From revised working hours to public transport timings and parking rules, here’s how daily life shifts during the Holy Month
Ramadan has begun, and with it come a number of changes across Dubai. Here’s your guide to what shifts during the Holy Month.
Work timings
During Ramadan, the UAE introduces reduced working hours for both the private and the public sectors. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources stated that employees of ministries and federal government entities will work from 9am to 2.30pm from Monday to Thursday. Working hours on Friday will be from 9am to 12pm except for those whose work nature requires otherwise.
For the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, private sector companies will have their working day reduced by two working hours. Private sector companies may apply flexible work patterns or remote work within the limits of the daily working hours specified during the days of the month of Ramadan.
Read more here.
Public transportation
Commuters can also expect updated timings for public transport for the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram due to a shift in commuting patterns.
The Dubai Metro timings (Red Line and Green Line) over the Holy Month of Ramadan in Dubai are as follows:
Monday to Thursday: 5am to 12am (midnight)
Friday: 5am to 1am (the following day)
Saturday: 5am to 12am (midnight)
Sunday: 8am to 12am (midnight)
Dubai Tram:
The timings for the Dubai Tram are as follows:
Monday to Saturday: 6am to 1am (the following day)
Sunday: 9am to 1am (the following day)
Salik
As per the Salik website, starting from the first day of Ramadan, here’s what you’ll pay for tolls:
Monday to Saturday
- Peak hours: 9am to 5pm | Dhs6
- Low-peak hours: 7am to 9am, and 5pm to 2am | Dhs4
- Off-Peak hours: 2am to 7am | No charge
Sundays
- Peak hours: 9am to 5pm | Dhs4
- Low-peak hours: 7am to 9am, and 5pm to 2am | Dhs4
- Off-Peak hours: 2am to 7am | No charge
Read more here.
Paid public parking
Timings over Ramadan in Dubai during the day will now be split into two periods as per the below:
First period: 8am to 6pm
Second period: 8pm to midnight
The tariff fees apply to all parking zones from Monday to Saturday. Sunday will remain tariff-free.
Note: Multi-storey parking facilities operate 24/7.
Although no official announcement has been made, Parkonic zones may have different schedules, depending on the area.
Read more here.
Revised etiquette around eating and drinking in public
Although most restaurants in Dubai will remain open and serve food and drink as usual, eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be done with caution.
Eating and drinking in public spaces, like malls and on public transport, is not permitted.
Remember, people around you may be fasting, so be considerate of others.
Live music
Out of respect for the Holy Month, live music in Dubai is generally paused, with no concerts and live, loud performances taking place. Low-level, background music is still common in public spaces and restaurants.
Some venues may feature traditional or acoustic entertainment, such as the Oud or Qanun, typically during iftar or suhoor.
Images: Archive and supplied
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