Employees in the private sector will have fewer hours to work during the holy month of Ramadan, according to the United Arab Emirates.
During Ramadan, private sector employees in the UAE will experience a reduction in work hours by two hours per day, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This adjustment in working hours is in observance of the Islamic holy month and aims to accommodate the spiritual and cultural practices of employees.
Companies in the private sector have been granted the flexibility to adopt alternative work arrangements, such as flexible or remote schedules, while adhering to the prescribed daily working hours during Ramadan. This initiative recognizes the diverse nature of work across different industries and allows employers to accommodate the needs of their workforce accordingly.
Typically, private sector employees in the Emirates work eight to nine hours per day, and with the reduction in work hours during Ramadan, the daily schedule will be shortened by two hours. However, any additional hours worked beyond the revised schedule may be classified as overtime, entitling employees to receive supplementary compensation for their extra effort.
The Hijri calendar that the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) publishes indicates that Ramadan is anticipated to begin on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The modified work schedule during Ramadan will be beneficial for all employees, fasting and non-fasting alike, as it will provide them more time to devote to spiritual activities and cultural customs.
In addition to the private sector, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has issued guidelines for the working hours of federal authorities during Ramadan. These regulations stipulate that ministries and federal agencies will operate from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, with working hours on Fridays scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, unless the nature of the work requires a deviation from this schedule.
