Ramadan Working Hours for UAE Public Sector Employees: What You Need to Know

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the UAE government has announced updated working hours for public sector employees. These changes, effective during Ramadan, aim to accommodate the spiritual and physical needs of employees while ensuring business continuity.

New Working Hours for Ramadan (2025)

From Monday to Thursday, the official working hours will be reduced to 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. On Fridays, employees will work from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This adjustment means federal government employees will work 3.5 hours less on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and 1.5 hours less on Fridays compared to regular working hours.

Special Exceptions for Certain Roles

There are some exceptions to these hours, especially for employees whose work demands specific schedules. These exceptions were outlined by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), ensuring that those with specialized roles continue to meet their job requirements during the holy month.

Flexibility in Work Arrangements

In line with the UAE’s push for flexibility, ministries and federal government employees may continue with their approved flexible work arrangements during Ramadan. As long as employees adhere to the daily work hour limits, they can maintain their usual arrangements, which may include remote work.

For federal employees working remotely on Fridays, the government has also allowed up to 70% of the total workforce to work from home, following the approved guidelines.

When Does Ramadan Begin?

According to the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025. However, the exact start date will depend on the moon-sighting, which will occur on the 29th day of Shaban, February 28, 2025. The official moon-sighting committees will meet to confirm the sighting, which will determine the official start of Ramadan.

Regular Working Hours Outside of Ramadan

It’s important to note that the UAE’s federal government typically operates on a four-and-a-half-day workweek system, which adjusts for Ramadan. Outside of the holy month, public sector employees generally work from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays. The weekend for federal government employees is on Saturday and Sunday.

Special Working Hours in Sharjah

In the emirate of Sharjah, federal employees follow a slightly different work schedule. They work a four-day week (Monday to Thursday) from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday serving as the official weekend.

Conclusion

With Ramadan just around the corner, the UAE’s shift in working hours reflects a thoughtful approach to balance the religious observances of employees while maintaining productivity. The flexible arrangements, including remote work options, show the government’s commitment to supporting its workforce during this important time. Stay tuned for further updates as the holy month begins!

For more information on UAE working hours and government policies, visit iknowuae.com.