During Ramadan, public and private sector employees in the UAE will be working for shorter hours, including for only three hours a day on Fridays.

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that there will be a reduction in working hours for both the public and private sectors.

The government said that “companies may apply flexible or remote working patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during Ramadan.”

Companies can consider remote working or flexible schedules for employees to work during Ramadan.

In the private sector, employees usually work eight to nine hours per day but this will be reduced by two hours, and they will be working for six hours.

The working hours are applicable on both fasting and non-fasting employees facilitating their participation in spiritual activities and cultural practices during this sacred month.

All ministries and federal agencies will operate from 9 am to 2:30 am from Monday to Thursday and on Friday the timings will be 9 am to 12 pm.

The Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) suggests Ramadan will likely commence on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Meanwhile, Kuwait and other countries in the region are also announcing reduced work hours for Ramadan.