UAE leaders share greetings as Ramadan begins today
President and Vice-Presidents congratulate leaders of Arab, Islamic nations
With the start of Ramadan, I extend my best wishes to all those observing the holy month. May this period of reflection and prayer bring us closer together and strengthen our bonds of unity and compassion. I wish you a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, harmony, and spiritual growth.”
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
President His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent congratulatory messages to the kings, emirs, and presidents of Arab and Islamic nations, on the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed wished the leaders and their people continued good health and well-being, and further progress and prosperity for Arab and Islamic nations.
“With the start of Ramadan, I extend my best wishes to all those observing the holy month. May this period of reflection and prayer bring us closer together and strengthen our bonds of unity and compassion. I wish you a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, harmony, and spiritual growth,” he wrote on his account on X.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also sent similar messages to Arab and Muslim leaders on the holy occasion.
‘An opportunity’
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid wrote on X account: “We congratulate the people of the Emirates and all the Arab and Islamic peoples on the advent of the holy month... and we ask God for contentment and contentment... and victory in Paradise...Ramadan is an opportunity...every year.
“An opportunity to strengthen the cohesion of our societies... renew our family ties... and consolidate the values of goodness and giving in us...Ramadan is not only a month of prayer and fasting... but also a month of love, peace and unity among Muslims.”
With Ramadan starting today, the UAE has lined up decorated streets and festivities, showcasing Emirati customs and values of compassion and tolerance.
During Ramadan, federal government employees will work from 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9am to noon on Fridays.
Ministries and federal entities are allowed to maintain flexible working regulations within these hours, including remote work for up to 70 per cent of employees on Fridays.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a two-hour reduction in daily working hours for private sector employees, allowing companies to adopt flexible or remote working arrangements within the designated daily hours.
Public transport in Dubai
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said there is no change in Metro timings. The Red Line and Green Lines will operate from 5am to midnight from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, 5am to 1am on Fridays and 8am to midnight on Sundays.
Public parking in Dubai
Paid parking will be in force from 8am to 6pm and from 8pm to midnight from Monday to Saturday. Tecom Parking Zone (F) will be paid from 8am to 6pm. Multi-storey car parking will operate 24/7.
Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Twar and Al Manara will be open from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Thursday and from 9am to noon on Fridays.
Smart Customer Happiness Centres at Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, Al Kifaf and RTA’s HQ will work round-the-clock.
Religious activities
This year, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments will host 20 scholars from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman, Bahrain, Tatarstan, Dagestan, India, and Burkina Faso as part of the ‘UAE President’s guest scholars in Ramadan’ programme.
They will deliver lectures in multiple languages at the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, other mosques, Quran learning centres, via Smart Preaching Platform, and neighbourhood gatherings.
This year’s programme includes a scientific conference focusing on ‘The Holy Quran and the Horizons of Cosmic Sciences and the UAE’s Efforts in Serving It’. Guest scholars and experts from relevant institutions will participate.
Additionally, the 27th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award will continue, featuring Quran memorisation competitions.
Ramadan Majlis
The UAE’s Ramadan Majlis, blending religious, cultural, and traditional aspects, involve senior officials and public figures, highlighting Emirati society’s unity. The Ministry of Interior’s 13th edition, themed ‘Emirati Society: Ancient Roots, Global Horizons’, will host 21 sessions across the emirates.
Shopping festivals
Ramadan Nights organised by Abu Dhabi Offers promises exclusive deals, limited-edition items, and unique shopping experiences until April 14.
Dubai’s Ramadan in Dubai campaign offers diverse initiatives and events, including promotional offers, discounts, and entertainment activities.
The Sharjah Ramadan Festival, now in its 34th edition, features thousands of stores offering up to 75 per cent discounts on global brands, making it a treat for residents and visitors alike until April 13.
Consumer protection
During Ramadan, UAE experiences a surge in shopping activity, prompting consumer protection authorities to ensure market readiness and availability of goods. The Ministry of Economy confirms ample supplies for Ramadan, prohibiting price hikes without approval. A national team will monitor essential goods’ prices.