Doha – In what has become an annual tradition since 2018, Morocco will switch back to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform announced on February 14.
The time change comes as the country prepares for the holy month of Ramadan, which astronomical calculations predict will begin on March 2.
The temporary shift from GMT+1 to GMT, mandated by Decree No. 2.18.855 of October 26, 2018, will remain in effect throughout Ramadan. The country will return to GMT+1 on Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 a.m., following the conclusion of the holy month.
Morocco adopted permanent GMT+1 in 2018, maintaining this time year-round except during Ramadan. The government justified this decision citing energy efficiency and economic alignment with European trading partners.
Official studies indicate the measure has resulted in electricity savings of 37.6 gigawatt-hours and reduced carbon emissions by 11,444 tons.
However, the GMT+1 policy has faced ongoing public debate. Health experts have raised concerns about its impact on sleep patterns and general wellbeing, particularly among children.
Many citizens have expressed relief about the temporary return to GMT, with some calling for a permanent abandonment of GMT+1, invoking its negative effects on physical and mental health.
The timing of the change coincides with other Ramadan preparations, including the implementation of a continuous work schedule for public offices from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the holy month.
While astronomical calculations indicate Ramadan will begin on March 2, the official start date will be confirmed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs following traditional crescent moon sightings by authorized committees.
Morocco first adopted daylight saving time in 2008, initially implementing seasonal changes between GMT and GMT+1. The 2018 decree modified this practice, establishing the current system of year-round GMT+1 with an exception for Ramadan.
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