We hope this message finds you well. The blessed season of Ramadan is swiftly approaching, anticipated to begin on 11 March 2024, pending moon sightings, ending in the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr on 10 April 2024.
We thought you might find the information below about Ramadan in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) helpful. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Impact on EER Programs during Ramadan (Relocation, Immigration, Corporate Services)
KSA:
- Office Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9am-3pm.
- Property Viewings: Compound visits: 10am-3pm. Off-compound visits: 9pm-2am.
- School Tours: Schools’ timings are different during Ramadan; timings can change between public and private schools, the level of education, and even from school to school. The Ministry of Education typically sets school hours for Ramadan. Private and public schools would remain open during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, and school would begin between 9am and 10am, depending on each school.
- Settling-in Services: Reduced to 6 working hours from Sunday to Thursday.
UAE:
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-3:30pm.
- Property Viewings: Operational with working hours reduced to 6 hours from Monday-Friday.
- School Tours: Spring break for Dubai schools coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. No school tours take place during the spring break.
- Settling-in Services: Reduced to 6 hours from Monday to Friday.
What changes during Ramadan?
KSA:
- Business Hours: Hours vary by business type and location. Check with your employer for official office hours.
- Government offices: Reduced working hours.
- Restaurants & Cafes: Closed during the day, open before/after Iftar until Suhoor. Some drive-thru’s open. Food can be purchased anytime but not consumed in public.
- Malls & Shopping: Some close during the day and open after evening prayer. Some extend hours, some open 24/7.
- Supermarkets/pharmacies: open throughout Ramadan in Riyadh.
UAE:
- Business Hours: Hours vary by business type and location. Check with your employer for official office hours.
- Government Offices: Reduced working hours.
- Restaurants & Cafes: Most open during Ramadan, some close during the day. Nightlife active with indoor/outdoor activities, restaurants, cafes, malls open late.
- Malls & Shopping: Open daily 10am-close (1-3am). Longer hours on weekends and last quarter of Ramadan for Eid shopping
Ramadan Kareem
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