The news comes after a similar announcement in the capital…

Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced that malls and restaurants in the emirate will not need to place screens or curtains while serving food this Ramadan. In previous years, dining outlets were require to shield themselves from view during fasting hours.

The news comes as Abu Dhabi government made a similar announcement, removing the need for curtains for all dining outlets in the capital. Abu Dhabi trialled this regulation in 2019, removing the need for coverings part-way through the holy month.

The circular sent by DED stated that: “Restaurants will be allowed to serve customers without putting in place curtains, dividers or facades as has been the mandatory practice previously. Restaurants are also not required to obtain a permit for serving food to customers during Ramadan fasting hours.”

Over the years, the UAE has loosened the restrictions on rules surrounding Ramadan. Allowing bars and nightlife venues to open, more restaurants serve food and drinks throughout the day, and removing the need for facades is the latest update.

The UAE government has already confirmed that workers in both the public and private sectors will be given less working hours during the holy month. Public sector employees will work five hours per day, while those in the private sector will work two hours less than usual.

Ramadan is expected to start tomorrow, Tuesday April 13, however this is dependant on the moon sighting. Eid is expected to fall on Thursday May 14, which could mean a three-day weekend for UAE residents.

As always, we’ll be sure to keep you up to date with official announcements as soon as they are made.

Image: Getty