1, 2025.
With the exception of Eid Holidays, the Cabinet may – pursuant to a resolution it issues – transfer any of the public holidays to the beginning or end of the week, the legislation added. Local governments may determine any other public holidays, not stipulated in this resolution, for their own government departments and corporations on any occasions related to it or for any other reason, the legislation said.
