Employees in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE will work two fewer hours per day during Ramadan
The UAE has announced reduced working hours for private sector employees during the Holy Month of Ramadan, giving residents more time for prayer, reflection, and family.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed that private sector working hours will be reduced by two hours per day throughout Ramadan in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
Private companies may also implement flexible or remote work arrangements, provided they remain within the reduced daily working hour limits and align with operational needs.
Employees in the UAE typically work eight to nine hours per day. During Ramadan, this will drop by two hours daily.
Any additional hours worked beyond the reduced schedule may be treated as overtime, entitling employees to extra compensation in accordance with UAE labour law.
HR experts say that although Ramadan can feel physically demanding in the first few days, shorter work schedules often lead to more focused, intentional productivity.
Public sector working hours
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources also announced earlier this week official Ramadan timings for public sector employees.
From Monday to Thursday, working hours will run from 9am to 2.30pm, while on Fridays, employees will work from 9am to 12pm.
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Exceptions apply to employees whose job nature requires different schedules.
Federal entities may also implement approved flexible work systems or allow up to 70 per cent of staff to work remotely on Fridays, in line with established regulations.
When is Ramadan 2026 expected to begin?
Ramadan is most likely to begin on Thursday, 19 February, according to the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre.
Astronomical calculations indicate that the crescent moon will be either impossible or highly improbable to sight on 17 February across the Arab and Islamic world.
As Islamic months last 29 or 30 days, depending on moon sightings, Wednesday is expected to complete 30 days of Shaban, making 19 February the anticipated first day of Ramadan.
However, the official confirmation will come from the UAE’s moon-sighting committees, which will convene on the 29th day of Shaban.
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