WATCH: Qatar observes the Holy Month of Ramadan

The Committee responsible for the crescent sighting of the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced that Tuesday, April 13, 2021, will be the first day of Ramadan in Qatar.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. According to what date the moon is sighted, it can be 29 days or 30. 

As soon as the new crescent is sighted, Muslims officially enter the month of Ramadan and proceed with preparations for the Suhoor just before dawn. Fasting commences at the break of dawn and lasts until sunset. 

In addition to fasting, the month signifies increased worship, spiritual devotion, prayers, charity, and acts of kindness. 

To allow citizens and residents of Qatar, who celebrate this blessed month, spend more time in worship, devotion, and prayers, and truly immerse in the spirit of the month, Qatar has been reducing work hours for employees. 

Yesterday, the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Issa bin Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi issued a circular specifying the working hours for ministries, government agencies, and public bodies and institutions.

The official working hours for the government sector during the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1442 AH will be five hours per day. Work hours will begin at 9:00 am and end at 2:00 pm.

Earlier, keeping up with a longstanding yearly Ramadan initiative, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has released a list of 680 discounted consumer products specifically for the upcoming fasting month. 

The reduction in prices is aimed at making it more convenient for the citizens and residents of Qatar to meet their consumer needs during Ramadan, in which spending on food items is noticeably high.

Furthermore, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) announced operating hours during Ramadan and urged citizens and residents to be aware of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heat exhaustion during the holy month of Ramadan.