Ramadan marks the start of the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

It’s official, the Ramadan start date for 2024 has been confirmed in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court and the UAE Moon-sighting Committee announced that Monday, 11 March, will be the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia’s moon-sighting committee confirmed the dates on 10 March. The UAE moon-sighting committee also met after the Maghreb prayer at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and announced the start of the Holy Month.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development also announced that working days should not exceed five hours. The ministry advised that hours should be between 10am to 3pm. 

The UAE has also declared reduced working hours during the Holy Month. UAE labour law states that during Ramadan, the private sector will also work reduced hours. Regardless of if the employee is Muslim or fasting, the working day will be reduced by two hours. 

Ministries and federal entities will work from Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2.30pm and on Fridays from 9am to noon. Flexible and remote working is permitted during Ramadan. 

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam and normally lasts 29 or 30 days. It marks the time when the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Mohammed PBUH. During the month, Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. The last ten days of the month coincide with Laylat Al Qadr.

Eid is expected to fall on 10 April, but the exact date will also be confirmed by the moon sighting committee. Eid is a public holiday in the UAE, and the dates have not yet been confirmed. Muslims around the world celebrate the holiday with prayers, meals, and gifts.