UAE Adjusts Public Sector Working Hours for Ramadan 2024

Ramadan 2024 UAE working hours

The UAE has announced adjusted working hours for public sector employees during Ramadan, providing flexibility to observe the holy month's traditions while maintaining productivity. According to the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), federal employees will work 3.5 hours less from Monday to Thursday and 1.5 hours less on Fridays. This measure aims to accommodate the spiritual and cultural practices associated with Ramadan. 

During Ramadan, ministries and federal agencies will operate from 9am to 2:30pm from Monday to Thursday, with working hours on Fridays from 9am to 12 noon. However, flexibility in implementing remote work or flexible schedules remains, subject to guidelines and approval. This allows employees to balance work commitments with religious observances.

Additionally, employees may have the option to work remotely on Fridays, with a limit of 70 percent of the total workforce. This initiative aligns with efforts to promote work-life balance and accommodate diverse religious practices within the workforce.

Ramadan, as per the Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), is expected to begin on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The adjusted working hours apply to fasting and non-fasting employees alike, reflecting inclusivity and respect for religious observances.

Outside of Ramadan, the UAE federal government follows a four and a half-day working week. Employees typically work eight hours a day, from 7:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday, and from 7:30am to 12:00pm on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays constitute the official weekends for federal government employees.

Local government entities across various Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, have adopted similar work week systems. However, in Sharjah, federal employees work four days a week, from Monday to Thursday, with official weekends spanning Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

In conclusion, the UAE's announcement of adjusted working hours for public sector employees during Ramadan underscores the government's commitment to promoting work-life balance and accommodating religious diversity within the workforce. This initiative reflects the country's values of inclusivity, respect, and flexibility.