Work, school, and transport: What changes during Ramadan 2025 in UAE
Salik toll, paid parking hours revised for the holy month of fasting
DUBAI: As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prepares for Ramadan, residents can expect several changes in daily life, including revised working hours, school schedules, paid parking timings, and toll charges.
With the holy month anticipated to begin this weekend, here’s a look at the adjustments to help navigate Ramadan smoothly.
Working hours
Private Sector
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), private sector employees in the UAE will have their daily working hours reduced by two hours during Ramadan. This applies to both Muslim and non-Muslim employees without any salary deduction, as per Article 15 (2) of the ‘Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.’
Employers can also introduce flexible and remote work models as long as they comply with the daily work hour limits, allowing businesses to balance productivity with the spiritual and physical needs of fasting employees.
Public Sector
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that ministries and federal entities will operate from 9AM to 2:30PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 9AM to 12PM on Fridays.
Up to 70 percent of government employees may work remotely on Fridays, provided that job requirements allow for such flexibility.
Workweek structure in UAE
The UAE follows a four-and-a-half-day workweek, with government employees working Monday to Thursday from 7:30AM to 3:30PM and Fridays from 7:30AM to 12PM.
Most emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, follow this structure. However, Sharjah has a four-day workweek, with offices operating Monday to Thursday and a three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday.
School Timings
While official announcements for Ramadan 2025 school hours are pending, it is expected that schools 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, with classes ending by 12pm on Fridays.
Parking and Toll Charges
Paid Parking
Dubai’s paid parking hours will be revised during Ramadan:
- Regular timings: 8AM to 10PM.
- Ramadan timings: 8AM to 6PM and 8PM to 10PM.
Multi-storey parking buildings remain payable 24/7.
Salik Toll System
Dubai’s toll system, Salik, will introduce variable pricing from January 31, with Ramadan adjustments expected:
- Peak hours (9AM to 5PM): Dh6.
- Off-peak hours (7AM to 9AM and 5PM to 2AM): Dh4.
- Sundays (excluding public holidays): Dh4 for all hours.
- No toll charges between 2AM and 7AM.
Business and Mall Timings
Shopping malls and supermarkets will extend their operating hours to accommodate those observing Ramadan. Many malls are expected to stay open past midnight, catering to the increased evening activity during the holy month.
Grocery stores and supermarkets will maintain normal operating hours, ensuring that residents have uninterrupted access to essential items.
Restaurant Operations
During Ramadan, most restaurants in the UAE adhere to fasting hours and remain closed during the day, opening after the evening prayers. However, select restaurants and cafes operate during daylight hours in enclosed areas, offering dine-in options, takeaways, and deliveries.
Fasting Hours and Moon Sighting
Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on astronomical predictions by the International Astronomy Centre (IAC). The official moon sighting committee will convene on February 28 to confirm the start date.
The holy month will last 30 days, with fasting hours extending up to 13 hours per day. Eastern regions of the UAE will experience Suhoor and Iftar slightly earlier than western regions, with a difference of approximately 20 minutes.