Ramadan 2026: UAE Cuts Daily Work Hours For Private And Public Sector Employees

As the holy month of Ramadan draws near, the United Arab Emirates has announced shorter working hours along with greater flexibility for employees across sectors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed that daily working hours will be reduced by two hours during Ramadan.

The ministry also stated that private companies can adopt flexible schedules or remote work arrangements, as long as these remain within the reduced daily working hours set for the month. Businesses are encouraged to structure these arrangements based on operational needs and the nature of their work.

In line with the directive, Muslim employees in the private sector will work a maximum of six hours per day, or 30 hours per week, throughout Ramadan. This decision has been implemented in accordance with the executive regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on employment relations and its subsequent amendments.

While the regulation standardises shorter workdays, companies still have the freedom to organise shifts in a way that ensures business continuity and customer service are not affected. Notably, any additional work beyond the specified time limit would be considered overtime, for which workers will be entitled to extra compensation.

What About Public Sector Employees?

Separately, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has issued a circular outlining official working hours for federal ministries and entities during Ramadan 2026 (1447 AH).
As per the circular:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Exceptions will apply where job responsibilities require alternative schedules.

These shorter workdays are expected to give residents more time for family, social interactions, and spiritual reflection. HR professionals note that Ramadan often encourages employees to become more intentional with their time management. Although the initial adjustment period can be challenging, reduced hours frequently lead to improved focus and productivity.

FAHR also confirmed that government entities may continue using approved flexible work models during Ramadan. Notably, up to 70 per cent of federal employees may be allowed to work remotely on Fridays, reflecting ongoing support for hybrid work practices.

Together, these measures reinforce the UAE's established Ramadan workplace approach, combining reduced hours with flexibility, while ensuring that organisations can continue to meet operational demands during the holy month.

When Does Ramadan Start In The UAE?

Most countries are expected to look for the Ramadan crescent moon on Tuesday, February 17. However, according to widely accepted astronomical calculations and international moon-sighting criteria, the crescent that signals the start of Ramadan 1447 AH is unlikely to be visible from any part of the Arab or wider Islamic world on that evening.

As a result, nations that depend on confirmed moon sightings are expected to treat Wednesday as the 30th and final day of Sha'ban. This would complete the month's full cycle of 30 days. If this timeline holds, Ramadan is likely to begin on Thursday, February 19, in the United Arab Emirates and several other countries that follow the traditional moon-sighting method.

The final confirmation will still depend on official announcements by religious authorities, as the Islamic calendar is based on lunar observations rather than fixed dates.