By Staff Reporter Ramadan, the 9th month of Islamic calendar, is regarded as the holiest month of the year
Dubai: The UAE’s moonsighting committee has announced that tomorrow, Saturday, March 1, 2025, will mark the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, while today, Friday, is the last day of Sha’ban.
For the first time ever, the UAE deployed artificial intelligence-powered drones to sight the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan.
The innovative approach aimed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of moon sighting, a centuries-old tradition that determines the start of the Islamic holy month.
Sacred month
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is regarded as the the most sacred month of the year, as it was during this month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Reduced working hours
The UAE has already announced reduced working hours for public and private sector employees during the holy month.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has issued a circular outlining the official working hours for federal authorities during Ramadan 1446 Hijri.
According to the circular, the official working hours for ministries and federal authorities will be from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday.
FAHR emphasised that ministries and federal authorities may implement flexible working arrangements or remote work schedules as needed, provided they remain within the approved daily working hours.
Flexible work patterns
Additionally, the Authority stated that federal government departments would allow up to 70% of their staff to work remotely on Fridays during Ramadan, in accordance with the approved regulations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced a two-hour reduction in daily working hours for private sector employees throughout Ramadan.
In a statement, the ministry said: “In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during Ramadan.”
This decision aligns with the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations and its amendments.
During 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.
