The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that private sector employees will work two hours less per day during Ramadan 2026.

The announcement aligns with the UAE’s annual Ramadan working hour adjustments, aimed at supporting employees observing the holy month while ensuring business continuity across sectors.

All private sector companies in the UAE must reduce daily working hours by two hours during Ramadan.

Businesses may also introduce:

• Flexible working hours
• Remote work arrangements
• Alternative shift schedules

These arrangements depend on the nature of the company’s operations and must comply with UAE Labour Law.

Ramadan Working Hours

Reduced working hours during Ramadan are standard practice across the UAE. The policy is designed to support employees observing the fast while maintaining productivity and service continuity across government and private sectors.

Residents and employees are advised to follow official FAHR and MoHRE channels for the latest updates on Ramadan policies and workplace regulations in the UAE.

Sharjah Municipality has announced that commercial establishments in the emirate must obtain a special permit if they wish to extend their working hours beyond midnight during Ramadan.

The municipality clarified that stores and retail shops are required to apply for the permit online through its official website (www.shjmun.gov.ae) in order to continue operating after 12am.

However, engineering contractors and construction companies will not be eligible for the permit to work after midnight at construction sites.

Online service launched for Ramadan permits

The municipality confirmed that the permit application is available through its electronic services platform, allowing businesses to complete the process digitally ahead of Ramadan.

The move aims to regulate extended commercial activity during the holy month while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Ramadan working hours confirmed

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Human Resources Department announced the official Ramadan working hours for government departments, authorities and institutions in the emirate.

Government employees will work from 9am to 2:30pm during Ramadan.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has officially announced the working hours for ministries and federal entities during Ramadan 2026 in the UAE.

According to FAHR, federal government employees will work reduced hours throughout the Holy Month, in line with the country’s annual Ramadan schedule adjustments.

Working Hours

The approved working hours are as follows:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:00am to 2:30pm
• Friday: 9:00am to 12:00pm

The authority clarified that these timings apply to all ministries and federal entities, except for employees whose job roles require different working arrangements.

Flexible and Remote Work

FAHR confirmed that existing flexible working regulations will continue during Ramadan, provided employees complete the approved daily working hours.

Additionally, federal entities may allow employees to work remotely on Fridays. However, remote work must not exceed 70 per cent of the total workforce within any federal entity, and must comply with approved regulations.

Ramadan Work Hours in the UAE

Reduced working hours during Ramadan are a standard practice across the UAE, aimed at supporting employees during the fasting month while ensuring continuity of government services.

Further details regarding Ramadan-related guidelines, including prayer timings and Zakat Al Fitr regulations, are expected to be announced separately by relevant authorities.

Residents are encouraged to follow official FAHR channels for updates on Ramadan 2026 policies and working hours in the UAE.