Doha – In an annual tradition since 2018, Morocco has changed on Sunday, February 23, at 3:00 a.m. to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform announced on February 14th.
The time change comes when the country is preparing for the holy month of Ramadan, predicting astronomical calculations that will begin on March 2.
The temporary shift from GMT+1 to GMT, prescribed According to the decree no. 2.18.855 of October 26, 2018, the entire Ramadan remains in force. The country will return to GMT+1 on Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 a.m. after the Holy Month.
Morocco took over a permanent GMT+1 in 2018 and kept this all year round, except during Ramadan. The government justified this decision that cited energy efficiency and economic orientation with European trading partners.
Official studies indicate that the measure has led to electricity savings of 37.6 gigawatt hours and a reduction in carbon emissions by 11,444 tons.
However, the GMT+1 guideline continued to be subjected to public debates. Health experts have raised concerns about the effects on sleep patterns and general well -being, especially in children.
Many citizens have expressed relief about the temporary return to GMT, and some demand a permanent task of GMT+1 and called for the negative effects on physical and mental health.
The time of the change coincides with other Ramadan preparations, including the Implementation of a continuous work plan for public office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Holy Month.
During astronomical calculations Ramadan show Will begin On March 2, the official start date will be confirmed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs according to traditional crescent views by authorized committees.
Morocco took over for the first time in 2008 and initially carried out seasonal changes between GMT and GMT+1. DEKET 2018 has changed this practice and determined the current system of year -round GMT+1 with the exception of Ramadan.
