After eight years of permanent daylight saving time (DST), Morocco will return to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on September 20, 2026, the government announced. The decision aims to address difficulties caused by the time shift, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when the time change disrupted daily routines and religious practices.
The government stated that the move will restore the country's alignment with its natural solar time, simplifying schedules for businesses, schools, and religious observances. The change was approved after extensive public debate, with many citizens and religious groups advocating for a return to standard time.
Morocco had adopted permanent DST in 2018, setting clocks forward by one hour year-round. However, during Ramadan, the government would temporarily revert to GMT to ease fasting hours, leading to confusion and criticism. The new policy eliminates this biannual adjustment.
The transition will occur at 3:00 AM local time on September 20, when clocks will be set back to 2:00 AM GMT. The government has urged citizens and businesses to prepare for the change, which will affect transportation schedules, prayer times, and work hours.
This decision aligns Morocco with other countries that have reconsidered DST policies, including the European Union's ongoing debate on abolishing seasonal time changes. Morocco's move is seen as a pragmatic response to public demand for a stable time system.
