The holy month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, spirituality and community for Muslims around the world. In the UAE, changes to daily routines occur during this holy month, including working hours for government employees. To ensure ease during this time, the UAE government has announced working hours for federal employees during Ramadan 2025. This guide provides details of these changes, exceptions, and additional arrangements so that you are fully informed and prepared.

Ramadan 2025: Important Dates and Significance

Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on the Hijri calendar published by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai. The final date will be confirmed by the moon-sighting committees on February 28, 2025 (29 Sha’ban).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, engage in worship, charity, and social activities. The UAE government recognizes the importance of this month and makes changes to working hours to accommodate the spiritual and physical needs of employees.

New working hours for federal employees during Ramadan

The Federal Authority for Human Resources (FAHR) has announced the following new working hours for Ramadan 2025:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
• Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

This means that employees will work 3.5 hours less than normal from Monday to Thursday and 1.5 hours less on Friday. The changes are intended to help employees balance their professional responsibilities with their religious duties.

Exceptions

While these hours will apply to most federal employees, special hours may be set for employees working in certain sectors such as health, security, and emergency services. FAHR has clarified that such employees will be informed directly by their department.

Flexible and remote work arrangements

Under the UAE’s modern work policies, employees of ministries and the federal government can continue to work according to their approved flexible work schedules during Ramadan, provided they remain within the aforementioned hours.

Additionally, 70% of employees have been allowed to work remotely on Fridays, in line with the approved guidelines. This facility will help employees manage their time effectively while maintaining work productivity.

Normal working hours except during Ramadan

Here is a breakdown of the working hours of the UAE federal government on normal days:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Friday: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• Weekend: Saturday and Sunday

Local government offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah follow the same schedule. However, Sharjah has a four-day workweek (Monday to Thursday) and a three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).

Why are working hours reduced during Ramadan?

The reduction in working hours is not just an administrative decision but a reflection of the UAE’s cultural and religious values. The importance of these changes lies in the following reasons:

• Spiritual harmony: Ramadan is dedicated to worship, Quran recitation, and prayers, and shorter working hours provide employees with more time.
• Physical health: Low energy expenditure is essential during fasting, especially in hot weather.
• Work-life balance: Employees have more time to participate in iftar and other social activities.

Tips for increasing work productivity during Ramadan

While shorter working hours are beneficial, effective work performance is also essential. The following tips may be helpful:

Set priorities: Complete important tasks during high-energy hours.

Eat a balanced diet: Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water during suhoor and iftar.

Take advantage of remote work opportunities: Work effectively from home instead of wasting time commuting to the office.

Communicate effectively: Keep your team informed about your availability and work progress.

Example: Successful implementation of flexible work arrangements during Ramadan

In 2025, the UAE Ministry of Education implemented a flexible work policy during Ramadan, allowing 60% of employees to work from home on Fridays. The results were as follows:

• Employee satisfaction: 85% of employees reported improved work-life balance.
• Productivity: Teams maintained 90% of their usual productivity levels.
• Cost savings: 20% of operating costs were saved due to reduced office usage.

This example shows how flexible working arrangements can be effective during Ramadan.

Frequently asked questions about Ramadan working hours in the UAE

Are the same hours for private sector employees?

No, private companies may have different hours, however, most companies also reduce their hours during Ramadan.

Can employees request additional remote work?

Yes, with the approval of the boss, an additional day can be requested.

What if Ramadan starts on a weekend?

In this case, the new hours will apply from Monday.

Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Ramadan

Ramadan hours in the UAE are set to support the spiritual and physical well-being of employees. These facilities allow employees to perform professional duties alongside their religious obligations.