As Ramadan approaches, banks in Egypt are adjusting their working hours to accommodate the needs of their clients during the holy month. The Central Bank has announced the official hours for banking operations during Ramadan 2025, which will see a significant shift from regular schedules.
Starting in the morning, banks will open their doors at 9:30 AM and close at 1:30 PM, allowing for a total of five working hours for employees from Sunday to Thursday. However, the public will only be able to access banking services for four hours during these days. This change reflects the common practice during Ramadan, where working hours are typically reduced to align with the altered daily routines of fasting.
Following the Eid al-Fitr holiday, banks will resume their regular operations with extended hours. According to the Central Bank, after the holiday, banks will be open from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This adjustment is expected to facilitate a smoother transition back to normal banking activities after the holiday period.
The Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, is anticipated to begin on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and will last until Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Banks will reopen on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, to resume their full range of services. This holiday schedule aligns with the Cabinet’s announcement regarding public holidays, ensuring that banking operations are in sync with national observances.
In addition to the changes in working hours, banks are also enhancing their electronic banking services during the holiday. Customers will still be able to perform transactions via their online banking accounts, ensuring that they can access their funds and conduct financial operations regardless of the holiday schedule. Digital platforms, including mobile applications like Instapay and various bank-specific apps, are becoming increasingly important for customers, allowing them to manage their finances conveniently and efficiently.
In another aspect of Ramadan, the timing for the Maghrib Azan, which signals the end of the daily fast, has been calculated for March 26, 2025. According to astronomical calculations from the National Institute for Astronomical Research, the fasting duration for that day will be 14 hours and 6 minutes. The Suhoor meal will need to be completed by 2:04 AM, with Imsak at 4:04 AM marking the start of the fasting period.
On that day, the prayer times will be as follows: Fajr at 4:24 AM, sunrise at 5:51 AM, Dhuhr at 12:00 PM, Asr at 3:30 PM, Maghrib at 6:10 PM, and Isha at 7:28 PM. Ramadan for the year 1446 AH, which corresponds to 2025 AD, began on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and is expected to last for 29 days, concluding on March 29, 2025.
This year's Ramadan is particularly noteworthy as it features varying lengths of fasting days. The first day of fasting will be the shortest, lasting approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes, while the last day will extend to about 14 hours and 12 minutes, reflecting the natural changes in daylight as the month progresses.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following Sha'ban and preceding Shawwal. It is a month of deep spiritual significance for Muslims, as fasting during this period is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, "Islam is built on five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, establishing prayer, giving zakat, performing Hajj, and fasting during Ramadan."
The Islamic lunar calendar, established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, is based on the moon's cycle around the Earth. The months are determined by the lunar phases, with Ramadan being a time of reflection, prayer, and community for Muslims around the world.
As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, the adjustments in banking hours and the timings for prayer and fasting highlight the importance of community and faith during this significant time. With the continued rise of digital banking, customers are encouraged to take advantage of online services to ensure they can manage their finances effectively during this period.
As the month progresses, it will be vital for both banks and customers to adapt to these changes, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan is honored while maintaining essential financial services.
