Ramadan in UAE: Rules for non-Muslim residents, work timings, Eid holidays

Known as the Holy Month of the year, the Islamic community comes together fast and pray. Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, as fasting is known as the one of the five pillars of Islam.

Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the new crescent Moon, lasting for 29 to 30 days, depending on the next moon sighting.

As the Holy month is set to begin in March, non-Muslim residents and tourists must follow these rules and etiquettes in the UAE.

Rules for non-muslim residents, tourists

It is not mandatory for non-muslims to fast.

However, according to the official UAE government portal, they are prohibited from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the fasting hours. This also includes chewing gum.

Additionally, non-Muslim residents and tourists must not:

• Engage in any aggressive behaviour
• Dance or play music in public although you may listen to music quietly with headphones
• Wear inappropriate clothing in public
• Swear as blasphemy is considered extra offensive during Ramadan
• Refuse a gift, or an invitation to join someone at Iftar

While many fast during daylight hours in Ramadan, a few malls make the exception to keep their dining options open for non-Muslims, children and the elderly.

For those fasting, there are two main meals in Ramadan — Suhoor and Iftar. Suhoor is consumed early in the morning before dawn, just before fasting hours start, whereas Iftar is the meal to break the fast.

Ramadan work timings

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on March 23, according to local media reports, and Eid Al Fitr and the first of Shawwal will most likely fall on Friday, April 21.

During the Holy month, UAE workers can expect shorter working hours.

As per the UAE labour law, “private sector workers are required to work eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced by two.”

Travelling time from the employee’s place of residence to the workplace will not constitute working hours, except for certain categories of workers as specified by the ‘Executive Regulations of the Labour Law’.

During Ramadan, those keeping their fast would maintain up to 14 hours per day. Each day, the duration of the fast increases by minutes.

Timings to break fast (Iftar) during the holy month of Ramadan

The exact dates of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr will be confirmed by the moon-sighting committee closer to the time. Last year, the holy month began on April 1.

Eid holidays in the UAE

As per astronomical charts, Eid Al Fitr in the UAE will fall on Thursday, April 20, and will last until Sunday, April 23.

As per astronomical charts, Eid Al Fitr in the UAE will fall on Thursday, April 20, until Sunday, April 23.

The exact dates of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr will be confirmed by the moon-sighting committee closer to the time. However, the UAE Cabinet confirmed holiday dates last year in November, for public and private sectors in the UAE.

According to a social media post shared by the UAE Government, the following is the full list of holidays for this year:

• Eid Al Fitr: Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3
• Arafah Day: Dhul Hijjah 9
• Eid Al Adha: Dhul Hijjah 10-12
• Hijri New Year: July 21
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday: September 29
• National Day: December 2-3

Going forward, the UAE will see four main holiday periods during the year. This includes Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha, Hijiri New Year, and National Day, which includes Commemoration Day.