One of the most significant Islamic months of the year, Ramadan, is being prepared for by locals in the United Arab Emirates. According to astronomical estimates, Ramadan is more likely to start on Thursday, March 23, in various Arab nations. From the beginning of the month to the end, the fasting hours will vary by around 40 minutes, reaching a maximum of nearly 14 hours.
Parking times have changed as a result of reduced working hours, shorter school days, and shorter school days during the holy month of Ramadan. All the information you need is as follows:
Working hours for employees
The official Ramadan working hours for employees at Sharjah’s government organizations had been announced by the human resources department of the emirate. According to the directorate, employees will be on duty from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
The start and end of their official working hours must be determined by the departments, entities, and institutions that function in shifts in accordance with their work procedures.
The FAHR had previously published a circular establishing the official working hours for federal agencies and ministries as 9 am to 2.30 pm on Monday through Thursday and 9 am to 12 pm on Friday. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) of the UAE recently stated that work shifts would be shortened by two hours during the holy month for the private sector.
School working hours
University and public school students should also attend their classes remotely on Fridays, with physical exams planned for specified dates taking priority.
Shops allowed to stay open longer
Although the reduction in work hours for the private and public sectors was announced last week, it was revealed last week that Sharjah businesses can request special permissions to increase work hours during the holy month.
The municipality offers this service as part of its lenten preparations and to assist these establishments by allowing them to continue operating their businesses well into the night.
How to apply: The permits are issued via the municipality’s website by choosing “Our electronic and smart services,” then selecting “Services of the Control and Inspection Department,” and then submitting the necessary paperwork to apply for the permission for the nights of Ramadan.
Exemptions: While Ramadan is in effect, restaurants, bakeries, and cafeterias are permitted to remain open past midnight without a permit.
Paid parking, park timings
For Ramadan, Sharjah has published its updated paid parking hours. From 8 am to 12 am, there will be a parking fee in effect. Fridays are free parking days, with the exception of areas with blue information signs. On every day of the week, parking in these places is a paid service.
After the Adhan, parking around mosques will be free for an hour (call to prayer).
Park opening hours
The Sharjah City Parks’ operating hours were also disclosed by the municipality. From 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. every day of the week, the parks will be open (midnight).
Four areas for cannon placement have been identified by the Sharjah Police. They consist of:
- Al Majaz waterfront
- Hison Al Dhaid in Central Region
- Clock Tower in Kalba city
- Khorfakkan Amphitheatre in Khor Fakkan
This year’s cannon-firing attendees will also receive meals from the Sharjah government.
Rules for eateries to operate during daytime
The Sharjah City Municipality (SCM) has established rules that food establishments must adhere to when operating during the daytime hours of Ramadan. The Sharjah City Municipality (SCM) states that establishments must follow some general guidelines on food display and submit an application if they want to put food items on display during the day.
Permit and fees
Dh3,000 fee: A “permit to operate and display food throughout the day in Ramadan for food preparation and display on-premises, including premises in shopping centers,” according to SCM, would cost Dh3,000.
Dh500 fee: For restaurants, cafeterias, pastry shops, and tortilla bakeries, the “permit to display foods in front of premises before Iftar” costs Dh500.
General requirements
Additionally, if a business is open during the day, the following general rules must be followed:
Operation requirements:
Food should only be serviced outside the premises
No customers are permitted in the dining room.
Only in kitchens is cooking and food preparation permitted.
For food display in front of premises:
If the sidewalk in front of the establishment is not sandy, restaurants are permitted to display food there.
The food should be presented in a glass case that is closed and has a door that slides or hinges (at least 100cm high)
Place food in stainless steel containers.
If the sidewalk in front of the establishment is not sandy, restaurants are permitted to display food there.
Plastic wrap or food-grade aluminum foil should be used to wrap food.
Use only packaging made of food-grade materials.
Food on display must have been prepared by the permit holder and be appropriate for the activity.
Food should not be frozen or refrigerated; it should be kept at the proper temperature.
Channels for permit application
- Food control section counter
- Suburbs affairs department
- Industrial area 5
Opening hours for main buildings
Main buildings and branches will stay open during Ramadan from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday.
Veterinary clinics – (Al Jubail)
- Monday to Thursday – 9am to 2:30pm
- Saturday and Sunday – 10am to 3pm
Medical fitness centres
Nasseriya
- Monday to Thursday – 9am to 5pm and 8pm – 11pm
- Saturday and Sunday – 9am – 2:30pm
Saif Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone and Al Dhaid
Monday to Thursday – 9am to 2:30pm
Industrial Area 4
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: 9am to 2:30pm
Al Sajaa
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 4:30pm
Sunday: 9am to 2:30pm
Central laboratories
Food, Environment and Consumable and Veterinary labs
Monday to Thursday – 9am to 2:30
Building material lab
Monday to Thursday – 7:30am to 1pm
Drainage services
Sewage withdrawal
Sunday to Thursday – 6am to 4pm
Friday to Saturday – 6am to 11am
Tanker discharge – Monday to Sunday: 8am to 6am
Drainage cleaning – Monday to Sunday – 24/7
Sink cleaning and Y+TV inspection – Monday to Thursday: 8am to 1pm