Gulf News
Ramadan 2025 in UAE: Essential Timing Changes You Should Know
As the Ramadan 2025 fast approaches, living in the UAE is set to be transformed in many other ways. Fasting, prayer, and spiritual work will dominate, and involvement in daily life will undergo dramatic change. From work schedules to school timings and public services, here’s what to expect during the holy month, expected to start around February 28, 2025.
Adjusted Working Hours
Working hours of employees in the United Arab Emirates will be decreased during the holy month of Ramadan, as established by the United Arab Emirates Labour Law.
- Public Sector: Government workers typically have a 5 to 6 hour work day, and the office hours are from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- Private Sector: Workdays will be shortened by 2 h, with the majority of the employees working 6 h shift, though the exact shift times vary according to the company policy.
Numerous companies have adopted flexible hours to accommodate fasting personnel and ensure high productivity with a view to accommodating religious duties.
School Timings During Ramadan
Schools all over the country will open with modified school schedules to minister to students observing the fast the timing will be 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM..
Out of time activities could be scaled down or moved around into a shorter school day.
It would be best for parents to contact individual schools about any changes as schedules can differ depending on the school itself.
Public Transport Schedule Changes
Public transport services within cities will be provided with modifications for the continuous transport during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Dubai Metro: Train operation is generally in place for late night “til late”, trainsstarting at 5:00 AM and operating until 1:00 AM the following day.
- Buses & Trams: Timings will be adjusted to take into account the busiest periods of travel like those around iftar and Taraweeh prayers.
The authorities indicate that Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) news should be regularly checked to prevent short notice surprises.
Shopping & Entertainment Timings
The trade and entertainment industry will also be redesigned to be suitable for the fasting group.
- Malls: A shopping session will continue through to a midnight, or later in accordance with the reference.
- Supermarkets: Some will remain open 24 hours, while others will have extended evening hours.
- Restaurants & Cafés: Food service providers will curtail service to offer better iftar and suhoor menus.
Ramadan nights are usually a time of community, family and friends coming together for dinner and diversion after the sunset.
Prayer Timings & Religious Observances
Prayer times are integral to Ramadan, with the daily schedule adapted around them.
- Fajr (Dawn Prayer): Marks the start of the fast.
- Maghrib (Sunset Prayer): Signals iftar, the time to break the fast.
- Taraweeh Prayers: Special night prayers held at mosques across the UAE.
Mosques and community halls will be more densely populated, at least during prayer time.10. A lot of platforms are regularly being providing updated schedules that monitor inmates for availability of prayer.
Traffic & Parking Adjustments
- Traffic flow is often dynamic in the UAE, especially in the several hours around the breaking of fast (iftar) and the evening taraweeh prayer.
- Roads are generally busier before sunset as people rush home for iftar.
- There could be temporary free parking slots during the visiting times of mosques.
- Governments may impose targeted traffic management measures to control congestions in critical areas.
It, however, is recommended to book the trips beforehand to avoid the fear of being caught in traffic jam, most particularly in areas with dense pedestrian movement, for example near big mosques and the shopping centres.
Conclusion
2025 Ramadan will lead to daily variations in the pattern of daily life routines in the UAE, from altered work hours, school schedules to additional public transportation. These modifications are tending to be useful for the personal spiritual growth of their own, but no longer control the city.
To the extent that all this change can be understood with an ability to adapt, and to keep abreast of changes, all of us can find a peaceful and satisfying to Muslims all year round.
