The annual Ramadan thread

[Razi]

Originally Posted by pamela0810

I will be happy to organize the EF Ramadan Iftar once again this year for all those who have just moved to Dubai. It really is a great way to experience a little bit of the culture.

Would love to help you out Pam

[Grazie]

Hello! Moving late Julyto Dubai! Where can I find about official working hours for visa/bank related offices?

[BALACOOL]

Most food establishments are closed during the day.

[ziokendo]

Naive question, can you go to the gym during Ramadan ? I mean if they will be open, if it's accepted that you drink water during sports activity, etc.

[katiepotato]

Originally Posted by ziokendo

Naive question, can you go to the gym during Ramadan ? I mean if they will be open, if it's accepted that you drink water during sports activity, etc.

Yes gyms are still open. I don't know how all of them handle it, but last year Fitness First put a screen around the water fountains on the gym floor - so if training during daylight hours you could drink during your session but you couldn't carry a water bottle around with you. Easiest option is probably just to go after Iftar, but you may find the gym is busier than usual as those who are fasting who still want to work out will wait until the evening to go.

I was doing an outdoor bootcamp at the end of Ramadan last year and we had to hide round a corner out of sight to have anything to drink.

[Engineer]

Hello! Moving late Julyto Dubai! Where can I find about official working hours for visa/bank related offices?

A lot are reduced working hours I think

[Helios]

UAE Labour Law, Article 65:

The maximum normal working hours for adult employees is 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. In case of commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, watchmen and other similar professions, this period may be extended to nine hours a day by a decision of the Minister of Labour. The normal working hours will be reduced by two hours during the holy month of Ramadan.

[Engineer]

The maximum normal working hours for adult employees is 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. In case of commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, watchmen and other similar professions, this period may be extended to nine hours a day by a decision of the Minister of Labour. The normal working hours will be reduced by two hours during the holy month of Ramadan.

I best pass this on to my company!!! Most of us do 10 hours per day most of which is out side even during the summer! No rest for the wicked! I must have been really evil then!

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Engineer

I best pass this on to my company!!! Most of us do 10 hours per day most of which is out side even during the summer! No rest for the wicked! I must have been really evil then!

That is illegal. Every year I write about this in the newspaper and there are are formal announcements from the MoL, but every year employers flount the law.

[verdikt]

I've been living in Dubai all my life, but I never did find out what happens if you accidentally drank water outside and got caught.

Any idea? It's not just a hefty fine, is it?