Ramadan 2026: UAE announces reduced working hours for public sector employees
UAE has announced the official working hours for public sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan.From Monday to Thursday, working hours will be from 9am to 2.30pm, while on Fridays, they will be from 9am to noon. This is with the exception of employees whose job nature requires otherwise.The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources on Wednesday said that federal ministries and entities may either follow the approved flexible work regulations during working days in Ramadan or, grant flexibility for employees to work remotely on Fridays. This must be at most 70 per cent of the total number of the entity’s employees, in accordance with the approved controls.In the Emirates, Ramadan is most likely expected to begin on February 19, according to Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre. This is because sighting the crescent on February 17 is "either impossible or highly improbable from all regions of the Arab and Islamic world", according to Engineer Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of IAC.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent. Wednesday is expected to mark the 30th and final day of Shaban, meaning the month will complete 30 days and Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday.However, the official decision rests with the moon-sighting committees who will convene on the 29th day of Shaban to determine the start of the holy month.Working hours in the public sectorUsually, UAE federal government has a four and a half-day work-week. During months other than Ramadan, employees work eight hours from Monday to Thursday, and four and a half hours on Friday. Effective from January 2022, Saturdays and Sundays became the official weekends of the federal government sector. Emirates other than Sharjah have adopted a similar work-week system. However, in Sharjah, public employees have a 4-day work-week, with the weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Ramadan in UAE: How to get your body ready for month of fastingGoing shopping for Ramadan? UAE retailers offer up to 70% discountsSharjah Light Village to continue till first few days of Ramadan; check out ticket prices
UAE has announced the official working hours for public sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan.
From Monday to Thursday, working hours will be from 9am to 2.30pm, while on Fridays, they will be from 9am to noon. This is with the exception of employees whose job nature requires otherwise.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources on Wednesday said that federal ministries and entities may either follow the approved flexible work regulations during working days in Ramadan or, grant flexibility for employees to work remotely on Fridays. This must be at most 70 per cent of the total number of the entity’s employees, in accordance with the approved controls.
In the Emirates, Ramadan is most likely expected to begin on February 19, according to Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre. This is because sighting the crescent on February 17 is "either impossible or highly improbable from all regions of the Arab and Islamic world", according to Engineer Muhammad Shawkat Odeh, Director of IAC.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Islamic months last either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the crescent. Wednesday is expected to mark the 30th and final day of Shaban, meaning the month will complete 30 days and Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday.
However, the official decision rests with the moon-sighting committees who will convene on the 29th day of Shaban to determine the start of the holy month.
Working hours in the public sector
Usually, UAE federal government has a four and a half-day work-week. During months other than Ramadan, employees work eight hours from Monday to Thursday, and four and a half hours on Friday.
Effective from January 2022, Saturdays and Sundays became the official weekends of the federal government sector.
Emirates other than Sharjah have adopted a similar work-week system. However, in Sharjah, public employees have a 4-day work-week, with the weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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