Dubai, Aug 28 (IANS) Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have fixed a five-hour work schedule in various government offices during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

In a circular issued Thursday, UAE Health Minister and chairman of the Civil Service Council Humaid Al Qatami stated that work timings in all ministries and federal public offices would be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

He also greeted UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice-president and prime minister of UAE and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other members of the country’s Supreme Council on the occasion, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) said.

Astronomers here have said that the holy month is likely to start Sep 1 when the moon crescent is likely to be sighted.