Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

Private sector employees in the UAE will work two hours less per day during Ramadan 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced on Thursday (February 12). According to MoHRE, daily working hours will be reduced by two hours for all private sector employees during the holy month. Employees in the UAE typically work eight to nine hours a day. During Ramadan, this will be shortened by two hours. Any work done beyond the reduced schedule may be considered overtime, and employees will be entitled to additional compensation in line with UAE labour regulations. MoHRE also said that companies may implement flexible or remote work arrangements during Ramadan. “Private sector companies may implement flexible or remote work schedules within the limits of the daily working hours specified during the holy month, in line with their business interests and the nature of their work,” the ministry stated. Public sector employees will also follow reduced working hours. From Monday to Thursday, official working hours in the public sector will be from 9am to 2:30pm. On Fridays, working hours will be from 9am to 12 noon. The announcement noted that exceptions may apply to employees whose job nature requires different schedules. Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19 and is predicted to last 29 days, likely ending on March 19. The exact start and end dates remain subject to official moon-sighting confirmation. Reduced working hours during Ramadan are implemented annually in the UAE to accommodate fasting employees during the holy month. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page