Expected to start on March 1st, Ramadan 2025 is just around the corner, and with it come special working hours and regulations for many industries and sectors. During the Holy month of Ramadan, government offices across the UAE, including traffic departments, will adjust their working hours to accommodate the spiritual practices of fasting and prayer. These modifications aim to provide employees with a balanced routine that honors religious commitments while maintaining public services.
General Adjustments in Government Office Hours During Ramadan
For Ramadan 2025, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced the following working hours for federal government entities:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
These reduced hours are designed to allow employees ample time for Iftar (the meal to break the fast), evening prayers, and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). Additionally, flexible working arrangements have been introduced, permitting up to 30% of federal employees to work remotely on Fridays while ensuring that at least 70% are present on-site.
The timings above apply for all the emirates except Sharjah, which already has a 4-day work week implemented, so the Sharjah Government timing in Ramadan 2025 will follow the same shift from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, while Fridays will remain non-working days.
RTA Working Hours During Ramadan 2025
Let’s look at the five major RTA customer centers in Dubai and their working hours during the holy month of Ramadan:
- Umm Ramool: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Thu)
- Deira: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Thu)
- Al Barsha: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Thu)
- Al Manara: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Thu)
- Al Tawar: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon – Thu)
Working hours on Friday will be from 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Midday).
RTA Dubai Bus Timings During Ramadan 2025
Most public bus stations will be operating from 06:00 AM until midnight or 01:00 AM, all working days, besides Jebel Ali, which will be open from 8:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
Al Ghubaiba station in Sharjah will operate 24 hours.
To know the exact changes and timings, customers are advised to use the S’hail App.
RTA Dubai Metro Timings During Ramadan 2025
Below are the timings for the Dubai metro during Ramadan 2025:
Metro Working Hours
| Stations |
Working Hours |
Days |
| All Metro Stations |
5:50 AM – 12:00 AM |
Monday – Thursday & Saturday |
| 5:00 AM – 01:00 AM |
Friday |
| 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Sunday |
The standard parking tariffs will apply on all public parking from Monday to Saturday:
- First period: 08:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Second period: 08:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Multi-storey parkings will operate 24/7
Importance of Knowing Traffic Department Timings
For residents who have to manage and arrange vehicle-related matters, it is highly important to get familiar with the traffic department's working hours during Ramadan, as it may affect their schedule. If you are planning on:
- Vehicle registration and renewal
- Driver’s license applications and renewal
- Payment of traffic fines
- Other essential services,
Being aware of these timings helps in planning effectively, avoiding potential delays, and ensuring that all necessary documentation and procedures are completed within the operational hours.
Emirate-wise Traffic Department Timings
While federal guidelines provide a general framework, individual emirates may have specific schedules for their traffic departments. Below is an overview of the expected adjustments in working hours for Ramadan 2025:
- Abu Dhabi: Traffic departments are anticipated to operate from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.
- Dubai: In line with the Dubai Government Resources Department’s adoption of flexible hours and remote work during Ramadan, traffic departments are expected to follow the same schedule of 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.
- Sharjah: As mentioned earlier, Sharjah government departments, authorities, and institutions have already adopted a 4-day working week, so they will only follow the working hours of 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, from Monday to Thursday.
- Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Fujairah: These emirates typically align with the federal working hours as followed in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Please note that specific timings may vary based on local directives and operational requirements. It is always advisable to consult the official websites or contact the traffic department of the respective emirates for precise information.
Additional Considerations During Ramadan
Beyond the adjustments of working hours, residents should be aware of other changes during Ramadan that may impact their interactions with traffic departments and overall commuting experience:
Salik Toll System (Dubai):
Dubai’s Salik toll system will implement adjusted rates during Ramadan to ease traffic congestion. Peak hours will remain from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a toll fee of AED6, while off-peal periods (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM) will cost AED 4. Notably, there will be no charges between 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM during weekdays or weekends.
Parking Regulations:
Paid parking timings may also be adjusted during Ramadan. For instance, last year, Dubai’s paid parking hours were split into two periods: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with free parking during Iftar times. Residents are urged to check the latest announcements from local authorities for current parking regulations.
Public Transportation:
Public transportation schedules, including buses and metro services, often see changes during Ramadan to accommodate altered commuting patterns. Extended hours may be implemented to facilitate travel during late-night prates and Suhoor. Commuters are encouraged to review the updated timetables released by the RTA in their respective emirates.
Service Centers:
Many service centers, including those handling vehicle testing and registration, may have reduced or altered working hours during Ramadan. It is advisable to book appointments in advance where possible and confirm operation hours to avoid any inconvenience.
Conclusion
As a special month of the year, Ramadan brings about a lot of change not only in terms of lifestyle and practices but also in working schedule. During Ramadan in 2025, UAE government offices, including traffic departments, will observe adjusted working hours to facilitate the observance of the Holy month. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these changes to effectively plan their visits and ensure timely completion of vehicle-related services. Staying aware of the modified schedules and additional considerations such as parking regulations, toll adjustments, and public transport timings, individuals can navigate their responsibilities efficiently during this period.
