The UAE government has officially declared the working hours for public sector employees during the upcoming Ramadan. According to The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), federal employees will observe shortened working hours from Monday to Thursday and Fridays during the holy month.
As per the announcement made on Monday, all ministries and federal agencies will operate from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, the working hours will be from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, unless the nature of the work necessitates a different schedule.
The FAHR emphasized that ministries and federal agencies have the discretion to implement flexible or remote work schedules during Ramadan, provided they adhere to the approved guidelines and maintain the prescribed number of working hours per day.
Additionally, employees may be granted the option to work remotely on Fridays during Ramadan, but this flexibility is capped at 70% of the total workforce, in line with approved regulations.
The anticipated start date for Ramadan, as per the Hijri calendar published by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), is Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
These adjusted working hours apply to both fasting and non-fasting employees, ensuring their ability to participate in spiritual activities and cultural practices during the sacred month.
Under normal circumstances, the UAE federal government follows a four and a half-day working week. Outside of Ramadan, employees work eight hours a day, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays are designated as the official weekends for the federal government sector.
Similarly, local government entities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah have adopted a similar work week system.
However, federal employees in Sharjah operate on a four-day workweek, from Monday to Thursday, with working hours from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The official weekend in Sharjah spans three days, from Friday to Sunday.
These adjustments in working hours aim to accommodate employees’ religious observance during Ramadan while ensuring the continuity of essential government services.
By facilitating flexible and remote work options, the UAE government demonstrates its commitment to supporting employees’ work-life balance and promoting cultural sensitivity in the workplace.
