A complete guide to Ramadan 2025 working hours in Saudi Arabia for businesses, banks, schools, shops and malls.
With the holy month of Ramadan here, businesses, schools, and government institutions in Saudi Arabia adjust their schedules to accommodate fasting hours and religious observances. These changes ensure that employees, students, and consumers can balance their daily routines with worship and family time.
From government offices and private sector workplaces to banks, public transportation, and shopping malls, here is a comprehensive guide to Ramadan 2025 working hours in Saudi Arabia…
Government and Private Sector Working Hours
During Ramadan, the public sector, including government offices and ministries, operates on reduced working hours. Employees in government institutions work from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, ensuring a five-hour workday that allows time for both professional duties and religious obligations.
In the private sector, working hours are also shortened to six hours per day or 36 hours per week for Muslim employees. This reduction is mandated by Saudi labor laws to ensure that individuals observing the fast can manage their work responsibilities without compromising their health and well-being. However, some private companies may adjust their schedules slightly depending on operational requirements.
Banking Sector Timings
The banking sector follows a revised schedule to facilitate transactions while accommodating fasting hours. Most bank branches across Saudi Arabia operate from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, allowing individuals to complete their financial tasks before breaking their fast in the evening.
For foreign exchange centers and payment service providers, working hours are slightly more flexible, typically running from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. These adjustments ensure that businesses and individuals can conduct their financial transactions smoothly during the holy month.
School Timings in Ramadan
The Saudi Ministry of Education has mandated that public and private schools revise their schedules during Ramadan to accommodate students and teachers who are fasting.
In public schools, classes start later than usual, with morning sessions beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at 12:00 PM. Afternoon classes operate from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, while continuing education programs take place from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
Different regions may have slight variations in these schedules. For example, in Makkah, morning classes start at 9:00 AM, while in Madinah, they begin at 9:30 AM. Private schools may also implement their own adjustments in consultation with the Ministry of Education.
Mall and Shopping Center Hours During Ramadan
Shopping malls and retail stores also adjust their hours to cater to the unique shopping habits of consumers during Ramadan. Many people prefer to shop after iftar, leading to extended operating hours in most major malls across the country.
Generally, retail stores operate from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday, while on Fridays, they open later, typically from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Shopping centres follow a slightly different schedule, usually opening from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while many close on Fridays to accommodate religious observances. Restaurants and entertainment centres also have modified schedules, opening from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM on Fridays.
Some of Saudi Arabia’s largest malls have their own specific Ramadan schedules
Hayat Plaza follows a split timing system, where stores open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the first 15 days, then resume in the evening from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM. In the last 15 days, operating hours extend from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM, while Fridays see adjusted hours from 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Similarly, Hayat Mall in Riyadh has two daily sessions, the first from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by an evening session from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM. On Fridays, it operates from 10:00 AM to 1:30 AM.
Meanwhile, Mall of Arabia maintains a steady daily schedule from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with an extended Friday opening from 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM. These revised timings cater to the increased demand for shopping and dining after iftar, allowing visitors to comfortably plan their Ramadan activities.
