This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1. 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 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).

Start Date And End Date Of Ramadan 

Ramadan is expected to start on March 1, 2025, but the exact start date will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee. If Ramadan begins on March 1, it will end on March 29 or 30. The exact timing depends on the phases of the moon.

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When the waning crescent is spotted by UAE astronomers, it will signal the final night of Ramadan and the start of Eid Al Fitr 2025, marking the next public holiday in the UAE.

What is Ramadan? 

Ramadan is a time when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking between sunrise and sunset. Non-Muslims are also expected to respect the fasting practices in public. Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims typically perform additional Tarawih prayers throughout the month. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and the month is observed for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth.

The Islamic calendar relies on moon phases, with months either being 29 or 30 days long. The sighting of a new moon marks the beginning of a new month. In the UAE, the moon-sighting committee will search for the new crescent moon after maghrib prayers on the 29th day of the month of Shaban, the month preceding Ramadan.

UAE Working Hours During Ramadan 

In the UAE, private sector workers are typically required to work 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. However, during Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours every day. The UAE Labour Law mandates that working hours be reduced by two hours for all employees, regardless of their religion or whether they are fasting.

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 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.

For public sector employees, official working hours for ministries and federal agencies are usually from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the working hours are from 9 AM to 12 PM. Last year, the Sharjah Human Resources Department also announced that official working hours for government entities in the emirate would be from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

UAE School Hours During Ramadan 

Official announcements about school hours during Ramadan 2025 in the UAE have not been made yet, but they are expected to follow the same schedule as last year.

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 adjust their operating hours to accommodate late-night travel for Iftar and Taraweeh prayers. These adjustments are designed to provide convenient travel options for residents during Ramadan.

• Dubai Metro: The Dubai Metro will operate until midnight or later during Ramadan, ensuring seamless travel for those attending evening prayers and gatherings. Trains may run more frequently during peak hours to accommodate higher ridership, especially after Iftar.
  
• Buses: Bus schedules will be adjusted to align with Iftar and Suhoor timings. Some bus routes will extend their operating hours to cater to the increased demand during Ramadan evenings, allowing for convenient travel to mosques and community events.
  
• Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem will increase their availability, with more vehicles on the road during Iftar and late-night hours to support travelers.

These changes are aimed at ensuring affordable and convenient travel for residents during the holy month.

Paid Parking During Ramadan 

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 Ramadan, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) adjusts parking timings and toll rates.

Typically, paid parking in Dubai operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM across most zones. During Ramadan, the first shift will begin at 8:00 AM and end at 6:00 PM. The second shift will start at 8:00 PM and end at 10:00 PM, with free parking available between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, aligning with Iftar.

Multi-storey parking facilities will operate 24/7, with standard charges applied at all times, even during Ramadan. These facilities offer a convenient option for those who need parking outside the adjusted timings.

If Ramadan lasts for 30 days, day 30 will be considered an official holiday in addition to the Eid Al Fitr holiday. This legislation, which was published in the official gazette on May 15, 2024, came into effect on January 1, 2025.

Additionally, the Cabinet may transfer any public holiday to the beginning or end of the week, and local governments may declare other holidays for their departments based on special occasions or other reasons.