#Ramadan working hours announced for UAE private sector

With Ramadan predicted to start on Sunday May 6, the government has announced a reduced schedule for the private sector.

The working day will be shortened by two hours, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The reduced timings will apply from the beginning of Ramadan until the end of the special period. It looks likely to start on Monday May 6 in the Middle East, according to the International Astronomical Centre. The centre's director Mohamed Shawkat said the sighting of the crescent moon by eye in the region will be difficult on Sunday May 5. If the predictions are correct, that means that the beginning of Ramadan will be declared the next day. Each year, the start and end of are announced following observations by religious experts. They are subject to change because the dates are determined by the sighting of a new moon.

Ramadan 2019 Dubai school times announced

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced Ramadan timings for Dubai schools, with the day starting between 8am and 8.30am and finishing between 1pm and 1.30pm. Students will get shorter breaks as required. The Authority has also indicated that schools should ensure students spend no more than five hours in total per day on campus. Fasting students will be exempt from physical education (PE) classes or any other demanding activities – and without it influencing their grades or performance. The KHDA has highlighted that “students must be protected from the risks of exhaustion and dehydration."

UAE public holidays 2019

• Wednesday June 5: Eid Al-Fitr
• Friday August 9-Monday August 12: Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha
• Sunday September 1: Hijri (Islamic New Year)
• Sunday December 1: UAE Commemoration Day
• Monday December 2-Tuesday December 3: UAE National Day