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Last Updated 24 March 2022

Ramadan is the holiest month on the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. All Muslims are urged to elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to God, through abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking, and also husband-wife intimacy from the breaking of dawn until the setting of the sun.

In 2022, Ramadan starts around 2 April. However, the ongoing pandemic has put certain ifs and buts on the celebration of this auspicious occasion. While Emiratis, thankfully, do not have to kiss goodbye to the Ramadan festivities and traditions altogether, they will have to adhere to the government’s regulations. The UAE government is yet to make announcements for COVID-19 protocols to be followed by each emirate. A list of emirate-wise and federal Ramadan COVID-19 rules have been mentioned below.

We will continue to review and update this article as new information becomes available for Ramadan in 2022.

Table of Contents

Mosques and prayers

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) had announced the relaxation of many COVID-19 related rules. Most of the congregational prayers are almost back to pre-pandemic normal across mosques and places of worship in the UAE. Wearing masks in most indoor settings and while praying and maintaining a one-meter distance from one another is still mandatory.

Iftar meals and distribution of food

Iftar tents will be allowed this year across the UAE. Here are the guidelines and protocols to be followed:

Prior permits should be obtained from the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) to set up Iftar tents.
Tents will be in the shape of an umbrella, and will be open from all sides or air-conditioned due to the high temperatures outdoors and the required safety regulations.
Iftar tents will be opened two hours prior to the Iftar (Maghrib prayer) to avoid mass gathering and over-crowding.
Tent hosts are will need to use disposable plates, glasses, and spoons.
Facemasks and sanitisers will be provided at every tent.
Covid safety rules including the green pass and face masks will be mandatory to be granted admission to iftar tents. Social distancing of 1 meter is to be maintained between each individual.

Local authorities of each emirate in the UAE will be in charge of granting approval or rejecting the setting up of any Iftar tents. They will also decide the number of people allowed in each tent in compliance with ERC.

Work and school timing during Ramadan

The UAE authorities have also announced reduced working and school hours across the country. Employees in the private sector will have their work timing reduced by 2 hours every day. While those working at public establishments including federal and government employees will work from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the work timings will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

School timings will not be allowed to exceed five hours per day.

Area-specific restrictions

Apart from the guidelines set at the national level, the respective authorities of different cities have also chalked out regulations depending upon the extent of infection in those areas.

Dubai

All activities, events & social gatherings in Dubai can return to full capacity.
Restaurants are now allowed at their 100 percent capacity.
Wearing masks outdoors is now optional throughout the UAE; it is still mandatory across indoor public spaces.

Abu Dhabi

Restrictions and limitations have now been relaxed with regards to the capacities of commercial, economic and tourism activities.
The operating capacity for most events has been increased to 90 per cent.
Wearing of face masks in outdoor spaces is now optional, although wearing of face masks in indoor spaces is still required.

Sharjah

All sectors including shopping centers, restaurants and cafes, places of worship and modes of transport that will be able to resume full occupancy.
Maximum capacity is now permitted at social events, such as weddings and funerals.
Social distancing is reduced to one meter in mosques and other places of worship.

Ajman

All sectors including shopping centers, restaurants and cafes, places of worship and modes of transport that will be able to resume full occupancy.
Maximum capacity is now permitted at social events, such as weddings and funerals.
Social distancing is reduced to one meter in mosques and other places of worship.

Ras Al Khaimah

Cinemas have been allowed to return to 100 per cent capacity.
The stadiums will also no longer have to limit the number of spectators at football matches and other sporting events; however, entry will only be allowed to people aged 12 and over who have a green status on the Al Hosn app.
All sectors including shopping centers, restaurants and cafes, places of worship and modes of transport that will be able to resume full occupancy.
Maximum capacity is now permitted at social events, such as weddings and funerals.
Social distancing is reduced to one meter in mosques and other places of worship.