When is Ramadan 2024: Calendar and timings for the holy month

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While the UAE government is yet to release the official date for the start of Ramadan 2024, predictions by astronomers have pegged the start date of the holy month in the second week of March.

Following the release of a new Islamic calendar for 1445, astronomers calculated that the month of fasting and prayers is expected to start March 11-12.

Ramadan 2024

According to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Ramadan 2024 will begin on Tuesday, March 12 reported leading daily The National.

However, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board, Emirates Astronomical Society told The National, “During the year, it is expected that Eid Al Fitr will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.”

With 29 days of fasting, the month of Ramadan will end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 and hence the first day of the fast could be on March 11.

It is to be noted that the official start date will only be confirmed by the UAE’s Moon-sighting committee closer to the start period.

Eid al Fitr 2024

Furthermore, the expected date for Eid al Fitr of April 10, 2024 will mean a week-long holiday from Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12. This date will be confirmed by the Ministry of Humand Resources (MoHRE) during the month of Ramadan.

How will Ramadan affect business?

During the Holy Month, working hours are cut short, and schools have shorter operating hours.

The UAE annually announces reduced working hours for Ramadan for both the public and private sector.

In 2023, government entities worked from 9 am through to 2.30 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am until 12 pm on Fridays during the holy month.

Additionally, public sector employees’ shifts will be 70 per cent remote and 30 per cent in-person attendance on Fridays during the holy month.

Employees working across the country’s private sector had a reduction of two working hours per day, based on the advisory issued by MoHRE.

Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims around the world. Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran, and fast for a period of 30 days from dawn, before the call for the morning prayer and end it at dusk when the call for Maghrib prayer is given.

The end of the month is celebrated with Eid Al Fitr which is marked on the first day of Shawwal, after the sighting of the Shawwal crescent Moon – the month after Ramadan.