UAE: Residents of the United Arab Emirates are preparing for the changes that will come with this holy month as Ramadan approaches. The Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 lunar months with a combined length of 354 or 355 days, determines when Ramadan officially begins each year. As a result, the fasting month advances by up to 10 days on the Gregorian calendar every year.
It is anticipated to occur this year between March 22 and 23 and April 21. Dates may change, though, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon, which heralds the beginning of the month of Shawwal, or after the 30th day of Ramadan.
In the UAE, both Muslims and non-Muslims practice some rituals and traditions that are a result of the festive season’s sense of community.
Several people’s schedules are impacted by the holy month due to shortened workweeks, shorter school days, and altered parking hours.
Here is all the information you require:
Reduced working hours
One of the most noticeable modifications that Ramadan brings forth is shorter workdays. Businesses are required to limit workdays by two hours without reducing pay for everyone, even non-Muslims.
According to the nation’s labor code, employees in the private sector must put in eight hours every day, or 48 hours per week. Workers will only be expected to work six hours per day or 36 hours per week during the Holy Month due to the daily two-hour reduction in working hours.
Except for specific types of workers as defined by the “Executive Regulations of the Labor,” travel time from an employee’s home to their place of employment does not count as working hours.
School timings during Ramadan
Students also benefit from shorter school days as some institutions operate from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and from 8:00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Fridays during Ramadan.
While physical education classes will still be taught, pupils who are fasting won’t have to participate in them.Also, according to many local news reports from last week, kids in some schools around the nation may have up to two weeks off during Ramadan.
Several schools across the nation may have spring break during the holy month, allowing students to spend time with their families then.
Restaurant opening hours
Even though the majority of people in the UAE will be fasting during the day, a few shopping centers and eateries will be open during Ramadan to accommodate non-Muslims, young people, and the elderly. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that during Ramadan, these establishments will still be required to follow the guidelines established by the UAE government.
Restaurants also change when they open and close, with many only opening after evening prayers. They extend their hours till Suhoor, though, and are busy at night.
Meanwhile, grocery stores and supermarkets carry on business as usual, and some malls stay open late.
Time changes for parking
Parking timings are also affected by Ramadan.
Although official announcements have not yet been made, according to schedules from previous years, parking in Abu Dhabi was free on Fridays and public holidays and charged Mawaqif fees from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. from Saturday to Thursday.
In Dubai, parking is paid from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. on weekdays, but it is free on Sundays.
The use of parking on numerous floors is a paid service 24/7.
Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12 a.m., parking in Sharjah is a paid service, with some zones offering free parking on Fridays and public holidays.
Ramadan should be used for reflection, devotion, and greater almsgiving.
It is a time for Muslims to strengthen their ties to God and to show kindness and compassion to others.
All citizens and visitors should respect and support the Muslim community during Ramadan because the UAE is a country that welcomes people of all religions and backgrounds.
