The United Arab Emirates has officially announced adjusted working hours for public sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (Fahr) declared that from Monday to Thursday, employees will work from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, while on Fridays, the working hours will be from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This adjustment means employees will work 3.5 hours less from Monday to Thursday and 1.5 hours less on Fridays.
Flexible Work Arrangements and Remote Work
Ministries and federal government employees may continue their pre-approved flexible work arrangements, provided they adhere to the daily work hour limits. Additionally, remote work on Fridays is permitted for up to 70% of the total workforce, based on the approved guidelines.
Private Sector Working Hours
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has also announced reduced working hours for private sector employees during Ramadan, though specific details may vary by industry and employer.
Ramadan Start Date and Moon-Sighting Process
According to the Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Ramadan is expected to commence on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre (IAC) stated that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan will likely be visible the night before. On February 28, moon-sighting committees will convene to determine the official start date of Ramadan, depending on the visibility of the crescent moon.
Regular Working Hours in the UAE
Outside of Ramadan, UAE federal government employees follow a four-and-a-half-day workweek. Regular working hours are from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays.
Weekend Schedule by Emirate:
- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah follow the federal system, with weekends on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Sharjah has a four-day workweek, from Monday to Thursday, with a three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
The revised Ramadan schedule reflects the UAE’s commitment to accommodating religious practices while maintaining productivity across sectors.
