The government has announced comprehensive regulations for the operating hours of various commercial activities in Male' City, in preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. Both the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade have issued directives outlining specific timeframes for freight vehicles and businesses, respectively.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has established fixed hours for vehicles transporting goods in bulk for commercial purposes during Ramadan and the first seven days of Shawwal. As per the announcement, from the 1st to the 19th day of Ramadan, freight vehicles are permitted to operate between 0930hrs to 1630hrs and 2000hrs to 0600hrs.This regulation extends to the first 7 days of Shawwal as well.
As the month progresses, from the 20th day of Ramadan until its conclusion, freight vehicles will be allowed to operate from 0600hrs to 1630hrs and 2000hrs to 0600hrs. The ministry emphasised that any freight vehicles carrying goods in bulk outside of these permitted hours will face a fine of USD 48.6. This annual initiative aims to streamline and regulate the transportation of goods during the busy month of Ramadan.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has also intervened by fixing the opening hours for shops, cafés, and restaurants throughout the month. Starting from March 8 and continuing until the first 7 days of Shawwal, shops will be permitted to open from 0530hrs to 0130hrs. For catering establishments such as cafés and restaurants, operating hours are set from 1730hrs to 0300hrs.
During the first 7 days of Shawwal, catering services can be extended, allowing cafés and restaurants to operate from 0430hrs to 0300hrs. The ministry has stressed the importance of strict adherence to these designated hours and has urged businesses to exercise caution during these specific times.
The synchronised efforts of the government aims to facilitate smoother functioning while respecting the religious and cultural significance of this important period for the Maldivian community.