Ramadan Working Hours in UAE: What Employees Need to Know

Published :February 18, 2026

Last Updated :February 18, 2026

Table of Contents

Framework for Ramadan Working Hours
Public Sector Working Hours 2026
Private Sector Working Hours 2026
Closing In

Ramadan is a very important month in the UAE and it is a month of fasting, praying and visiting family. It is the time when the working time is officially cut down to allow for spiritual and social demands. Ramadan in 2026 will start on approximately February 18, and government officials have agreed to change the working schedules of the government and the private sector.

These modifications will strike a balance between productivity and health and wellbeing of workers and consideration of cultural practices.

Framework for Ramadan Working Hours

Ramadan Working Hours

The government of the UAE controls the working hours during the month of Ramadan by means of official circulars. Guidelines to the entities in the public sector are issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR). The regulations are implemented in all ministries and federal organisations so that the reduced hours are transparent and within the law.

Indeed, flexible arrangements are allowed, given that the approved daily working hours have been adhered to. This will make sure that the employees will be able to practise fasting without affecting the efficiency of operations.

Public Sector Working Hours 2026

In the case of federal ministries and entities, the working days are going to be Monday through Thursday with the work hours being 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Fridays it will be 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

These time hours are applicable to the majority of employees, with the exception of the employees whose nature of job demands other things. Fridays have flexibility to do remote work, but it is limited to 70 per cent of the employees. This method will enable the government to run its operations smoothly as it will look into the spiritual needs of the staff.

Working Hours 2026

Private Sector Working Hours 2026

In the business world, two hours of work per day during Ramadan are cut. The working hours of employees are usually 8-9 hours per day, which is why in the period of Ramadan, the working shifts are reduced to honour the observance of fasting.

Flexible schedules and remote schedules can be adopted by companies over a short period. Any work exceeding the adjusted hours will be overtime, and the additional payment will be according to the labour laws. This is fair and at the same time, productive and operationally consistent.

Flexible and Remote Work Provisions

Flexibility is promoted in both sectors. Federal agencies can keep their endorsed flexible working arrangements and permit part-time telecommuting on Fridays. Flexible or remote schedules can also be introduced by the private companies; however, they should not exceed the smaller number of daily working hours.

These are geared towards work, fasting, spiritual, and family commitments. The UAE organisations cater to the needs of employees, thereby facilitating the general morale and productivity during Ramadan.

Special Considerations

These guidelines extend to the part-time, night-shift and flexible workers, but the shifts can be different according to the requirements of the operations. Essential services, including hospitals, security and retail, are kept under adjusted programmes without jeopardising the service which is provided to the population.

Compliance is enforced to keep the companies in line with the provisions of the labour law and offer favourable working conditions. These are measures that ensure the safety of the employees and that business operations are conducted efficiently during the holy month.

Employer & Employee Tips

Employers should plan staffing and workflow to match reduced hours. Staggered schedules and rotational shifts are useful in keeping things going. Employees are encouraged to control energy, hydrate and workloads. Adherence to cultural and spiritual practices also helps in improving harmony in the workplace.

The management and staff constantly communicate with each other, which ensures no confusion. Practical planning and care of the employees wellbeing is an advantage to the sector during the fasting.

Closing In

The UAE Ramadan working hours in 2026 are based on a balance between productivity and observance of cultures. Shorter working hours in the public and private sectors will guarantee that the employees are able to balance health, religion, and family life.

Remote and flexible arrangements facilitate continuity in operations and also allow for observing the holy month. When these guidelines are followed, employers and employees have the opportunity to develop a harmonious, efficient and culturally sensitive workplace.

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