UAE announces Ramadan 2023 working hours for private sector

The working day will be reduced by two hours, authorities said on Monday

Worshippers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during Ramadan. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

UAE cultural tips and etiquette to follow during Ramadan 2023

Working hours for private sector employees will be reduced by two hours during Ramadan, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced.

The ministry said on Monday that companies would be able to introduce "flexible or remote working patterns" throughout the holy month.

Contracted hours vary in the private sector, with many members of staff typically working for nine hours each day.

“In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during the days of Ramadan,” the ministry said.

The UAE confirmed working hours for federal government employees during Ramadan on Friday.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources said in a circular that the working day would run from 9am to 2.30pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9am until noon on Fridays.

Ministries and federal departments will be allowed to implement flexible working or remote work schedules, the state news agency Wam reported.

This year, Ramadan will begin in the UAE on March 23. The official date was determined by the country's moon-sighting committee the night of March 22.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is believed to be the month when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and drink during this period.

Ramadan is also a time when Muslims strengthen their faith through prayer and increased recitation of the Quran.

The last 10 days of the holy month are the most special, coinciding with Laylat Al Qadr, commemorating the night the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.

The rewards for acts of worship carried out on this night are said to be more than the rewards of 1,000 months of worship.