UAE Ramadan: Shorter working hours, rules to follow, public holidays

February 21 marked the beginning of Sha’ban, according to astronomical calculations. The beginning of Sha’ban counts 30 days to the start of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast for up to 14 hours a day, with the duration of the fast increasing by a few minutes each day.

As the holy month approaches in 20 days, here is all you need to know.

What is Ramadan?

The word “Ramadan” comes from the Arabic root word “ramidha,” which means “scorching heat” or “dryness.” This is a reference to the fact that Ramadan usually falls during the hottest month of the year, and Muslims are required to fast from dawn until sunset each day.

The fast is broken each evening with a meal called iftar, which typically includes dates and other traditional foods.

During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to abstain from food, drink and smoking during daylight hours. In addition to fasting, Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and growth.

School closures and shorter hours

As Ramadan approaches, various schools across the UAE are expected to receive a two-week break, according to local media reports.

Spring break, could reportedly fall during the Holy month, giving students the opportunity to spend time with their families and observe the religious practices of the month.

In addition to the extended break, students can also expect shorter school hours during Ramadan.

Last year, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) directed all schools in Dubai to hold classes for no longer than five hours per day during the holy month. It is expected that the same directive will be issued this year as well.

Reduced work hours for UAE employees

Workers in the UAE can expect shorter working hours during Ramadan, according to the country’s Labour Laws.

According to the UAE labour law “Private sector workers are required to work 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced by two.”

Commute time from place of residence to the workplace is not included in the working hours, except for certain categories of workers as specified by the ‘Executive Regulations of the Labour Law’.

Rules for non-Muslims

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
• Eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public

It is not mandatory for non-muslims to fast.

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.

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.

The exact dates of the holy month 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

Iftaar timings

Free meals for delivery drivers

Rove Hotels will be giving away 1,000 meals to delivery drives across the city.

The week prior to Ramadan, drivers that are conducting deliveries at any Rove Hotel across the city will be handed two complimentary Iftar vouchers which can be redeemed for an Iftar buffet meal during the first seven days of Ramadan.

Paul Bridger, COO of Rove Hotels said, “at Rove we believe that everyone needs time to unwind and re-connect with their loved ones. Delivery drivers are an integral part of the city’s life, they are constantly on the move, working hard and we rarely get a chance to show our appreciation. This Ramadan, we want to change that by inviting them for an Iftar meal at our properties and letting them enjoy a small break from their busy lives.”