The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced a five-hour workday for civil servants during the Holy Month of Ramadan, which is expected to start on April 24.

The working hours for all ministries and federal entities will start at 9m (09.00) and end at 2pm (14.00) with the “exception of those whose job nature demands working extra hours,” a FAHR circular said. The Authority has also called upon all federal ministries and agencies to abide by the provisions issued by the authority in relation to remote work during emergencies.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars has urged Muslims to abide by preventive health measures when worshipping this Ramadan, in order to “preserve public health and limit the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic,” according to a report in Saudi Press Agency. The Council, in its list of recommendations, urged that “Muslims shall perform obligatory prayers and Taraweeh prayers at their homes if competent authorities in their countries or countries in which they reside recommend them.”

It also urged people to avoid gatherings – including communal Iftar and Suhoor meals – “given that gatherings are considered the main cause of the spread of infection.”