The Central Bank of Egypt has announced adjusted working hours for banks during Ramadan 2025 to accommodate the spiritual climate of the holy month, providing four hours of public service each day.
On March 27, 2025, banks will close for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the last day of services before the festive break. The Ramadan working schedule requires banks to operate from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM for the public and from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for staff, respectively.
In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Central Bank has similarly released its holiday schedule for Eid al-Fitr, which will commence on April 1, 2025, extending through April 4, 2025. The adjustments reflect the necessity of giving bank employees a much-deserved break following the month of fasting.
For Ramadan 2025, banks across the region will modify operating hours to help align with the needs of observant customers. In Egypt, the Central Bank states that official hours will run from Sunday to Thursday, closing on Fridays and Saturdays.
The working hours establish a practical framework for ensuring the community can complete their financial transactions while balancing the holy month’s spirit of worship and reflection. Specifically, employees will work five hours a day, while the public will benefit from access to services for four daily hours.
Meanwhile, significant measures are reported regarding financial performances in Egypt. As of February 2025, the Central Bank of Egypt reported net profits reaching 133.4 billion Egyptian pounds, marking an increase of 10 billion pounds compared to figures from January. Additionally, the gold reserves grew to 599.6 billion pounds from the previous month’s 572.7 billion pounds, showcasing substantial economic progress.
In Saudi Arabia, All banks are set to resume operations immediately following the Eid break, offering extensive services to accommodate the needs of customers. Typically, banking hours during Ramadan adjust to operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, albeit with some variations depending on each institution’s policies.
This restructuring of hours acknowledges the profound significance of the Ramadan experience for millions, facilitating not only financial transactions but also allowing for spiritual commitments and family gatherings.
In addition, the Saudi labor laws mandate that all sectors observe holiday breaks, specifically noting that government employees will receive holidays beginning on Ramadan 29 or 30 extending until Shawwal 5, which can vary based on the specific organization’s policies.
The private sector is similarly required to comply, although many institutions aim to secure at least four to five holiday days. This ensures extensive time for both celebration and reflection post-Ramadan.
As the holiday approaches, banking institutions encourage clients to finalize their transactions in advance or utilize online banking services, which remain available 24/7. This flexibility ensures that client needs are met without delays linked to holiday schedules.
Overall, both Egypt and Saudi Arabia prepare for a smooth transition into the Eid al-Fitr holiday, blending operational needs while respecting religious practices. This exemplifies the banks’ dedication to their roles in both facilitating financial needs and embracing cultural values.
The anticipation for a well-deserved break resonates with many across the region, reflecting not only economic but also cultural harmonization during this important festive period.
