Doha, Qatar: The holy month of Ramadan 2025 will see significant adjustments to working hours across various sectors as the Ministry of Labour announces fixed working hours for the private sector. Aligning with the principles of Ramadan, employers will set the working hours at 36 hours per week, translating to no more than 6 hours each day.
Beyond the private sector, numerous institutions, including governmental offices, financial entities, and healthcare services, are adapting their schedules to accommodate the needs of Muslims observing fasting. For the duration of Ramadan, many establishments will operate under revised timings to reflect the spirit of the month.
According to ILoveQatar.net's guide, various government agencies such as the General Directorate of Passports and Nationality will operate from 8 AM to 1 PM, ensuring public accessibility during the morning hours. Other departments, such as the Criminal Evidence and Information Department, will maintain 24-hour operations to cater to urgent security matters.
Healthcare is also prioritized during this holy month. Qatar’s health services remain committed to providing uninterrupted care with the National Healthcare Helpline available around the clock. Hospitals and clinics are adjusting their hours, with outpatient departments running from 9 AM to 2 PM on weekdays. The Qatar National Blood Donor Centre will also modify its hours, operating from 8 AM to 1 PM and from 6 PM to midnight.
Financial institutions, including banks and Islamic banks, will also change their operating hours. Qatar Islamic Bank, for example, will have its mall branches operate from 10 AM to 2:30 PM, with evening operations from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, allowing customers to visit after iftar. Regular branches will typically open from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Shopping malls are set to witness shifts as well. Doha Festival City will adjust its hours during both halves of Ramadan. From Saturday to Thursday for the first half, it will be open from 10 AM to 3 PM, closing for the day and then reopening from 7 PM to midnight. Food and beverage services will run from iftar to midnight, with some opting to extend hours until 1 AM.
Landmark Shopping Mall also plans to follow similar timings, with the first half of Ramadan seeing hours from 10 AM to 3 PM and 7:30 PM to midnight on weekdays. The second half will extend those hours from 10 AM to midnight, with extended food and beverage service hours.
The operational hours of museums and cultural institutions, such as the Qatar Museums, are also adapted. They will be open from 9 AM to 2 PM and then from 8 PM to midnight throughout the week, with closures on specific days, allowing visitors to explore during less busy periods.
Local souqs, shopping malls, and independent stores will similarly adjust to cater to the increased consumer interest during Ramadan evenings. Popular venues like Torba Market are anticipated to operate from evenings till dawn, welcoming late-night shoppers.
Local Shopping centers like Gulf Mall and Tawar Mall are also planning significant hours of operation changes during Ramadan, providing ample time for shoppers post-iftar. Gulf Mall, for example, has its first-half hours set for 10 AM - 3:30 PM and again from 7:30 PM - 12 AM.
On social media, community members have been encouraged to stay informed on the latest Ramadan timings by contacting establishments if they are unsure of operating hours.
With Ramadan fasting commencing earlier this month, the Ministry of Labour has urged the public to observe the new guidelines and suggested adjustments to the working day to help accommodate their community needs.
These newfound operational structures across Qatari sectors are primarily aimed at fostering respect for those observing Ramadan and ensuring business continuity for those who may be less familiar with the customs. Business owners and employees alike are urged to maintain open communication during this time to facilitate the unique experience of Ramadan.