Shipment delays expected in Muslim countries
The start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could lead to shipment delays in some Middle Eastern countries.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours and governments that have Islam as the state religion often cut back their working hours. The reduced hours for national and state ministries, customs offices and other agencies is likely to extend the time required to clear shipments for import and export.
Move One, a global relocation specialist and logistics provider based in Dubai, is warning customers that shipments that are not cleared will be held at its warehouses or at the port, and be charged an additional storage fee.
In Saudi Arabia, for example, customs officers will only work four hours per day.
The start of Ramadan changes every year because it is based on the lunar calendar. Some countries began to observe Ramadan Wednesday and others will today.