Qatar’s deputy prime minister has issued a statement saying all employees of ministeries, public institutions and government bodies will be working significantly reduced hours during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Citing the notice from Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud’s office, Qatar News Agency reports:

On the occasion of the advent of the holy month of Ramadan for the Hijri year 1433, it was decided that working hours for civil employees will be five hours a day from 8:00 am till 1:00 pm, the circular said. 

For private sector workers, Qatar restricts work to six hours a day during Ramadan (with some exceptions, depending on the type of work you do, not whether or not you’re fasting) and carries out surprise checks to ensure the labor law is adhered to.

Ramadan is due to begin on either July 20 or 21, depending on which night the new moon is visible, in accordance with Islamic practices.

No official statement has yet been issued by the Qatari government, but an astronomer in nearby Kuwait has predicted the month of fasting for Muslims will begin on the 20th, while in the UAE, experts say it will start on the 21st.

Credit: Photo by Omar Chatriwala