During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours and school schedules across the UAE are officially reduced, allowing employees, parents and students shorter days to accommodate fasting, prayer times and overall wellbeing.
Under UAE labour regulations, all employees are entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan, regardless of whether they are fasting. Schools also operate on adjusted schedules throughout the month.
Reduced working hours during Ramadan
Employees in both the public and private sectors are entitled to a two-hour reduction in daily working hours during Ramadan.
Key points to note:
- The two-hour reduction applies to all employees, including non-fasting staff
- Private sector companies may decide how to implement the reduced hours
- Start and finish times can vary depending on company policy
- Many organisations introduce flexible timings, remote work or later start hours, especially on Fridays
Public sector working hours during Ramadan
Federal government entities follow fixed Ramadan timings:
- Monday to Thursday: 9am to 2.30pm
- Friday: 9am to 12pm
Local government departments may follow similar schedules, with minor variations. Flexible and remote working arrangements are often introduced to support employee productivity, though these are not mandatory.
School hours during Ramadan
Schools across the UAE also operate on shortened schedules during Ramadan:
- Students attend a maximum of five hours per day
- Parents are advised to confirm exact timings directly with their child’s school
Friday school timings:
- Schools close at 11.30am
- This aligns with the Friday prayer time of 12.45pm
When does Ramadan 2026 begin?
According to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) Hijri-to-Gregorian calendar, Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin between February 17 and February 19, subject to the official moon sighting.
Based on current projections, Ramadan is expected to start on February 19, 2026, and end around March 19, 2026, depending on whether the month lasts 29 or 30 days.
