During taraweeh prayers, drivers can park for free around mosques. This means that drivers can enjoy a free parking period from 2:00pm to 9:00pm. Paid parking times will be split however – the first set is from 9am to 2pm and the second set is from 9pm to 2.30am. The parking timings are different on Thursdays going from 9pm until midnight. On Fridays the parking will be free from 12.01am till 8.59am on Saturday.

Image: Paid parking services to be changed in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan

Permit holders for residents-only parking operates between 9pm and 8am.

The Department of Transport (DOT) announced on Sunday that the paid parking timings have been changed only for the month of Ramadan. Also, the bus services this year in Abu Dhabi will not be suspended for two hours for Iftar and the number of routes have been reduced. There is only a slight change however in the bus timings in Abu Dhabi for all the routes. Morning services will operate as usual, one bus in every 15 minutes. In the evening and after midnight the services will range in between every 30 and 60 minutes.

Ramadan has started in UAE as of today after the moon sighting. Oman was the first Arab nation to mention the dates for Ramadan. The staff will work from 9:00am to 2:00pm during the Ramadan period. Based on the appearance of the moon crescent at night, Islamic months can be 29 or 30 days. The beginning of Ramadan in Gulf countries is decided based on the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is linked to the moon’s 29 and a half-day monthly cycle.

Image: Bus timings change in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan

Provided that the drivers do not obstruct the traffic, they will be able to park for free around mosques for Taraweeh prayers. Note that this leniency and the alteration of timings are only acceptable until the period of Ramadan. The holy month of Ramadan will also end in the same way as it has started, by moon sighting. Usually it is within the 29th or the 30th day from the onset of Ramadan.

During the time the tawreer prayer in the evening, there will not be any taxis available on the road and the roads will also be pretty empty. Drivers are requested to respect the traffic rules at this time and to not take advantage of the situation at any given time. As only the paid parking timings and the bus operational timings have been officially changed, and not the road traffic rules.

Despite the mention in the change of the bus timings, the traffic on the road will be unaffected provided that drivers follow and maintain traffic rules. The wait also for the buses should not seem to be quite long if you can manage the time of the respective number and their routes accordingly. Police officers will continue their duty as usual and nothing else shall be unaffected. Drive safe and follow the rules, and most importantly be very respective and aware of the religion, culture and the people around you during this time period.