UAE Announces Ramadan Working Hours for Government Employees

Ramadan Working hours for public sector employees in the UAE have officially been announced. As per FAHR (Federal Authority for Government Human Resources), government working hours are set from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which is a deduction of 3.5 hours more than the normal schedule. While Fridays see a curtailed workday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, giving employees 1.5 hours less than usual.

The employees are exempted from such a shift in working hours if his/her job requirements are such that they have to work different hours. Also, ministries and federal government bodies can allow flexible work arrangements during Ramadan, keeping in mind that work should remain within the specified daily hours. The approved rules also allow working from home by up to 70% of the workforce on Fridays.

In the UAE, the working week comprises four and a half days. The usual work hours from the end of Ramadan to the beginning of the following year’s Ramadan are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays, while Saturday and Sunday are the official weekend days for federal employees.

Local government rules follow similar workweek arrangements in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah, while in Sharjah federal employees work a four-day workweek from Monday to Thursday, having a three-day weekend that starts Friday and ends Sunday.

As per the Hijri calendar released by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), March 1, 2025, is likely to be the starting date of Ramadan. However, official moon sighting committees will confirm the start of Ramadan by observing the moon on February 28, Shaban 29. Depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, Ramadan could commence on March 1.

These amendments in working hours are a result of the UAE’s respect for the Ramadan month while continuing to honor the interests of the employees and employers.