Page 110 - DGHR PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources earlier announced official working hours
for government employees in the UAE during the month of Ramdan. The hours have been adjusted
to accommodate the needs of employees during the fasting month.
Employees will be required to work from 9am to 2.30pm between Monday to Thursday, while on
Fridays, working hours have been set from 9am to 12pm. Employees will work 3.5 hours less from
Monday to Thursday and 1.5 hours less on Fridays.

For private sector employees in the country, working hours have been reduced by two hours per day
during the holy month. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) further
clarified that companies may apply flexible work patterns or remote work within the limits of the
daily working hours specified during the month of Ramadan. This is applicable to companies based
on their interests and the nature of their work.

If employees are asked to work more than the stipulated hours during Ramadan or are not
compensated for working overtime, workers are allowed to file a complaint against employers with
the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Previous years

The revised working hour policy announced in Dubai prior to this Ramadan is different compared to
those established in the previous years. In 2024, work timings for Dubai's public sector
employees were set from 9am to 2.30pm between Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 12pm on
Fridays.
Government agencies in the bustling city were also allowed to adopt a flexible working system and
remote work policies on Fridays, applicable for up to 70 per cent of the total number of employees.
The same policy applied in 2023 as well in the emirate.

When is Ramadan?

Every year faithful residents across the country await the moon sighting which determines the
commencement of the holy month. This year, the UAE's International Astronomy Centre said
Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1.

Moon sighting will take place on the 29th day of Shaban (February 28), with each Islamic month
lasting up to 29 or 30 days. If the crescent is not spotted on Friday evening, then Ramadan will
begin on March 2.

Preparations have begun
The city of Dubai has already begun preparations ahead of the holy month.

The Dubai Municipality has started inspections at markets, malls, restaurants, bakeries, food
warehouses and more establishments to ensure public health and food safety during Ramadan.

With charity and social values taking a front seat during the month, authorities have issued
reminders around the fines and guidelines set to regulate charitable activities.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ramadan/dubai-announces-flexible-hours-remote-work-for-
government-employees-during-ramadan