UAE private sector working hours announced for Ramadan 2022

Working day will be reduced by two hours

Illuminated Ramadan decorations in Dubai.

A festive mood has taken hold in the city. AFP

Animal decorations light up Al Seef at Dubai Creek, as the city gets into the festive spirit. AFP

People shop for fresh food and vegetables as they prepare for Ramadan. AFP

Middle Eastern spices are used in many local dishes traditionally served during the holy month. AFP

Shopkeepers ensure they are well stocked to cope with demand. AFP

Shops enjoy the calm before busy Ramadan nights. AFP

The joy of the holy month can be seen at every corner, with decorations galore. AFP

The open market in Dubai has been busy ahead of the holy month, with people stocking up on ingredients for iftar and suhoor. AFP

A mosque's minaret is pictured with the world's tallest tower – the Burj Khalifa – in the background as Ramadan gets under way in the UAE from Tuesday. AFP

Working hours for the private sector during Ramadan were announced on Tuesday by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Employees will be allowed to reduce their work day by two hours during the holy month.

The UAE announced on Monday evening the return of iftar tents during Ramadan for the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The marquees have been cancelled for the past two years to prevent gatherings and limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2, but the start date is to be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee.

Ramadan in the UAE - in pictures

The sun sets over a mosque during Ramadan at Al Bahya in Abu Dhabi on May 31, 2018. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Muslims arrive shortly before sunset to break their fast in Dubai on May 23, 2018. EPA

Men share iftar at Lootah Mosque in Deira, Dubai, on May 20, 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Muslims have iftar at the Kuwaiti mosque in Deira, Dubai, on May 20, 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Men break their fast at Lootah Mosque in Deira, Dubai, on May 20, 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Staff pour porridge in small containers ready to serve for iftar at Wonder Chef Catering in Al Quoz, Dubai, on May 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Muslims pray before iftar at the Kuwaiti mosque in Deira, Dubai, on May 20, 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Men prepare an area for communal iftar at Lootah Masjid Mosque, Deira, Dubai, 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

People queue for takeaway iftar meals in Deira, Dubai, in 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Men prepare for iftar at Lootah Mosque in Deira, Dubai, in 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

Staff prepare iftar meals in Al Quoz, Dubai, 2018. Leslie Pableo for The National

A cat follows a man in front of the Bani Hashim Mosque, Abu Dhabi, in 2018. AFP

Jordanian Nasser Nihad Ibrahim competes in the Dubai International Holy Quran Award in 2018. The annual event consists of readings from the Quran. AFP

Women perform evening prayers at Al Qasba Mosque, Sharjah, in 2018. EPA

People walk under illuminated decorations at Qanat Al Qasba, Sharjah, in 2018. EPA

Muslims break their fast in Dubai in 2018. EPA

The sun sets behind a mosque during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi in 2018. Chris Whiteoak / The National