Major Changes During Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: Everything You Need to Know
The holy month of Ramadan, a month of prayer, fasting and extra charitable deeds, has its deep impact on daily life. In the UAE, these changes comprise reduced working hours, new parking regulations, adjustment in road toll charges (Salik) and adjustment in the shopping mall and public transport timings. Here, we continue with the arrangements of these Ramadan changes in Dubai.
Working Hours During Ramadan
The working hours of government and private offices are mentioned below:
Reduced Working Hours for the Private Sector
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has indicated that working hours of private sector employees will be reduced by two hours daily during Ramadan. Additionally, companies can embrace flexible working times or working from home based on the nature of their business within the permissible working hours.
Working Hours for Government Entities
The working hours for government institutions are as follows:
- Federal Ministries and Authorities: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
- Dubai Government Employees: Flexible working hours are permitted, but employees must work at least 5.5 hours from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, only three hours of work are required.
Public Parking Timings
Dubai parking hours are as follows:
New Dubai Parking Timings
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to midnight.
- Sundays: Free parking.
- Multi-story car parks: Remain paid 24/7.
Parking Timings in Other Emirates
- Sharjah: Parking timings are until midnight.
- Abu Dhabi: Public parking is Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to midnight.
- Ajman: Paid parking is 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM to midnight
Public Transport Timing Changes
Public transport hours in Dubai have changed as follows:
Dubai Metro Operating Hours (Red & Green Lines)
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 AM to midnight
- Friday: 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (following day)
- Saturday: 5:00 AM to midnight
- Sunday: 8:00 AM to midnight
Operating Hours for Dubai Tram
- Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM (following day)
Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM (following day)
Road Toll Fees (Salik) During Ramadan Changes
- Peak hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM): AED 6
- Off-peak hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM): AED 4
- Sundays: AED 4 at all times (except official holidays)
- 2:00 AM – 7:00 AM: No fees
Changes in School Timings
The working hours of public and private schools in the UAE are as follows:
Private Schools in Dubai
Students can attend classes remotely on Fridays. In-person school hours are limited to five hours daily.
Government Schools in the UAE
The Ministry of Education initiated a “Ramadan with Family” initiative, under which online classes will be held every Friday. But students who have examinations will have to attend school as per their regular schedule.
Changes in Mall and Restaurant Operating Hours
Shopping Malls and Supermarkets
Supermarkets and retail chains will operate as usual. Malls will remain open late at night to serve consumers after iftar.
Restaurants and Cafes
Most of the restaurants will remain closed during the day and resume business after the Maghrib prayer. Some restaurants and cafes will provide services in enclosed areas or have takeaway and delivery options.
Changes in Public Park Timings
The Dubai Municipality has extended park operating hours during Ramadan:
| Park Name | Ramadan Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Mushrif Park, Creek Park, Zabeel Park | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Mushrif National Park, Mamzar Park | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Safa Park | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Children’s City | Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sat-Sun: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Mushrif Park Cycling Track | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Quranic Park | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Cave & Glass House | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Fasting Duration in the UAE for Ramadan 2025
Ramadan 2025 will be 30 days long, with fasting duration up to 13 hours daily, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, head of the Emirates Astronomy Society. Suhoor and iftar timings in eastern parts of the UAE will be earlier than the western parts with a difference of about 20 minutes between the two.
Conclusion
Ramadan in the UAE brings radical changes to living conditions in Dubai, working hours, transport and public services. Awareness of these changes helps residents prepare better for fasting and other daily activities. These changes are a reflection of the UAE government’s commitment to respecting religious and cultural values and creating a convenient and hospitable environment for citizens and residents to fully enjoy this blessed month.
Source: https://gulfnews.com
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