UAE Prepares for Ramadan 2024: Predicted Start and Change in Routine

The Holy Month of Ramadan compels Muslims to elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to their faith by way of fasting. The refraining from eating and drinking is intended to last from dawn until dusk throughout the 29 or 30-day period. On Saturday February 10, the UAE’s International Astronomy Center announced the sighting of the Sha’ban crescent moon, which means Ramadan is just three weeks away.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, confirmed that Ramadan will take place during the winter season, which hasn’t happened in many years. In fact, this will be the first Ramadan to fall in the UAE’s winter since 2000.

If this comes to pass, Eid al Fitr will fall on Wednesday April 10, 2024. That means we should be expecting a week off from Monday April 8 to Friday April 12.

And, according to leading astronomers, it is predicted that Monday March 11 will mark the first day of the Holy Month in UAE. During Ramadan in the UAE, you need to adjust your daily schedule.

In UAE the following changes will occur during the month.

How Ramadan affects working hours

Ramadan also affects the working hours for offices, malls, restaurants, and paid parking. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Private sector offices

Working hours are reduced by two hours during Ramadan, according to Article 15 (2) of ‘Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021’.

According to the UAE government’s official website – u.ae, non-Muslim workers are also entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan without a pay cut.

2. Opening hours of restaurants

As per u.ae, most restaurants adhere to the hours of fasting. They are closed during the day and open after the evening prayers. Some restaurants and cafes are open during the day and people are free to order food for delivery or take away or to dine in within enclosures.

3. Opening hours of grocery shops and malls

Supermarkets and grocery shops are open as usual. Malls stay open until late at night.

4. Parking timings

Paid public parking hours change during Ramadan. Information about the parking timings, fees and modes of payment are indicated on the parking meters by the parking areas. In Dubai, for example, paid public hours during Ramadan are from 8am to 6pm and from 8pm to 12 midnight, according to the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Details for all emirates will be announced closer to Ramadan.

5. Availability of taxis

According to u.ae, although taxis in the UAE are available 24/7, you might find it difficult to hail a taxi directly from the road, during evenings, as a lot of drivers would be ending their fast. It is better to book a taxi in advance through ride-sharing apps like Careem, Hala Taxi, or Uber.