Current Time in Assab
Time culture in Eritrea
Time culture in Eritrea
Official schedules are relatively flexible
In Eritrea, government agencies and public services have opening and closing times, but they are relatively flexible and some delays and early closings can be seen.
Unofficial schedules are "loose"
In daily life, it is not necessary to be strict about promised times, and delays of about 10 to 30 minutes are not uncommon and are rather considered natural.
Lifestyle that begins with sunrise
In rural areas, activities begin with sunrise and refrain from activities after sunset, a rhythm of life that is in line with nature, is still deeply rooted.
Time values in Eritrea
Human relationships take precedence over time
There is a tendency to place more importance on connections and conversations with people than on time, and it is acceptable to be late because of stopping to talk on the way.
A culture of leisure and not rushing
The idea of "slow and steady wins the race" is deeply rooted in Eritrea, and there are many situations where a slow and steady approach to things is appreciated. Rushing is not very popular.
Traditional events continue beyond time
Weddings and religious events are not bound by scheduled times, and events proceed naturally. It is also difficult to predict when they will end.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Eritrea
Meetings and appointments must be confirmed in advance
Sometimes they do not start as scheduled, so it is reassuring to be reminded the day before or on the day. Especially in business, flexibility is required.
Public transport times are just a guide
Although buses and other services have operating times, they often do not operate on schedule. It is better to think of departure and arrival times as just a guide.
Opening hours of shops and government offices vary
In urban areas, they are relatively accurate, but in rural areas, some shops have a long lunch break or close early. It is safe to use them in the morning.
Interesting trivia about time in Eritrea
Unique "Zees Time" system
Some areas use the "traditional time system (Zees time)" in which sunrise is at 1:00 a.m. It is easy to get out of sync with modern clocks.
Weddings can last all night
At traditional Eritrean weddings, the ceremony, dancing, and meals can continue until late at night, and a timeless celebration culture is deeply rooted.
The sense of time changes with the seasons
Many areas have different rhythms of life between the rainy and dry seasons, and people who work in agriculture flexibly adjust their daily schedules depending on the weather.