UAE Ramadan 2026: Reduced Work Hours Explained for Private Sector Employees
As the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH begins across the UAE, workplaces nationwide are adjusting schedules to reflect both the spiritual rhythm of the month and legal labour requirements. Under Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022 implementing Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, private sector working hours are reduced by two hours daily during Ramadan, a statutory right for employees regardless of religion, role or seniority.The rationale behind this adjustment is to support work-life balance, respect the physical demands of fasting, and align business operations with the slower pace of life typical during Ramadan. Traditionally eight- or nine-hour workdays are shortened, often resulting in six-hour days across most private businesses. Employers are also permitted to offer flexible or remote working arrangements within these reduced hours, as long as operational requirements are met and the legal maximum workday is observed.
How the two-hour cut during Ramadan 2026 in the UAE works: Who benefits
The two-hour reduction applies broadly to private sector employees across the UAE, including non-Muslims, unless specific exemptions apply due to the nature of the work. Roles involving shift-based operations, security, healthcare, hospitality or essential services may operate under alternative arrangements, though they must still respect the maximum working hours stipulated by law and compensate any extra time according to overtime provisions.This legal entitlement is rooted in the UAE Federal Labour Law, which allows the Cabinet to adjust working hours for Ramadan and ensures employees are not overworked during the holy month.
Ramadan Work Hour Cuts in UAE: What Employers and Employees Need To Know
Despite the broad legal framework, some workers report discrepancies, such as companies unofficially maintaining longer hours or dividing schedules in ways that appear to undermine the spirit of the rules. These issues have surfaced on social platforms, with some employees expressing concern about inconsistent implementation and noting that overtime should legally apply when the reduced hours are not respected.
Overtime: What happens if you work beyond Ramadan 2026 hours in the UAE
If an employee is required to work beyond the reduced hours, the extra time is generally classed as overtime, which entitles the employee to additional compensation. According to both the UAE Labour Law and legal experts, overtime during Ramadan must be paid at:
- At least 25% above the normal hourly wage for daytime overtime.
- At least 50% extra for work done between 10 pm and 4 am.
- Overtime triggered by working on rest days may also require special compensation or a substitute day off.
Employers may ask workers to work overtime (up to two hours per day), but such work must be voluntary and properly remunerated. These provisions are designed to protect employees while allowing businesses flexibility when demands require it.
Ramadan 2026 exemptions and special cases in the UAE
While most private sector employees are entitled to shorter hours, certain roles and industries aren’t covered by the standard six-hour schedule due to business continuity or operational imperatives. For example:
- Healthcare and emergency services often retain longer hours, structured through adjusted shift patterns.
- Security and hospitality workers may work alternate hours but must still receive overtime pay for excess time worked.
- Free zones like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) follow their own employment laws, which may treat Ramadan hours differently such as applying reduced hours only to Muslim employees in some cases.
This has led to some debate online, with workers in certain sectors questioning whether exemptions are being applied fairly or consistently, especially when schedules extend beyond the legally mandated reduction.
UAE public sector and government adjustments during Ramadan 2026
In parallel, federal and emirate government entities have also announced adjusted Ramadan working hours. A circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources confirmed that most federal ministries will operate 9:00 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Thursday and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays during Ramadan, with flexibility for remote work on Fridays under specified limits.
UAE Ramadan 2026: Are Your Work Hours Really Reduced?
Several emirates, including Dubai and Ajman, have further embraced flexibility. Dubai’s government has offered options for flexible start times and partial remote work to support employees’ family and spiritual commitments throughout the month.
Ramadan 2026 impact on life and work in the UAE
The reduced working hours ripple beyond office schedules:
- Commuters and traffic patterns shift, with authorities adjusting services like Salik toll timings to account for changes in travel demand during the day.
- Schools and educational institutions modify timetables, typically shortening days and adjusting physical activities for fasting students.
- Businesses adapt operations to accommodate prayer times, community events and the distinctive pace of Ramadan.
The overarching goal, officials say, is not merely regulatory compliance but fostering a work environment that respects both religious observance and economic productivity, while also safeguarding employee wellbeing. Despite clear legal mandates, some employees have voiced frustration online about employers who do not fully adhere to the reduced hours or who allocate hours unevenly between fasting and non-fasting staff.These workplace disputes sometimes lead to confusion over rights and enforcement, prompting advice from legal consultants to workers to raise issues with MoHRE where necessary. In general, however, reduced work hours are seen as a benefit to workers, offering more time for family, prayer and rest during a physically demanding fasting period, while employers are encouraged to use flexible and remote arrangements where possible to maintain business continuity.Private sector workdays are reduced by two hours daily during Ramadan under UAE law, benefiting all employees unless exempted for specific operational reasons. Overtime beyond the reduced hours is payable at higher rates, with enhanced compensation for night work and weekend shifts. Public sector employees also receive adjusted Ramadan schedules, often with flexible and remote options. Disputes about implementation and exemptions sometimes arise but legal protections exist through MoHRE and federal labour law. Go to Source
