5 rules to follow in the UAE during Ramadan & the working hours

Ramadan is fast approaching, with the holy month expected to fall on March 23, according to astronomical calculations.

Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during this time, and the Islamic community comes together to pray, with fasting being one of the five pillars of the religion. Residents around the UAE are preparing to usher in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in full swing, as this year marks the first in four years that Ramadan will be observed without any Covid-related restrictions.  

With rules around mask use, travel, gatherings and visiting mosques more relaxed than ever before, this leads to the question – what is prohibited in the country during the holy month? 

Here are five rules to observe in public this Ramadan, to ensure a smooth, peaceful and serene month for those observing.

1. Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in public 

Eating or drinking in public during Ramadan is strictly prohibited, according to the UAE's penal code – but did you know this extends to chewing gum? The rules do not apply to every indoor establishment, however; many malls and restaurants around the country remain open during the holy month to serve non-Muslims, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. It is also worth noting that these restrictions in serving food and drink do not apply to Dubai – provided they are done indoors or in designated establishments, those not fasting may still eat and drink in these areas. 

2. Avoid arguments, aggressive behaviour 

During the holy month, both those who are fasting and those who are not are advised to behave respectfully with one another. Residents are advised to avoid engaging in unnecessary debates or arguments – particularly those in public. 

3. Avoid loud music 

Residents are requested to refrain from playing loud music in their cars or in their homes so as not to disturb observing Muslims who might be offering prayers or reciting the Quran at that time. Playing loud music while in malls is also prohibited. 

4. Do not turn down Iftar invitations 

It is considered impolite to turn down Iftar invitations extended by Muslim friends and colleagues. Iftar, a meal held every day during the holy month at sunset to break the fast, is a highly auspicious event, and is celebrated with plenty of food, family and friends. Be mindful before turning down a warm invite to an Iftar gathering – while there is no law against this, it may be considered bad practice. A refusal to accept the Iftar invitation is considered a bad practice. 

5. Do not wear inappropriate clothing in public 

In light of the month of peace and serenity, UAE residents must dress modestly while in public during Ramadan. As a general rule of thumb, men and women are advised to wear clothing that covers their shoulders, torso, and above the knee. It is worth noting that while particularly appreciated during Ramadan, these guidelines regarding clothing are part of Emirati law anyway. 

UAE residents are also expected to experience changes in their daily routines. 

There will be reduced work and school timings, changes in operating hours of establishments as well as paid parking timings. 

There will be special and late-night prayers, and sleeping patterns will also be altered. 

Parks will change their opening hours and there will be Ramadan night markets as well as sales and promotions that offer up to 90 per cent discounts. 

1. Reduced working hours 

Working hours are normally reduced by two hours without pay cut and even non-Muslims are entitled to this reduced working hours. 

2. Shorter school hours 

Students will also enjoy reduced hours at school. Some institutions say their Ramadan timings will be from 8am to 1pm from Monday to Thursday; and from 8am to 11.30am on Fridays. While physical education or PE lessons will continue, students who are fasting will not be required to take part in the activities. 

Swimming lessons will be cancelled while music lessons will become largely theory-based. Teachers are also expected to limit the amount of homework and assignments. School canteens will be covered, so students who are fasting will not have to see others who may be eating. 

3. Business operating hours 

Supermarkets and grocery shops are open as usual and some malls may stay open until late night. Restaurants are also open but many adhere to the hours of fasting and are closed during the day and will open only after the evening prayers. Restaurants are busy at night and extend operations until suhoor. Shopping destinations remain open for extended hours during the holy month. 

Night markets pop up across the country. Major retailers in the UAE offer massive discounts of up to 90 per cent on various products. 

4. Parking timings 

Hours of paid parking also change during Ramadan. Although there are no official announcements yet, these are the paid parking hours schedule for previous years: 

Abu Dhabi: Mawaqif parking fees are applied Saturday to Thursday, from 8am to 12 midnight. 

Parking is free on Fridays and public holidays. 

Dubai: Parking fees apply from 8am to 6pm; and 8pm to 12 midnight, Monday to Saturday. 

Parking is free on Sundays. Multi-storey parking will operate as a paid service 24/7. 

Sharjah: Parking is a paid service from 8am to 12 midnight. It’s free around mosques during Taraweeh prayers. 

On Fridays and holidays, parking is free in most zones. 

5. Fasting and driving behaviour 

According to authorities, it is common for fasting Muslims to not get enough sleep during Ramadan and this could lead to sleepiness and impaired driving performance. 

They advise motorists “to get adequate sleep, exercise regularly and eat meals at a fixed time”. 

It is also important to start the journey early to avoid last-minute speeding.