Sharjah Municipality has announced that commercial establishments in the emirate must obtain a special permit if they wish to extend their working hours beyond midnight during Ramadan.

The municipality clarified that stores and retail shops are required to apply for the permit online through its official website (www.shjmun.gov.ae) in order to continue operating after 12am.

However, engineering contractors and construction companies will not be eligible for the permit to work after midnight at construction sites.

Online service launched for Ramadan permits

The municipality confirmed that the permit application is available through its electronic services platform, allowing businesses to complete the process digitally ahead of Ramadan.

The move aims to regulate extended commercial activity during the holy month while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Ramadan working hours confirmed

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Human Resources Department announced the official Ramadan working hours for government departments, authorities and institutions in the emirate.

Government employees will work from 9am to 2:30pm during Ramadan.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has officially announced the working hours for ministries and federal entities during Ramadan 2026 in the UAE.

According to FAHR, federal government employees will work reduced hours throughout the Holy Month, in line with the country’s annual Ramadan schedule adjustments.

Working Hours

The approved working hours are as follows:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:00am to 2:30pm
• Friday: 9:00am to 12:00pm

The authority clarified that these timings apply to all ministries and federal entities, except for employees whose job roles require different working arrangements.

Flexible and Remote Work

FAHR confirmed that existing flexible working regulations will continue during Ramadan, provided employees complete the approved daily working hours.

Additionally, federal entities may allow employees to work remotely on Fridays. However, remote work must not exceed 70 per cent of the total workforce within any federal entity, and must comply with approved regulations.

Ramadan Work Hours in the UAE

Reduced working hours during Ramadan are a standard practice across the UAE, aimed at supporting employees during the fasting month while ensuring continuity of government services.

Further details regarding Ramadan-related guidelines, including prayer timings and Zakat Al Fitr regulations, are expected to be announced separately by relevant authorities.

Residents are encouraged to follow official FAHR channels for updates on Ramadan 2026 policies and working hours in the UAE.

Parents in Abu Dhabi will need to rethink lunchboxes from the 2025/26 academic year after the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) introduced strict new food rules for schools.

Under the new policy, a wide range of foods and drinks are banned on school grounds, including items brought from home.

What foods are banned

The ADEK “red list” includes:

• Deep-fried foods such as falafel, samosas, fried chicken and fries
• Sweets including cakes, doughnuts, candy and chocolate with less than 50% cocoa
• Ice cream and high-sugar desserts
• Soft drinks — including diet and zero-calorie sodas
• Energy drinks, sports drinks, iced coffees and sweetened teas
• Processed meats such as hot dogs, mortadella, salami, pepperoni, and smoked turkey
• High-calorie sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise and ranch
• Pickled vegetables
• Foods containing artificial dyes, MSG, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners
• All nuts, sesame seeds and soy products due to allergy concerns

Even zero-sugar sodas have been prohibited due to concerns over sweeteners and a lack of nutritional value.

Why these foods are banned

ADEK says the changes aim to improve students’ health, concentration and overall well-being. Schools were warned that certain foods can contribute to:

• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration
• Sleep disruption
• Weight management issues
• Long-term health risks linked to high sodium and saturated fats

What foods are allowed

Some favourites can stay, with healthier tweaks.

• Oven-baked or air-fried versions of falafel and similar dishes are permitted
• Water, sparkling water and unsweetened fruit-infused water are encouraged
• Unflavoured milk and unsweetened yoghurt are allowed
• Lean grilled meats and fish are preferred over processed meats
• Fresh vegetables instead of pickled options
• Low-sugar, portion-controlled whole-grain baked goods

When do the new rules start

Schools have been instructed to comply starting from the Autumn term of the 2025/26 academic year.

The authority emphasised that schools play a key role in promoting healthy eating habits, and parents will now be expected to align with the new guidelines when preparing packed lunches.