The month of Ramadan is considered the holiest and most sacred month of the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to God by way of fasting; that is to say, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and also husband-wife intimacy from the breaking of dawn until the setting of the sun.
In the UAE, businesses and government offices usually operate reduced working hours during Ramadan to accommodate the spiritual practices of Muslims. Stay informed as we prepare to welcome the holiest of months. Here are the updated working hours for Ramadan 2024 in UAE.
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Ramadan 2024 working hours in UAE
As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, employees across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are preparing for adjustments to their working schedules. These adjusted timings aim to facilitate worship, family time, and personal obligations while maintaining the normal functioning of essential services.
In the same spirit, private and public sectors in different emirates have made provisions to accommodate their employees’ religious and cultural practices during Ramadan. Currently, only Abu Dhabi and Dubai have made announcements regarding their working hours, with both sectors adhering to the same schedule.
However, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah have yet to make any announcements. It remains essential for employees in these emirates to stay informed and prepared for any updates regarding working hour adjustments during Ramadan. Rest assured, we will continue to monitor developments closely and update the article accordingly to provide timely information.
Public sectors
As per the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), government employees will have official working hours from 9 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 12 pm on Fridays. Moreover, up to 70 percent of government entity employees without the necessity of being physically present at work can opt for remote work on Fridays. This move aims to increase operational efficiency while keeping in line with the spirit of Ramadan.
Private sectors
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has recently announced that private sector employees in the UAE will have their working hours reduced by two hours per day throughout Ramadan. This adjustment is to ensure that employees can observe their spiritual practices and cultural traditions during this important period. Additionally, companies have the option to offer remote work arrangements or flexible schedules as long as they comply with the daily working hour limits set by the Ministry.
Ramadan 2024 school hours in UAE
This year, Ramadan coincides with spring break, and approximately 15 days of Ramadan will align with this holiday, leading to school closures. For the remaining days, schools are mandated to provide a maximum of five hours of lessons daily. Additionally, on Fridays, schools are required to conclude by 12 pm to allow for the observance of Friday prayers.
When is Ramadan 2024 in UAE?
According to the Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Ramadan is expected to commence on Tuesday, 12 March 2024.
