With the arrival of Ramadan 1446 AH (2025 AD), the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia has announced adjustments to official working hours for government sector employees. This change aims to respect the sanctity of the holy month and create suitable working conditions for employees.
During Ramadan, government employees will work reduced hours: five hours each day, starting from 10:00 AM and ending at 3:00 PM. According to the ministry, this adjustment is intended to relieve some of the burdens faced by working individuals during fasting hours.
For private sector employees, the work hours have been set at six hours daily or 36 hours per week during Ramadan for Muslims. Employers are encouraged to coordinate work schedules to accommodate both the nature of the work and the needs of their employees, considering the unique demands of fasting.
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has also announced modifications to banking hours throughout Ramadan. The adjusted hours mean banks will serve the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Meanwhile, money transfer centers associated with banks and licensed companies will operate for six hours from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, demonstrating the balancing act between providing banking services and accommodating those who are fasting.
The Eid al-Fitr holiday for the government sector will commence on the first day of Shawwal and will run for four days. For the private sector, the length of the holiday depends on individual contracts and company policies, which must adhere to the minimum stipulated by Saudi labor regulations.
During the holy month, many employees are also seeking ways to balance work and worship. Effective time management is highly recommended: by organizing tasks and prioritizing responsibilities, individuals can achieve work efficiency. Adequate rest and proper nutrition during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast) can significantly improve focus and productivity.
Ramadan is not only about fasting; it's also considered a chance to strengthen social ties and engage spiritually. With these changes to working hours, employees can enjoy the sacred month to its fullest, maintaining their personal and professional lives harmoniously.
Religious observance is also reflected through dedicated prayers and supplications during Ramadan. These prayers, significant to many, are recited throughout the month, including on important nights like Laylat al-Qadr. Some of the most heartfelt supplications include asking Allah to accept one’s fasting and good deeds and to guide individuals to righteousness.
Prayer timings can vary from one location to another, especially as the month progresses. During Ramadan, the timing typically shifts daily. For example, on the first day of Ramadan, the prayer timings were as follows:
- Suhoor at 2:34 AM, Imsak (the time to stop eating) at 4:34 AM, Fajr at 4:54 AM, and Sunrise at 6:21 AM.
- Dhuhr at 12:07 PM, and then the time for the afternoon prayer (asr) at 3:25 PM.
- Maghrib (the time for Iftar) at 5:54 PM, followed by Isha at 7:11 PM.
On the last day of Ramadan, the timings will shift to Suhoor at 2:00 AM, Imsak at 4:00 AM, Fajr at 4:20 AM, and Sunrise at 5:48 AM. Dhuhr will be at 12:00 PM, the asr at 3:30 PM, and Maghrib at 6:12 PM, ending with Isha at 7:30 PM.
Fasting duration will also evolve: the first day of Ramadan will entail fasting for 13 hours and 20 minutes, whereas the last day will undertake 14 hours and 12 minutes.
For example, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, which marks the 13th day of Ramadan, the fasting duration is noted to be 13 hours and 41 minutes. Daily prayer times on this specific day reveal: Suhoor at 2:21 AM, Imsak at 4:21 AM, Fajr at 4:41 AM, and Sunrise at 6:07 AM. The day continues with Dhuhr at 12:04 PM, and asr at 3:29 PM, before Maghrib at 6:02 PM, concluding with Isha at 7:19 PM.
Putting all these factors together, Ramadan 1446 AH presents numerous opportunities for Muslims to grow spiritually and socially, all the more supported by conscientious adjustments made by the government and various sectors to respect and facilitate the observances and responsibilities of their employees during this significant month.
Overall, observances around Ramadan encompass not just the religious aspect through fasting and prayer but also practical adaptations to everyday life, creating a balance between spirituality and work responsibilities. With public services and corporate policies adjusting to reflect the needs of fasting individuals, the upcoming days promise to be both spiritually enriching and operationally considerate.