Changed Working Hours During Ramadan
During Ramadan, working hours across the UAE are reduced by two hours per day as mandated by UAE Labour Law. This affects car wash stations, detailing centres, and mobile car wash services.
Typical Ramadan operating patterns for car wash services:
- Morning shift: 7:00 AM to 2:00 or 3:00 PM
- Break: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM (many services close during these hours)
- Evening shift: 8:00 PM to midnight (some extend to 1:00-2:00 AM)
Mobile car wash services like On My Way often maintain broader availability because teams work in shifts. However, it is wise to book in advance during Ramadan as the compressed schedule means fewer available slots per day.
Best Times to Book a Car Wash During Ramadan
Early Morning (7:00-10:00 AM)
This is the optimal time for car washing during Ramadan. Temperatures are still moderate, the car wash teams have full energy, and demand is relatively low since many people start their day later during Ramadan. If you book a mobile car wash, early morning means your car is clean for the entire day.
Late Morning (10:00 AM-1:00 PM)
Still a good window, but temperatures rise quickly. In the final weeks of Ramadan (which often coincide with warmer months), midday heat becomes significant. Car wash quality is not affected, but if you are watching the process, you will want shade.
After Iftar (9:00-11:00 PM)
The post-Iftar window is increasingly popular for car wash bookings. After breaking the fast and praying, many UAE residents head out for shopping, socialising, and errands. The cooler evening temperatures make this a comfortable time for both car wash teams and car owners. Many services extend their evening hours during Ramadan specifically to serve this demand.
Late Night (11:00 PM-1:00 AM)
During Ramadan, UAE nightlife extends much later than usual. Shopping malls stay open until midnight or later, and the streets are busy well past midnight. Some mobile car wash services capitalise on this by offering late-night slots. If your car is parked in a mall parking area while you shop, this can be an efficient time to get it washed. Our 24 hour car wash service is especially useful during Ramadan for post-Taraweeh and pre-Suhoor bookings.
Eid Preparation: Do Not Wait Until the Last Day
This is the most important practical advice in this article: book your Eid car detail early.
In the last 3-5 days before Eid al-Fitr, demand for car wash and detailing services in the UAE skyrockets. Everyone wants a clean car for Eid visits, family gatherings, and the celebratory atmosphere. Car wash stations have queues lasting hours, and mobile services are booked solid.
Here is the smart approach:
- One week before Eid: Book a full detail (interior deep clean, exterior wash, polish, tire dressing). This gives your car a thorough reset.
- 2-3 days before Eid: Book a quick exterior wash to remove any dust that accumulated since the detail.
- Eid morning: A quick wipe-down or rinse if needed. But if you planned well, your car should still look great from the recent wash.
A car wash subscription is particularly valuable during Ramadan. Subscribers often get priority booking, and the regular wash schedule means your car is consistently clean without the last-minute rush.
Car Care Tips During Fasting Hours
If you are fasting, spending time in the heat is more taxing than usual. Here are practical tips for maintaining your car during Ramadan without exhausting yourself:
- Use mobile services: Instead of driving to a car wash station (where you might wait in the heat), book a mobile car wash at your home or office. The team comes to you while you stay in air conditioning.
- Early morning everything: If you need to do any car maintenance (tire pressure check, fluid top-up, etc.), do it first thing in the morning when your energy is highest and temperatures are lowest.
- Keep the interior clean daily: Remove food packaging, water bottles, and debris each morning. A tidy interior during Ramadan prevents the buildup of clutter and odours from Suhoor and Iftar items left in the car.
- AC maintenance: Your AC works harder during Ramadan's warm months. If you notice reduced cooling, address it before it fails completely during a fast day.
Ramadan Car Wash Etiquette
During Ramadan, it is considerate to be mindful of the car wash teams who may be fasting:
- Avoid eating or drinking visibly near workers during fasting hours
- Be patient with slightly longer service times -- reduced working hours mean tighter schedules
- Book and show up on time to avoid cascading delays that affect other customers
- Tip generously if you are pleased with the service -- Ramadan is a time of generosity
Special Ramadan Offers
Many car wash services run special promotions during Ramadan:
- Subscription discounts: Some services offer 10-20% off new subscriptions started during Ramadan
- Eid packages: Bundled services (exterior + interior + tire dressing + air freshener) at a package price
- Family deals: Discounts for booking multiple cars in the same household
- Iftar bundle: Book an evening car wash and receive a complimentary air freshener or interior wipe
Check the On My Way app for current Ramadan promotions and early Eid booking availability. Check our pricing page for standard rates.
Planning Your Ramadan Car Care Schedule
- Week 1-2 of Ramadan: Maintain your regular washing schedule (weekly or twice weekly). Use morning slots.
- Week 3: Book your Eid detail appointment now. The best slots go first.
- Final week: Full detail early in the week. Quick exterior wash 2-3 days before Eid.
- Eid day: Enjoy the celebration with a spotless car.
The Bottom Line
Ramadan changes the rhythm of life in the UAE, but it should not mean your car goes unwashed for a month. Plan around the shifted hours, book early for Eid, and use mobile car wash services to minimise your time in the heat. With a little forward planning, your car stays clean and presentable throughout the holy month and is perfectly prepared for Eid celebrations.