Students have expressed their love for the milk’s taste, with many noting that their families also purchase it for home use
uae11 hours ago
The holy month of Ramadan sees spirituality and a more relaxed pace of life prevail across the UAE. As the month of fasting draws near, greetings of ‘Ramadan Mubarak’, translating to ‘blessed’ or ‘happy’ Ramadan, resonate throughout the Emirates.
The daily routines of residents are also different — from work hours to school schedules and paid parking hours, there are many aspects of life that change during the holy month.
According to the Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Ramadan will commence on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Reduced work hours apply to both fasting and non-fasting employees. This helps employees be part of the month's spiritual activities and cultural practices. The UAE government typically announces reduced working hours for both the public and private sectors. While some jobs necessitate longer hours, most employees in the private sector enjoy a two-hour reduction in their workday. Government offices often close early, with working hours for public sector employees reduced to six instead of the usual eight hours.
Academic days are typically slashed down to five hours daily. However, this year, most schools will be closed during the first three weeks of the holy month. Institutions will be closed for either the spring or end-of-term break around this period.
Paid parking hours are modified during Ramadan. These will be announced closer to the holy month. Last year, Dubai applied fees from 8am to 6pm; and 8pm to 12 midnight Monday to Saturday — giving residents free parking for two hours on weekdays. Sharjah applied fees from 8am to midnight Saturday to Thursday.
In Dubai, it’s business as usual at most eateries. According to Visit Dubai, while there's no requirement for non-Muslims to avoid eating and drinking in public during the day, one “may choose to do so out of respect for those fasting”.
Iftar holds great significance during Ramadan as it marks the meal that breaks the day's fast after the Maghrib call for prayer. Iftar is usually a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a special meal. Many hotels and restaurants in Dubai offer feasts and special Iftar menus to cater to the occasion. Additionally, numerous restaurants provide enticing offers and discounts for Iftar meals.
Thanks to reduced and relaxed work hours, fasting Muslims are able to offer most of their five daily prayers at mosques. Places of worship are usually full, especially during the special prayers called Taraweeh that are offered after Isha.
ALSO READ:
Students have expressed their love for the milk’s taste, with many noting that their families also purchase it for home use
uae11 hours ago
People across the country can watch it live on December 2 on local TV channels, cinemas and selected public areas
uae14 hours ago
The tremors were not felt by UAE residents despite the country's close proximity to Iran
uae17 hours ago
He was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and once served as general manager of Khaleej Times
uae19 hours ago
No casualties were reported by authorities in Aurora province, but thousands of homes were damaged, and heavy losses were sustained
uae19 hours ago
Omar Al Marzooqi is determined to qualify for the 2025 World Cup in Switzerland; his next big goal is the 2028 Olympics
uae21 hours ago
Tamim Al Tamimi had some of his shots displayed at Duroor Nights, an event that celebrated the Duroor system and its profound impact on Emirati life, in Ras Al Khaimah
uae21 hours ago
The budget covers UAE-themed decorations, cash prizes, Emirati-themed photo corner, and giveaways such as chocolates and perfumes
uae21 hours ago