UAE Ramadan Working Hours Reduced

In a bid to honor the significance of the holy month of Ramadan, the United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to trim working hours for both public and private sectors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) has officially declared that employees, encompassing government and private sectors alike, will only be required to work three hours on Fridays throughout the month of Ramadan.

Acknowledging the diverse needs of companies, MOHRE encourages the implementation of flexible or reduced working hours within the daily schedule limits during Ramadan. This includes the possibility of adopting compressed or staggered working hours to accommodate the unique demands of the fasting month.

For employees in the private sector accustomed to an eight to nine-hour workday, this initiative translates into a reduction of two hours, allowing for a more manageable six-hour workday during Ramadan.

This adjustment in working hours is inclusive, catering to both fasting and non-fasting employees, facilitating their participation in spiritual and cultural activities synonymous with the sacred month of Ramadan.

Highlighting the practicalities of this measure, all ministries and federal agencies are set to operate from Sunday to Thursday, commencing at 9:00 AM and concluding at 2:30 PM. On Fridays, the working hours will be further reduced, extending only from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The commencement of Ramadan is officially slated for March 12, 2024, as per the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) of Dubai’s Hijri calendar.

This thoughtful initiative echoes across the region, with neighboring countries like Kuwait also embracing the spirit of Ramadan by announcing similar reductions in working hours. This move not only respects the cultural and religious values of the community but also fosters a harmonious work-life balance during this auspicious month.