Working hours for UAE private sector workers reduced for Ramadan

The Ministry of Human Resources has announced amended hours during the holy month, which is expected to begin on May 6

The working day will be reduced by two hours for private sector employees in the UAE during Ramadan, a UAE minister has announced.

Nasser Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, revealed the adjusted working hours for staff in a circular issued by the ministry.

The first day of Ramadan in 2019 fell on May 6 in the UAE after the moon sighting committee convened at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and spotted the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of a new month.

The Moon sighting committee will reconvene on the 29th day of Ramadan to search for a glimpse of the new crescent moon, which will signal the start of Eid Al Fitr. When spotted, the following morning will be announced as the first day of the 10th month, known as Shawwal.

It has been confirmed that private schools in Dubai will shorten the school day by two hours this Ramadan.

Dubai's education regulator, the KHDA, classes will start between 8.00am to 8.30am and finish between 1.00pm to 1.30pm, with shorter breaks as required.

"Schools should ensure that the total hours at school per day for pupils do not exceed five hours," said Mohammed Darwish, chief of permits and compliance.