UAE reduces official working hours for public and private sector employees during Ramadan/Representative Image

The UAE has announced reduced working hours for public and private sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan.

Federal government working hours

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed the official working hours for ministries and federal entities during Ramadan.From Monday to Thursday, working hours will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. On Fridays, employees will work from 9am to noon. The schedule applies across federal ministries and entities, except for employees whose job nature requires otherwise.In a statement published on its official website, the authority noted that flexible working regulations may continue to be applied during Ramadan, provided that the approved daily working hours are met.It further clarified that federal entities may grant employees flexibility to work remotely on Fridays. However, remote work must not exceed 70 per cent of the entity’s total workforce, and must comply with approved regulations and controls.

Private sector working hours

For the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that daily working hours will be reduced by two hours throughout Ramadan.Employees in the UAE typically work eight to nine hours per day. During Ramadan, this schedule will be reduced by two hours daily in line with the Islamic holy month.The ministry stated that private sector companies may implement flexible or remote working arrangements within the limits of the reduced daily working hours. These arrangements must align with the company’s business interests and the nature of its operations.Any additional hours worked beyond the reduced Ramadan schedule will be treated as overtime. Employees will be entitled to extra compensation for overtime hours in accordance with labour regulations.

Flexible and remote work provisions

Across both sectors, authorities have provided room for flexibility while maintaining operational continuity.Federal entities may continue applying approved flexible work systems during working days in Ramadan. In addition, they may allow remote work on Fridays, subject to the 70 per cent cap.In the private sector, companies are permitted to introduce flexible or remote schedules, provided they remain within the reduced daily working hour framework.The revised timings aim to accommodate the spiritual and social rhythms of Ramadan while ensuring that government services and business operations continue without disruption.