Working hours for private sector employees in the UAE will be reduced by two hours for the duration of Ramadan, the government has announced.
The Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Nasser Al Hamli, revealed the adjusted working hours for staff in a circular issued by the ministry on Friday.
The circular also urged employers to continue following the precautionary measures taken to protect workers from coronavirus, the ministry said.
Muslims in the UAE began fasting from dawn to dusk on Friday as Ramadan began across the Islamic world.
The coronavirus pandemic poses a challenge to Muslims observing the holy month, with restrictions on large gatherings and mosque closures bringing some changes to Ramadan.
Public sector workers in the UAE will also work reduced hours during the holy month.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources last week announced that federal and ministerial employees will work for five hours each day, with office hours beginning at 9am and ending at 2pm.
Most workers in the UAE, however, are expected to be working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
