Discover how shorter working hours, modified parking and toll schedules, and adjusted school and business operations pave the way for a month of spiritual reflection and communal celebration.

Embracing Change in Daily Life

As Ramadan approaches this year, communities across the UAE are preparing for a period that reshapes daily routines while deepening spiritual connections. Falling in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is much more than a time of fasting—it is a season marked by increased prayer, charity, and the warmth of community gatherings.

Adjusted Work Hours for a Reflective Month

• Private Sector Offices:
  Employees will experience a two-hour reduction in their daily work schedule, in line with Article 15 (2) of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. This adjustment applies to all workers, including non-Muslims, without any salary deductions.

• Federal Authorities:
  Ministries and federal bodies will observe shortened hours, operating from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.

Revised Parking and Toll Schedules

• Parking:
  While regular parking operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM throughout the year, during Ramadan, payment hours shift to 8:00 AM–6:00 PM and resume from 8:00 PM–10:00 PM. Note that multi-storey parking facilities continue with 24/7 charges.

• Salik Toll System:
  Expect dynamic pricing:

  • Weekdays & Weekends:

    • Peak Hours (9:00 AM–5:00 PM): Toll set at Dh6.

      • Off-Peak Hours (7:00–9:00 AM & 5:00 PM–2:00 AM): Toll at Dh4.

• Sundays (excluding public holidays and special events):

       Both peak and off-peak hours are uniformly charged at Dh4, with no tolls imposed between 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

Educational and Commercial Adjustments

• School Timings:
  Although official announcements are pending, it is anticipated that schools will follow the pattern from previous years—operating for a maximum of five hours per day with Friday sessions concluding by 12:00 PM.

• Retail and Leisure:
  Grocery stores will maintain their usual operating hours, while malls are set to extend their hours into the night to accommodate the altered pace of Ramadan evenings.

• Dining Out:
  In observance of fasting practices, most restaurants close during daylight hours and open after the evening prayers. However, some outlets will continue to offer dine-in services in enclosed areas, alongside takeaway and delivery options.

Ramadan Timing and Fasting Hours

Ramadan is expected to commence on March 1, 2025, following the official moon-sighting ceremony. The holy month will span 30 days, with fasting hours reaching approximately 13 hours per day. Notably, residents in the eastern regions of the UAE will experience Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast) about 20 minutes earlier than those in the west, reflecting regional variations in sunrise and sunset times.

The Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of profound spiritual renewal and community bonding. Observers use this month to:

• Deepen Faith:
  Through increased prayers, Quranic recitations, and reflective practices, individuals renew their commitment to faith.

• Strengthen Community Ties:
  Families and friends gather for Iftar meals, creating opportunities for shared experiences and collective joy.

• Engage in Charity:
  Acts of giving and kindness are heightened, as many extend support to those in need, embodying the true spirit of Ramadan.

• Celebrate Festivities and Holidays:
  The month culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive public holiday that marks the end of fasting. This is a time for joyous reunions, elaborate feasts, and a renewed sense of unity and gratitude.

Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink—it is a holistic journey that nurtures self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude, ultimately reinforcing the social and cultural fabric of the UAE.

Summary

With adjustments across work, transport, education, and retail sectors, Ramadan 2025 is set to bring significant yet welcome changes to daily routines in the UAE. Embracing these modifications allows residents to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual and communal essence of the month, making way for personal reflection, family gatherings, and festive celebrations like Eid al-Fitr. Whether you’re navigating new work hours or enjoying late-night shopping sprees, Ramadan offers a unique blend of discipline and delight that unites the community in a shared journey of faith and celebration.

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