Ramadan Working Hours in UAE Explained for Public and Private Sector Employees

As Ramadan approaches, work routines across Dubai and the UAE are set to slow down slightly. Offices wrap up earlier. Meetings are tighter. Even traffic patterns start to shift. It’s a familiar rhythm for residents, and one that officially comes with shorter working hours.

For Ramadan 2026, which is expected to begin on Thursday, February 19, both public and private sector employees will once again move to reduced working hours, in line with UAE labour regulations.

The change applies across industries and roles, and it’s designed to support fasting, altered sleep cycles, and the overall pace of life during the holy month.

Here’s a clear look at how Ramadan working hours function in the UAE, what employees can expect, and how offices typically adapt during this period.

What the law says about Ramadan working hours?

In the UAE, Ramadan working hour reductions are part of the labour framework. They are not optional, and they are not new.

For the private sector, Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 clearly states that working hours must be reduced by two hours per day throughout Ramadan.

This applies to:

• Muslim and non-Muslim employees
• All job roles and seniority levels
• Employees regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation

The rule focuses on workplace regulation, not religious background. That’s why the same reduction applies to everyone.

In real terms, this usually means a six-hour workday instead of eight. Some companies may adjust start and finish times, but the total daily hours must be reduced.

Private sector offices: How companies usually adjust

Across Dubai’s private sector, Ramadan brings noticeable changes to the workday.

Many offices prefer earlier starts and earlier finishes. Others introduce staggered shifts so teams can rotate comfortably. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are also more common during Ramadan, especially in corporate and creative industries.

While schedules may shift, the two-hour reduction remains mandatory.

For sectors like hospitality, retail, healthcare, and logistics, businesses often stay operational for longer hours. In these cases, staff schedules are adjusted internally to stay within legal limits.

Overtime rules still apply. If employees are required to work beyond the reduced daily hours, overtime compensation must be provided as per labour law.

Ramadan schedules for government offices explained

Public sector working hours are typically announced closer to the start of Ramadan through official circulars.

Federal and local government entities outline:

• Reduced daily working hours
• Flexible start and end times
• Remote work options where operational needs allow

In previous years, many government offices operated for around five to six hours a day during Ramadan. Customer-facing departments often adjust timings to ensure services remain accessible.

Each emirate may fine-tune schedules depending on department needs. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates usually release separate announcements.

Employees are advised to wait for official confirmation from their department before planning exact schedules.

Do non-Muslims get reduced hours during Ramadan?

Yes. This question comes up every year, and the answer remains the same.

Ramadan working hour reductions apply to both Muslim and non-Muslim employees.

Authorities have consistently confirmed this, as the rule is linked to labour regulation, not religious practice. The approach reflects the UAE’s inclusive workplace environment and its diverse workforce.

Flexible work culture during Ramadan

Over the years, the Ramadan work culture in Dubai has evolved.

Many companies now focus on flexibility rather than rigid schedules. Shorter meetings, realistic deadlines, and adjusted expectations are common. Productivity is measured differently, with more emphasis on outcomes than hours spent at a desk.

This flexibility helps employees manage fasting, prayer times, family commitments, and rest, while allowing businesses to function smoothly.

It’s one of the reasons Ramadan feels different across the city. The pace slows down, but work continues.

The thinking behind shorter workdays in Ramadan

Ramadan working hour adjustments are about balance.

The UAE recognises that fasting affects energy levels, sleep patterns, and daily routines. Reducing work hours supports employee well-being while respecting the cultural and religious significance of the month.

It also creates a shared rhythm across workplaces. Whether someone is fasting or not, everyone moves through the month together.

In Dubai, especially, this period brings quieter mornings, livelier evenings, and a stronger focus on family and community.

How to prepare for Ramadan office hours?

As Ramadan approaches, employees should:

• Check official announcements from HR or management
• Avoid assuming timings until they are confirmed
• Plan workloads around shorter days
• Stay updated on changes to parking, Salik, and public service hours

Clear communication usually makes the transition smoother for both teams and employers.

Ramadan 2026 will once again bring shorter working hours across the UAE, with clear rules for the private sector and official schedules expected soon for the public sector.

For many residents, it’s a welcome shift. Workdays become more focused. Evenings slow down. And the city settles into a different pace.

It’s part of living and working in Dubai, and a rhythm most people know well.

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