Free parking during iftar and reduced office hours, here’s all you need to know
From shorter working hours and adjusted school timings to revised parking schedules, toll charges, and business operating hours, here’s a look on how to navigate daily life in Ramadan.
From shorter working hours and adjusted school timings to revised parking schedules, toll charges, and business operating hours, here’s a look on how to navigate daily life in Ramadan.
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Dubai: As Ramadan approaches, the month of fasting and prayer ushers in notable changes to daily life.
Falling in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is a time of fasting from dawn until dusk, heightened prayers, and increased acts of charity. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Ramadan is expected to begin on March 1 this year, and here are some of the key adjustments to anticipate during this sacred period.
Check out the Ramadan Prayer Time Table 2025
How Ramadan affects working hours
Ramadan brings changes to daily routines across various sectors, including office schedules, school timings, Salik peak-hour toll charges, and paid parking. Here’s an overview of what to expect during the holy month:
1. Private sector offices
During Ramadan, private sector employees in the UAE are entitled to reduced working hours, with the workday shortened by two hours. This is in accordance with Article 15 (2) of the ‘Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021’.
According to the UAE government’s official website (u.ae), non-Muslim workers are also eligible for these reduced working hours without a salary deduction.
2. Paid parking
Paid parking hours are adjusted during Ramadan:
Regular timings: 8am to 10pm throughout the year.
Ramadan timings: 8am to 6pm and 8pm to 10pm.
Multistorey parking buildings remain payable 24/7 regardless of the season.
3. Salik’s peak and off-peak hours
Salik, Dubai’s toll system, will introduce variable pricing on January 31 and the toll operator also make adjustments for Ramadan.
Normal weekdays and weekends:
Peak hours (9am to 5pm): Dh6.
Off-peak hours (7am to 9am and 5pm to 2am): Dh4.
Sundays (excluding public holidays and events):
Both peak (9am to 5pm) and off-peak (7am to 9am, and 2am to 7am) hours are charged at Dh4.
No charges apply between 2am and 7am during weekdays or weekends.
4. School hours
Although official announcements regarding Ramadan school hours for 2025 are pending, it is expected that they will follow last year’s pattern:
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 12pm on Fridays.
5. Opening hours of grocery shops and malls
Supermarkets and grocery shops: Operate as usual.
Malls: Stay open until late at night to accommodate those observing Ramadan.
6. Opening hours of restaurants
As per u.ae, most restaurants adhere to fasting hours and remain closed during the day, opening after the evening prayers. However, some restaurants and cafes do operate during daylight hours, offering dine-in options in enclosed areas, takeaway, and delivery services.
