ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced adjusted working hours for public sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ministries and federal government entities will operate from 9am to 2:30pm from Monday to Thursday, while on Fridays, working hours will be from 9am to 12pm.
The new schedule, issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), will apply throughout Ramadan. Exceptions will be made for employees whose job nature requires different timings.
Remote and flexible work options
FAHR also confirmed that approved flexible work arrangements will remain in effect, allowing ministries and federal authorities to implement alternative schedules as long as they comply with the daily work hour limits. Additionally, up to 70 percent of employees may work remotely on Fridays, following the established guidelines.
Expected Ramadan dates
According to the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1. The International Astronomy Centre (IAC) stated that the crescent moon will likely be visible on Friday, February 28, marking the start of the Islamic month of fasting.
Islamic months last 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon sighting. On February 28, 2025, official moon-sighting committees will convene to confirm whether Ramadan will begin on March 1 or the following day.
Current workweek structure
Under the UAE’s federal system, government employees follow a four-and-a-half-day workweek outside of Ramadan. Regular working hours are 7:30am to 3:30pm from Monday to Thursday and 7:30am to 12pm on Friday.
Most emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, have adopted this workweek structure. However, in Sharjah, government employees work four days a week, from Monday to Thursday (7:30am to 3:30pm), with a three-day weekend from Friday to Sunday.
Private sector announcement awaited
While the public sector hours have been confirmed, details regarding the private sector’s Ramadan schedule have yet to be announced. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is expected to issue an update closer to Ramadan.