Work hours, school schedules, paid parking hours, and more alters with the approach of holy month of Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, residents follow an altered routinewith changes in  work hours, school schedules, and paid parking hours. Ramadan will start on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, based on the Hijri calendar released by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). 

Both employees who are fasting and those who are not will have fewer work hours. This makes it easier for staff members to participate in the spiritual and cultural events of the month. Reduced working hours are usually announced by the UAE government for both the public and commercial sectors. While certain occupations require longer hours, most private sector workers get to cut their workday by two hours. Government offices frequently close early, and public sector workers' regular eight-hour workday is now shortened to six.

As for schools, usually, academic days are reduced to five hours per day. This year, though, the first three weeks of the holy month will see the closure of the majority of schools. During this time, schools will be closed for either the spring break or the conclusion of the school year.

Ramadan affects the hours of paid parking available as well. Last year, Dubai had applied fees from 8am to 6pm; and 8pm to 12 midnight Monday to Saturday, offering residents free parking for two hours on weekdays. Sharjah applied fees from 8am to midnight Saturday to Thursday.