The first week of July marks the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which sees Muslims across the city fast from sunrise to sunset). This is also the month where (most) companies reduce the working day by two hours. The good news for residents: the Ministry of Labour, in the past, has stated that all fasting and non-fasting employees be treated the same. Simply put: your company could get in to serious trouble if they fail to comply with the rules and ask you to work the usual hours or force you to make up for ‘lost hours’.

So now that you have those two extra hours in the day, here’s what you could do…

1. Sign up to a fitness class

If sweating it out isn’t part of your daily routine already, this might be the perfect time to introduce yourself to a workout session. Pilates, yoga, CrossFit, dance – you name it, Dubai has it. 

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2. Volunteer at a non-profit organization

The government has set up The Dubai Volunteering Center where individuals and companies can sign up and lend their time to various causes. In addition to creating these opportunities, the centre also trains volunteers and monitors the hours they put in to community service. Earn your good karma here.

3. Learn to cook

And serve this meal at Iftar. The Culinary Boutique, SCAFA and Top Chef Dubai offer classes for beginners and pros. Channel your inner Nigella Lawson with steaks, pastry and dessert classes. Or even opt to master Emirati or Thai cuisine. Happy cooking!

4. Join a book club

When was the last time you curled up on your arm chair with a book? Well, sign up to a book club and we’re pretty sure you’ll find yourself in this position quite often. Social networking site Meetup has several groups, including ones catering to women-only, different areas of Dubai and different subjects. Pick one that suits you and get reading! 

5. Pursue a hobby

With design courses, painting, sculpture, photography and craft courses available at DUCTAC and Dubai International Art Centre, there’s no excuse of not finding something that interests you. And with quite a few of the courses being offered for children as well, it could be a great way to keep you and mini you occupied simultaneously. 

6. Splash away to glory

Try out water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding or even jet-skiing. If those are too ‘adrenaline-inducing’ for you, spend the day at water parks such as Wild Wadi or Aquaventure and create a splash. It just might be the best way to beat the heat as well.