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Sharjah’s Safeer Mall closes: End of an era for iconic shopping spot

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One of Sharjah’s most beloved shopping destinations, Safeer Mall, has quietly shut its doors, marking the end of an era for thousands who once flocked to its stores.

The once-bustling mall closed two months ago, and its signage has already been stripped from the facade on Al Khan Road, a sight that has left many longtime shoppers nostalgic.

From Discount Store to Shopping Landmark

Safeer Mall first opened in 2005, developed by the Al Safeer Group. Before Dubai and Sharjah became home to glitzy mega-malls, this was a go-to shopping spot, especially for expats and longtime UAE residents.

For many Sharjah locals, especially those now in their 20s, Safeer Mall wasn’t just another shopping center. It was a weekend ritual, a hangout spot, and a place where childhood memories were made, from family outings to first shopping sprees.

What’s Next for the Safeer Empire?

While the Sharjah branch has closed, the Al Safeer Group remains a powerhouse in UAE retail. The company, which launched Shop N Save supermarkets in 1985, still operates hypermarkets, marts, and shopping centers across Sharjah and Dubai.

Their portfolio includes Safeer Malls in Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, along with Century Mall in Dubai’s Hor Al Anz East, ensuring the brand’s legacy continues despite Safeer Mall’s closure.

Though Sharjah bids farewell to this iconic shopping hub, its legacy will live on in the hearts of residents.

(Source: platinum.net)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Ramadan in UAE: Sharjah extends paid parking hours in Khorfakkan

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Motorists in Khorfakkan will soon need to budget for longer paid parking hours.

Sharjah City Municipality, in cooperation with Khorfakkan Municipality, has announced that operating hours for paid public parking spaces marked with blue signs will be extended starting February 16.

New Parking Timings in Khorfakkan

Under the updated decision, paid parking will now apply:

  • Daily, including weekends and public holidays
  • From 8am until 12 midnight

Previously, parking fees ended at 10pm.

Why the Change?

Officials said the move follows a comprehensive study of:

  • Parking usage rates
  • Location patterns
  • Customer demand
  • Resident and visitor feedback

Many residents and tourists had raised concerns about difficulty finding parking after 10pm, especially near restaurants, cafés and busy tourist areas.

With Khorfakkan seeing increasing commercial and tourism activity, the municipality said extending hours to midnight will:

  • Improve parking availability
  • Reduce misuse of public spaces
  • Ease congestion in high-footfall zones
  • Support businesses operating late

No Increase in Subscription Fees

There’s some good news for seasonal permit holders.

Authorities confirmed that subscription fees will remain unchanged. However, subscribers will now benefit from:

  • 16 hours of daily parking coverage instead of 14 hours
  • Two additional hours at no extra cost

What Stays the Same

Other paid parking zones in Khorfakkan will continue under their existing schedules, except for any temporary adjustments during Ramadan.

Motorists are advised to check signage carefully and plan evening parking accordingly once the new timings come into effect.









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Ramadan in UAE: Working hours announced for private sector

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The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that private sector employees will work two hours less per day during Ramadan 2026.

The announcement aligns with the UAE’s annual Ramadan working hour adjustments, aimed at supporting employees observing the holy month while ensuring business continuity across sectors.

All private sector companies in the UAE must reduce daily working hours by two hours during Ramadan.

Businesses may also introduce:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Remote work arrangements
  • Alternative shift schedules

These arrangements depend on the nature of the company’s operations and must comply with UAE Labour Law.

Ramadan Working Hours

Reduced working hours during Ramadan are standard practice across the UAE. The policy is designed to support employees observing the fast while maintaining productivity and service continuity across government and private sectors.

Residents and employees are advised to follow official FAHR and MoHRE channels for the latest updates on Ramadan policies and workplace regulations in the UAE.

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Ramadan 2026: Sharjah shops must secure midnight permit to operate beyond hours

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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.

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