Ramadan

UAE begins preparations for Ramadan

The ninth and holy month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, will begin as early as 1 March in 2025. However, the exact date will be announced by the Moon Observing Committee.

This year, Ramadan will again fall during the peak tourist season in the United Arab Emirates, which usually lasts from November to April. However, most restaurants will be open and serving customers during the day and many will extend their opening hours until late at night.

During Ramadan, which lasts 29 or 30 days, working hours for all employees – in both the public and private sectors – are reduced by at least two hours.

In 2024, government ministries and departments worked from 09:00 to 14:30 from Monday to Thursday and until noon on Fridays, with 70 per cent of civil servants working from home on Fridays.

Residents and visitors to the United Arab Emirates are urged to be modest in their behaviour during Ramadan, which is considered a month of not only religious fasting but also reflection and spiritual growth.

All residents and tourists in the Emirate should familiarise themselves with the rules of etiquette, as well as cultural customs and traditions. For example, one should show respect for those who are fasting by avoiding eating, drinking and smoking in public places during daylight hours.

Dress modestly, covering legs and shoulders! It is strictly forbidden to criticise religious practices or beliefs and to behave in a noisy and disruptive manner in public places. Fasting people should be treated with patience and compassion. During Ramadan, all foreigners are encouraged to take part in charity events.

One should accept invitations to iftar gladly and kindly, and should not refuse invitations. You should come to iftar on time or a few minutes earlier, and it is not superfluous to bring a gift to the invitee. Guests can also take part in the preparation of iftar or table setting.

It is strongly discouraged to criticise the food, even if it does not meet one’s taste preferences. On the contrary, the hosts should be thanked for their efforts. It is worth remembering that Muslim communities welcome the participation of non-Muslims in Ramadan events, but only if they respect the traditions.

Source: The National