The UAE has announced reduced working hours for government and private sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan in 2025.
This adjustment is in line with previous years, ensuring that employees can observe fasting and other religious activities while maintaining productivity.
During Ramadan, government employees will have a shorter workday. From Monday to Thursday, working hours will be from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, while on Fridays, the workday will be even shorter, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
This means that employees will work 3.5 hours less from Monday to Thursday and 1.5 hours less on Fridays.
However, some exceptions apply. Employees whose job roles require different hours will follow a separate schedule as per their work requirements.
Additionally, ministries and federal government agencies can continue flexible work arrangements, provided that employees still complete their required daily work hours.
To further support employees, up to 70% of the workforce is allowed to work remotely on Fridays, following approved guidelines. This allows greater flexibility while ensuring smooth operations across government offices.
Reduced Working Hours for Private Sector Employees
The private sector will also observe reduced working hours during Ramadan. As announced, all private sector employees in the UAE will work two hours less per day than their regular working hours.
This adjustment is in accordance with UAE labor laws, which mandate shorter work hours for employees during the holy month.
Private companies are expected to implement these reduced hours while ensuring business continuity. The announcement applies to all employees, regardless of whether they are fasting, to maintain fairness across workplaces.
Expected Start of Ramadan 2025
Ramadan follows the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. According to astronomical predictions, Ramadan 2025 is likely to begin on Saturday, March 1.
However, the official confirmation will come from moon-sighting committees on February 28, 2025, which is the 29th day of the preceding month, Shaban. If the moon is visible that night, Ramadan will begin the next day.
Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the moon’s cycle. The exact end of Ramadan will also be determined by moon sighting closer to the time.
Regular Working Hours in the UAE
Outside of Ramadan, the UAE federal government follows a four-and-a-half-day workweek. Employees work from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Thursday, and from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays are the official weekend for government employees.
Local government entities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah follow a similar workweek system.
However, in Sharjah, government employees follow a four-day workweek, from Monday to Thursday, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as official weekends.
Additionally, businesses, schools, and transportation services also adjust their schedules during this time to accommodate the shift in daily routines.
Schools typically reduce class hours, and public transport services may modify their timings to align with peak hours before and after Iftar.
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