Ramadan Working Hours UAE 2026
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As the holy month of Ramadan is going to start, private sector employers across the UAE are making adjustments to working hours. Under UAE labour law, all private sector employees are entitled to a reduction of two hours per day during the holy month, as per the UAE’s labour law.
This means that if a standard workday is 8 hours, it should be reduced to 6 hours. For those asking, how many days until Ramadan? It is expected to begin around February 18 or 19, 2026, depending on the official moon sighting. This rule applies to almost all employees of the private sector, irrespective of nationality or religion.
Why Ramadan Working Hours in the UAE Must Be Adjusted by Employers?
Well, setting the Ramadan working hours in the UAE 2026 is not just a suggestion but a legal requirement that must be followed by employers. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, almost all private sector employees are entitled to a two-hour reduction in daily working hours during Ramadan.
The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) is responsible for the enforcement of this mandatory hours reduction across the private sector. If an employer or company fails to follow the law, it can result in potential legal penalties.
For Ramadan 2026, office timings in UAE are set from 9am until 2.30pm, and that goes for Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, 9am to noon.
Purpose Behind Setting Ramadan Working Hours In The UAE
The authorities set the law of modifying Ramadan working hours in the UAE to fulfil the physical and spiritual needs of workers during this sacred month. Employees observe fasting while maintaining their focus to complete work tasks efficiently.
At the same time, these regulations ensure that they also fulfill their religious duties and family time comfortably by maintaining energy.
Which Private Sector Jobs Are Not Entitled to Hours Reduction In Ramadan?
While Ramadan working hours in the UAE generally require a two-hour reduction for most private sector employees, certain roles that operate round-the-clock or on shifts may follow alternative arrangements to ensure business continuity. Such roles may include, but are not limited to:
- Healthcare staff and hospitals
- Emergency services and law enforcement
- Security personnel
- Aviation and transport workers
- Hospitality and retail staff with extended hours
- Manufacturing and utilities
What Happens If You Work Beyond The Ramadan Hours?
The DIFC Employment Law (DIFC Law No. 2 of 2019) clearly states that muslim employees may not be required to work more than six hours per day during Ramadan. If any employee works beyond, it is clearly classified as Overtime, and employers must compensate fairly for it.
(Some of the private job sectors, like IT, marketing, and finance, offer the flexibility of remote work to the employees, especially in the last 10 days of Ramadan)
Calculation of Overtime Compensation
The UAE Labour Law clearly explain how private sector employers pay extra to employees who work beyond normal hours, including in the month of Ramadan.
- Article 19(2) – If an employee works beyond the normal working hours, payment must be at least the employee’s regular hourly wage plus an additional 25% of that wage.
- Article 19(3) – If overtime is performed between 10 PM and 4 AM, the employee is entitled to higher compensation; the payment must be the normal hourly wage plus a 50% increase.
- Article 19(4) – In case an employee is required to work on their official off day, then the employer must provide a substitute day or pay the normal daily wage plus a 50% bonus.
How to Claim Unpaid Overtime Compensation?
As Ramadan working hours in the UAE are being handled by legal authorities, if the employer fails to pay extra for overtime, an employee has the right to file a complaint with MOHRE with all gathered evidence. After submission, MOHRE will usually attempt to resolve the issue, but if the attempt failed than they take the official decision on whether the claim is under 50,000AED, or if beyond, NOC will be issued to take the dispute tothe UAE’s labour court.
Start Countdown to Ramadan 2026
Whether you are an employer or an employee, remember that adjustment of Ramadan working hours in UAE for 2026 is a legal right and a longstanding feature of the UAE labour system. The legal authorities ensure to keep the balance between social and religious considerations that let you embrace a peaceful Ramadan.
