Private Sector Employees’ Working Day Reduced by Two Hours for Ramadan

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that they have reduced the working day by two hours for private sector employees during the month of Ramadan.

This shift in work patterns applies to both fasting and non-fasting, as well as Muslim and non-Muslim, individuals across the UAE. For federal employees, working hours during Ramadan will be constricted from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays. The Ministry has not announced a similar schedule for the private sector, and has stated that companies may apply flexible or remote working patterns to employee’s schedules within daily working hours during this month if permitted by the nature of the work at hand.

This recent announcement is made in accordance with Federal Decree Law No. 22 of 2021 regarding the Regulation of Labour Relations and its amendments. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on March 10th and end on April 9th.