The Ministry of Economic Development has announced the official operating hours for retail outlets and food and beverage businesses during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, outlining uniform regulations that will apply nationwide.
In a public statement issued today, Ministry of Economic Development confirmed that cafés and restaurants will be permitted to operate daily from 5:30 pm until 3:00 am throughout Ramadan. The same establishments will be allowed extended operating hours during the first six days of Shawwal, remaining open from 4:30 am to 3:00 am.
Retail businesses, including shops and commercial outlets, have been authorized to operate from 5:30 am until 1:00 am, starting from tomorrow and continuing through the conclusion of the six days of Shawwal.
The Ministry clarified that the revised business hours apply uniformly across all inhabited islands and extend to food service providers that previously held approval for 24-hour operations. This move is intended to ensure consistency in commercial activity while respecting the religious and social considerations of the fasting month.
According to the official calendar, the first day of Ramadan is expected to fall on the 18th of this month, subject to moon sighting.
The Ministry noted that businesses are required to comply fully with the announced schedule and existing regulations throughout the Ramadan period and the early days of Shawwal.
