Dubai — UAE Ramadan working hours are reduced for both public and private sector employees every year, in line with the country's labour laws and regulations. With Ramadan 2026 anticipated to begin on February 19, employees across government and private entities can expect shorter daily schedules designed to accommodate fasting and adjusted routines.
Private Sector: Mandatory Two-Hour Reduction
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, all private sector employees must receive a mandatory reduction of two working hours per day during Ramadan. This regulation applies to all staff regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), regardless of role, seniority, or religion.
The standard 8-hour working day is effectively reduced to 6 hours during the holy month, bringing the weekly total down from 48 hours to 36 hours.
Employers may introduce flexible shifts or remote working arrangements to meet operational needs, provided that the reduced hours requirement is strictly maintained.
Authorities have confirmed that this reduction applies to Muslim and non-Muslim employees alike, as the rule is based on workplace regulation rather than religious observance.
Overtime Pay During Ramadan
Employees required to work beyond the shortened Ramadan schedule are entitled to overtime premiums under Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022:
- 125% pay (a 25% uplift) for overtime during regular hours - 150% pay (a 50% uplift) for work performed between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Public Sector: FAHR Circulars Set the Schedule
For public sector staff, federal entities follow circulars issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR). For Ramadan 2026, the confirmed schedule for federal ministries and entities is:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
FAHR has also confirmed that government entities may continue using approved flexible work models during Ramadan, with up to 70 per cent of federal employees permitted to work remotely on Fridays. Employees whose duties allow it may be offered up to two remote working days per week.
Individual emirates or departments may further adjust schedules, particularly for customer-facing or essential services, to ensure smooth operations during the holy month.
Flexible and Staggered Hours
Labour guidance allows companies to introduce flexible or staggered schedules to balance productivity with employee wellbeing. Employees may begin their shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., provided they complete the official reduced number of working hours. Overtime provisions remain applicable if employees are required to work beyond the reduced daily limits.
Ramadan working hour adjustments are a longstanding feature of the UAE labour system, designed to support social, cultural, and religious practices while maintaining business continuity.
Employees across the UAE are advised to check with their HR departments for entity-specific schedules, as individual organisations may issue supplementary guidance ahead of the holy month.
