The Ministry of Economic Development has revealed that shops may be kept open till 12am during the fasting month of Ramadan and the seven days of Shawwal that follows.

The Ministry revealed that this will be implemented from the beginning of the fasting month on 6 May, till the end of the first seven days of Shawwal.

It has also been announced that all retail stores must follow this procedure outlying inhabited islands as well as the Greater Malé Area.

Previously, the ministry also announced that local restaurants, canteens and cafés may be kept open for service from sundown till 3am.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims world-wide fast during daytime until sunset.