During Ramadan 2025, Qatar's Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced the official working hours for various public service departments, accommodating the needs of both citizens and residents during the holy month. The General Directorate of Passports along with its affiliated departments will operate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Likewise, the Department of Nationality and Travel Documents will follow the same schedule. For other services, the Technical Inspection Departments will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meanwhile, the Driver’s License Department at Driving Schools has adjusted its hours to operate from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Additional departments reflecting similar schedules include the Vehicle Number Plate Workshop located at Ain Khaled, which will also be operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Vehicle Registration Counter located at the main traffic building will be available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other counters, such as the General Counter and Violations Counter, will function from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both the External Services Department’s main branch at Al Mamoura and its other branches will operate their services under this framework, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Importantly, the Ministry’s Traffic Investigation section will be functioning around the clock.
The Ministry of Interior’s revised service hours are part of broader efforts to respect the customs of Ramadan, which sees altered daily schedules throughout the Islamic world. Qatar’s Cabinet had also recently unveiled regulations regulating civil servants' working hours during the holy month. Civil servants will be working reduced hours, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the option to start as late as 10 a.m., as long as they fulfill their required five-hour workday. The flexibility allows individuals to manage personal and religious observances more effectively during Ramadan.
Remote work is another feature being offered, allowing up to 30% of the civil service workforce to work from home, with prioritization for Qatari mothers and individuals with disabilities. The Ministry of Public Health is expected to establish specific working hours relevant to its operational requirements.
For schools, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education has also communicated the official working hours for government schools and kindergartens during Ramadan for the academic year 2024-2025. Students will attend classes from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and administrative and teaching staff from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These timings are strategically selected to maximize educational benefits for students during the holy month.
On another front, the Alanaam Factory for Animal Production has announced discount initiatives on its range of meat products for Ramadan, reflecting the company's commitment to meet the local demand during this significant period. Shamlan Alavadhi, Executive Manager of Wathnan Holding, revealed the factory is offering a 15% discount on selected meat products, catering to the increased demand for livestock and meat as family gatherings become more common during Ramadan.
To support this initiative, Alanaam has prepared by importing 23,100 head of livestock, including significant quantities of Colombian calves and camels, to bolster the local market. Alavadhi mentioned the arrival of the second batch of Colombian calves, totaling 6,000 heads. This reflects the factory's commitment to diversifying its meat sources, ensuring quality meat products are readily available to consumers. The imported livestock from Colombia is noted for its quality, attributed to the country’s reliance on natural grazing pastures.
Alanaam Factory has also made strides in enhancing its strategic stock of livestock and chilled meat, as well as animal feed supply, to maintain a strong supply chain capable of meeting the high demand anticipated during Ramadan. With four new branches recently opened across Qatar, including locations such as Al Manaseer and Al Wajba, the factory is poised for significant growth and local expansion. Alavadhi highlighted this development as integral to their plans to meet the rising needs of the community during the holy month, thereby supporting overall food security within Qatar.
These combined efforts from various sectors demonstrate Qatar's commitment to balancing public service operations alongside honoring the cultural and religious practices of Ramadan.