The Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced the official opening hours for shops and eateries during the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan.

According to the ministry’s notification, eateries will be allowed to open between 1730 - 0300hrs during Ramadan. However, during the six additional fasting days following Ramadan, they can operate between 1630 - 0300hrs.

Shops selling essential goods will be permitted to open from 0530 - 1300hrs from February 15 until the end of the fasting month and the six fasts that follow. The same timing will apply to eateries in residential areas and those with 24-hour permits.

As per the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is set to begin on March 1 this year.