All the changes to expect during Ramadan in the UAE
The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us…
Ramadan in the UAE: According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, ‘The crescent moon of the month of Ramadan 1446 AH will be born on Friday, February 28, 2025.’ This means that, astronomically, Ramadan 2025 in the UAE will likely start on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
While we wait for the official dates for Ramadan in the UAE to be announced by authorities this year, here are some of the changes to expect.
But first…
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the most holy time of the year when Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking, or smoking between sunrise and sunset. It usually lasts around 29 or 30 days (depending on the calendar).
Ramadan marks the time when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Extra tarawih* prayers are performed at the mosque throughout Ramadan, and each evening 1/30th of the holy book is recited. By the end of Ramadan, many observers have read the entire Qur’an. *Tarawih prayers are special Sunnah prayers involving reading long portions of the Quran.
*New to the UAE? Here’s everything you need to know about Ramadan*
So, does this mean everything closes over Ramadan in the UAE during the day?
Although this rule needs to be confirmed for 2025, many cafés and restaurants in Dubai remain open during Ramadan. Previously, restaurants either closed or were required to put up curtains and screens to conceal those consuming food and beverages. Or you could only order your food to go.
Timings, however, will differ for each restaurant; some may have shorter or different opening times, so it’s best to check ahead.
Everything tends to happen much later in the day during Ramadan. Malls may even choose to close even later than usual, with many staying open well after midnight.
This being said, be mindful of those fasting around you, no matter where you are. Also, be mindful of smoking in public and stick to the designated smoking zones. It’s also important for everyone to dress and behave appropriately during the Holy Month.
Working hours change
During Ramadan, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced changes in timing for the public and the private sector.
Employees of Ministries and Federal government entities will work from 9am to 2.30pm from Monday to Thursday. Working hours on Friday will be from 9am to 12pm except for those whose work nature requires otherwise.
Additionally, the authority announced that ‘flexible work regulations may continue to be implemented within the approved daily working hours, allowing employees of certain entities to work remotely on Friday during Ramadan. The flexibility is permitted for up to 70 per cent of the total workforce, in accordance with the established guidelines.’
Employees of private sector companies will see their working day have a reduction of two working hours. Private sector companies may apply flexible work patterns or remote work within the limits of the daily working hours specified during the days of the month of Ramadan.
School timings
Spring break this year for schools may fall around the fourth week of March, which means students will have around three weeks at school with reduced hours over the Holy Month. The students’ hours are usually cut down to five hours a day.
According to the latest announcement by the Ministry of Education, schools are to offer remote learning for students in both public and private schools. Read more here.
Parking and tolls
Dubai
Timings over Ramadan in Dubai during the day will now be split into two periods as per the below:
Monday to Saturday
First period: 8am to 6pm
Second period: 8pm to 12am (midnight)
RTA added that multi-level parking buildings will operate 24/7.
Salik: Salik rates applicable only in the month of Ramadan will be as follows: Dhs6 during weekday peak hours from 9am to 5pm; and Dhs4 during weekday off-peak hours from 7am to 9am, and 5pm to 2am the following day. Tariif is free between 2am and 7am Monday to Saturday during Ramadan.
On Sundays, except during public holidays and major events, the toll will be Dhs4 from 7am to 2am and free from 2am to 7am. Some key highlights of the special plan are the extended toll-free timings and reduced iftar and suhoor times.
Abu Dhabi
Parking: Last year, paid public parking hours in the capital remained unchanged, but this is yet to be announced for 2025.
Darb: In 2024, Darb toll gates were in effect during the morning peak hours of 8am to 10am and again from 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. There were no tolls for motorists on Sunday.
Confirmed details for both will be announced officially by the Abu Dhabi Transport Authority.
Public transportation
Similar to restaurant and mall timings, public transportation timings will also change over Ramadan in the UAE.
The Dubai Metro timings for both the Red Line and Green Line over the Holy Month of Ramadan in Dubai are as follows:
Monday to Thursday: 5am to 12am (midnight)
Friday: 5am to 1am (the following day)
Saturday: 5am to 12am (midnight)
Sunday: 8am to 12am (midnight)
*Minimum top-up on nol cards to increase from March*
Dubai Tram
The timings for the Dubai Tram are as follows:
Monday to Saturday: 6am to 1am (the following day)
Sunday: 9am to 1am (the following day)
For timings regarding the Dubai Public Buses, RTA urged users to check the S’hail App, and the marine transport schedule can be found here.
Do note, Customer Happiness Centres timings will also change over the Holy Month of Ramadan, with the Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Kifaf, and RTA’s Head Office operating 24/7 as usual.
