The Holy Month of Ramadan is in full swing across the UAE, and here are some changes in parking and school timings, Salik toll gate prices and more to be aware of.
Ramadan 2025 began as predicted on March 1 2025 this year, as confirmed by the UAE’s moon sighting committee.
Each month in the Islamic calendar lasts 29 or 30 days, with its start heralded by the sighting of the new crescent moon. Similarly, dates and corresponding holidays for Eid Al Fitr will tentatively fall around 29 or 30 March pending official confirmation.
Take a look at all the changes to be expected this Ramadan 2025 in the UAE.
Work timings during Ramadan 2025
Generally, private sector employees in the UAE are entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan, with the workday shortened by two hours. This is in accordance with Article 15 (2) of the ‘Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021’.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has issued a circular setting the official Ramadan working hours for ministries and federal authorities in the UAE.
The proposed timings are from 9 am to 2.30 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 12 pm on Friday. Check out all the added information you need!
Paid parking during Ramadan 2025
Regular parking timings are generally 8am to 10pm, with free parking in Dubai and Sharjah on Saturdays, and on Sundays in Abu Dhabi. Multistorey parking buildings remain payable 24/7 regardless of the season.
However during Ramadan, the timings will be from 8am to 6pm and 8pm to 10pm.
Darb Ramadan timings in Abu Dhabi
The Darb toll gate system hours will also change during the holy month of Ramadan. Toll fees are applicable between 8 am and 10 am, and from 2 pm until 4 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Darb tolls remain free on Sundays.
Salik’s peak and off-peak hours
With the changes in Salik pricing applicable from January 31st, there are also some adjustments for Ramadan.
Normal weekdays and weekends:
Peak hours (9am to 5pm): AED 6
Off-peak hours (7am to 9am and 5pm to 2am): AED 4
Sundays (excluding public holidays and events):
Both peak (9am to 5pm) and off-peak (7am to 9am, and 2am to 7am) hours are charged at AED 4
No charges apply between 2am and 7am during weekdays or weekends.
School, malls and restaurant hours
As per last year, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) mandated that private schools operate for a maximum of five hours per day.
Classes are expected to end by 12pm on Fridays. Some schools have also announced changes to the syllabus to adapt to shorter school hours during Ramadan 2025 in the UAE. Exams are being cancelled in some cases and switched for early assessments and alternate assignments.
In Dubai, schools also have the option to opt for remote learning on Fridays!
While grocery shops and supermarkets will operate as usual, malls generally stay open later in the night.
Most restaurants adhere to fasting hours and remain closed during the day, opening after the evening prayers. However, some restaurants and cafes do operate during daylight hours, offering dine-in options in enclosed areas, takeaway, and delivery services.