The UAE has confirmed reduced working hours for federal government employees during the holy month of Ramadan.
From Monday to Thursday, official working hours will run from 9am to 2.30pm, while on Fridays, work will end at 12 noon. The arrangement excludes employees whose job roles require different schedules.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) said federal ministries and entities may implement approved flexible work regulations during Ramadan. They may also allow remote work on Fridays for up to 70 per cent of their workforce, subject to approved guidelines.
Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19, according to the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre (IAC). The centre said sighting the crescent moon on February 17 is “either impossible or highly unlikely” across the Arab and Islamic world. Since Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days depending on moon sighting, Shaban is expected to complete 30 days this year.
However, the official start of Ramadan will be confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committees, which will meet on the 29th day of Shaban to make the final call.
Outside Ramadan, federal government employees follow a four-and-a-half-day workweek, working eight hours from Monday to Thursday and four and a half hours on Friday. Since January 2022, Saturday and Sunday have been the official weekend for the federal government.
Most emirates follow the same system, while Sharjah operates a four-day workweek, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as the weekend.
Reduced working hours during Ramadan are implemented every year to accommodate fasting employees and reflect the spiritual significance of the holy month.
