Ramadan 2023: UAE announces working hours for federal government staff

The holy month will begin in the Emirates on March 23

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  A cannon is fired on the final day of Ramadan 2022 at Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Qasr Al Hosn, to signal prayers and the breaking of the day’s fast. Victor Besa / The National

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  Dubai Police's iftar cannons, which fire a single shot at sunset every day during Ramadan, operated from 11 locations during the holy month, including Burj Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A Dubai Police officer fires a cannon at Burj Park. Officers fire two rounds to announce the beginning and end of Ramadan. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A police officer loads a cannon on the final day of Ramadan in Burj Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Cannons, which can be heard as far as 10 kilometres away, have been a tradition in UAE since the 1960s. Satish Kumar / The National

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  According to protocol, four police officers are present at each firing. Two man the cannon, where one passes a blank cartridge and the other loads it, as is happening here at Burj Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Two police officers remain at the back as guardians of the cannon and give orders. When it is time for iftar, an officer gives the order and the cannon is fired. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Burj Park cannon provided a perfect photo opportunity for residents and tourists alike. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  People gather at the cannon in Burj Park. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE has announced working hours for federal government employees during Ramadan.

On Friday the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said in a circular that Ramadan working hours would start at 9am and end at 2.30pm, from Monday to Thursday, and from 9am until noon on Fridays.

Ministries and federal departments will be allowed to implement flexible working or remote work schedules, state news agency Wam reported.

The first day of the holy month will begin in the UAE on March 23. The official date was determined by the country's moon-sighting committee on Tuesday night.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is believed to be the month when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and drink during this period.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran.

The last 10 days of the holy month are the most special, coinciding with Laylat Al Qadr, commemorating the night the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

The rewards for acts of worship carried out on this night are said to be more than the rewards of 1,000 months of worship.