UAE Moonsighting Committee Confirms Start of Ramadan 2025

The UAE’s Moonsighting Committee has officially confirmed that Saturday, March 1, 2025, will be the first day of Ramadan, with today, February 28, marking the last day of Sha'ban.

In a historic move, the UAE utilized artificial intelligence-powered drones to sight the crescent moon, enhancing the precision and efficiency of the traditional moon-sighting process, which has been practiced for centuries to mark the start of the Islamic holy month.

A Sacred Month for Muslims

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, holds deep significance for Muslims worldwide. It is the month during which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), culminating on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan, which is considered the holiest night of the year.

Reduced Working Hours Across the UAE

To accommodate the spiritual and physical demands of Ramadan, the UAE has introduced reduced working hours for both public and private sector employees.

• Federal Authorities: The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that the official working hours for ministries and federal agencies will be from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays. In addition, flexible working arrangements or remote work schedules can be implemented as needed, adhering to the approved daily hours.
• Private Sector: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has also mandated a two-hour reduction in daily working hours for private sector employees throughout Ramadan. Companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns, as long as they remain within the daily working limits.

Ramadan: A Time of Reflection and Devotion

Throughout Ramadan, capable Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk, refraining from eating and drinking. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it serves as a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion to God.