When is Ramadan 2024? Confirmed Dates, Working Hours, Iftars and More | Bazaar Arabia’s Complete Guide
From reduced working hours to guidelines for non-Muslims, Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know about the upcoming Holy Month here
With Ramadan only a few weeks away, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know about the Holy Month. From anticipated working hours for the public and private sectors to a potential nine-day long weekend, see all your questions answered here in this guide.
When is Ramadan 2024? Confirmed Dates, Working Hours, Iftars and More
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
The fast of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the religious obligations that all Muslims are required to follow. During Ramadan Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to sunset. They also try to avoid negative thoughts and behaviours.
The fast is meant to cleanse the soul and bring Muslims closer to God. It is also a time for Muslims to focus on their faith and to strengthen their relationship with their faith. Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to come together as a community and to help those in need.
Here are some of the things that Muslims do during Ramadan
- Fast from dawn to sunset
- Pray more often, especially the Tarawih prayers, which are special night prayers that are only offered during Ramadan
- Read the Quran
- Give charity to those in need
- Spend time with family and friends
- Reflect on their lives and relationships with their faith
The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday, a feast that marks the breaking of the fast. Eid al-Fitr is a time for Muslims to rejoice and to thank God for the blessings of the month.
When does Ramadan 2024 start in the UAE, KSA and GCC? When will confirmed dates be announced?
According to various sources, Ramadan 2024 is expected to start between the days of Saturday, March 9 2024 and Monday, March 11, 2024 for many GCC countries including the UAE
Back in September 2023 Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, made an announcement noting that the UAE was officially six months away from Ramadan 2024.
“The new crescent for the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal will be born on Friday, September 15 at 5.40 am “UAE time,” and at sunset on the same day, the crescent’s age will be 12:43 hours,” the announcement said. “The crescent will be located above the western horizon at an altitude of 4 degrees and shall set approximately 21 minutes after sunset, therefore Saturday, September 16, will mark the first day of Rabi’ al-Awwal according to astronomical calculations, which means that we are 6 months away from Ramadan.”
The official start date of Ramadan is typically announced when countries’ respective moon sighting committees (which is made up of religious leaders and astronomers) spots the crescent new moon, which marks the beginning of the Holy Month — meaning an official announcement for the start of Ramadan 2024 won’t be revealed until closer to the dates of March 9th, 20204 or March 10th.
Ramadan 2024 Fasting – Hours and Rules
Ramadan 2024’s fasting hours will vary around the world, as they’re based around the timings of the sunrise and sunset — but they are expected to lengthen as the Holy Month goes on. In the UAE those celebrating Ramadan can expect to fast for at least 12-13 hours, sun rise to sunset. Smoking in public is typically forbidden, along with chewing gum.
Ramadan 2024 Working Hours in The UAE
Upon the announcement of the start of Ramadan 2024, an official announcement will likely be made by the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources (FAHR) confirming reduced working hours in the UAE for the Holy Month, for both public and private sector workers.
Typically, in years past, private sector workers have only been required to work six hours per day or a 36 hour work week, meaning the working day is shortened by two hours. Check back for more details.
Does everyone have to fast during Ramadan in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and GCC?
For non-muslims fasting is not obligatory, however many countries have laws that ban food and drink from being served and eaten in public, including inside cars. Smoking in public is typically forbidden, along with chewing gum.
The UAE government recommends non-Muslims avoid engaging in any aggressive behaviour (including the use of foul language and swearing); avoid dancing or playing music and to dress modestly in public. Many countries encourage non-Muslims to accept invitations to attend iftars and suhours — a scrumptious highlight for many nationals, residents, and visitors.
When will Ramadan 2024 end?
Ramadan 2024 will end with the beginning of Eid al-Fitr 2024, where public and private sector workers are given days off work. The specific dates will not be announced until towards the end of Ramadan 2024, upon the moon sighting confirming the end of the Holy Month.
How do you wish someone a happy Ramadan?
To convey your heartfelt wishes, you can start by using traditional greetings such as Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem. Ramadan Mubarak translates to Blessed Ramadan, while Ramadan Kareem means Generous Ramadan. Both expressions encapsulate the essence of the month, invoking blessings and generosity.
(See Harper’s Bazaar Arabia‘s complete guide on how to wish someone a happy Ramadan.)
When is Eid Al-Fitr 2024 in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC?
Eid al-Fitr, the first celebration to begin after the holy month of Ramadan, is expected to fall around Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 and Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 according to various sources, with some anticipating a full week off work for both the public and private sector in the UAE.
Should this week long holiday take place, as some sources are anticipating, nationals and residents of the UAE can expect to have Monday, April 8th, 2024 through to Friday, April 12th off work — meaning a nine-day long holiday (if you include both weekends) could be in the cards for Eid al-Fitr 2024.
Not living in the UAE? See full list of anticipated public and private sectors holidays in Saudi here; Qatar here; and Oman here.
Eid Al-Fitr 2024: Public and Private Sector Holiday Dates
Until official announcements have been made, nothing is certain. In the past, the private sector has had two to three days off work (in 2023 it was Thursday, April 21st and Friday, April 22nd) for the public holiday. Nationals and residents will need to wait until closer to the date for an official announcement.
The Best Iftars and Travel Destinations for Ramadan 2024 and Eid al-Fitr 2024
The Best Iftars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
With Ramadan being only a few weeks away Bazaar Arabia shares our complete list of the best iftars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to keep on hand for 2024; while restaurants and hotels have yet to reveal their offerings for the upcoming holy month, they’re both worth bookmarking for future reference (with Bulgari’s Majlis being one of our favourites.)
Relaxing Escapes during Eid Al-Fitr 2024
Eid Al-Fitr will fall when Ramadan ends and it’s the perfect time for a staycation or holiday. Bazaar Arabia shares our full list of where we’ll be relaxing throughout the Holy Month.
Wondering what to wear to an iftar or suhoor?
One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the Holy Month, is to ensure you have the perfect modest outfits to take you through your social calendar. In anticipation of Ramadan 2024, Bazaar Arabia shares out full guide on how to dress for iftars and suhoors here.
Lead image credits: Photography: Raffo Marone. Styling: Nour Bou Ezz. Model: Sabrina Mello at MMG Models. Make-Up: Raffaele Romagnoli. Hair: Olive Jeanne at MMG Artists. Senior Producer: Steff Hawker. Fashion Assistant: Poucy Elshahawy. Special thanks to Bab Al Shams. Model wears Versace.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s March 2023 issue