In the UAE, private sector employees typically receive a two-hour reduction in daily working hours during Ramadan, regardless of religion.

However, there are important exceptions.

Roles That May Not Receive Reduced Hours

Employees in roles where business continuity is essential may operate on normal schedules, including:

• Shift-based operations
• Security personnel
• Healthcare workers
• Hospitality staff (hotels, restaurants, tourism)
• Other critical service roles

In these cases, employers can implement alternative working arrangements, but they must still comply with:

• Maximum legal working hour limits
• Overtime compensation rules

What About Free Zones Like DIFC and ADGM?

Some free zones follow separate labour laws.

For example:

DIFC

• Only Muslim employees are entitled to reduced working hours (maximum six hours per day during Ramadan).
• Reduced hours do not apply to non-Muslim employees under DIFC law.

ADGM operates under its own employment regulations as well, which may differ from mainland UAE law.

What Happens If You Work Overtime?

Since regular working hours are reduced by two hours per day, any work beyond the reduced hours is generally considered overtime.

Employers can request overtime, but:

• Extra hours must not exceed two hours per day
• Overtime must be compensated as per UAE Labour Law

How Is Overtime Calculated?

If you work beyond normal hours:

• You are entitled to your normal hourly pay (based on basic salary) plus 25%
• If overtime falls between 10pm and 4am, compensation increases to 50% extra
• This late-night rule does not apply to shift workers

If you work on your official rest day:

• You are entitled to either:
  • A substitute rest day, OR
  • Normal pay plus 50%

While most private-sector workers benefit from reduced Ramadan hours, those in essential, shift-based, or continuous operations roles may not see shorter days. Still, they must be properly compensated if they work beyond legal limits.

Dubai is getting a brand-new desert destination, and it’s massive.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai,  has approved Al Layan Oasis, a 10 million square foot eco-tourism and leisure project set to transform part of the emirate’s desert into a lake-centred retreat packed with walking trails, camping areas and family attractions.

Located about 50 minutes from Dubai city centre, the oasis is expected to attract 330,000 visitors a year.

A 2.5 Million Sq Ft Lake in the Desert

At the heart of Al Layan Oasis will be a 2.5 million sq ft lake, surrounded by:

• 14km of walking and cycling tracks
• Elevated pathways five metres above ground
• 1,000 parking spaces
• Sports and recreation facilities
• Camping and caravan zones

The elevated 4km track will offer panoramic desert views and connect to existing routes in Al Marmoom.

Four Zones for Families and Visitors

The destination will feature four themed areas:

• Camping Oasis: 100 caravan spots and a visitor centre
• Gathering Oasis: Open-air cinema, amphitheatre and food trucks
• Family Oasis: 28 shaded rest areas and children’s play zones
• Recreation Oasis: Retail, activities and leisure facilities

Officials say the project balances eco-tourism with environmental protection, expanding native planting and shaded areas to enhance comfort.

Part of Dubai’s Sustainability Plan

Al Layan Oasis forms part of Dubai Municipality’s Blue and Green Roadmap 2030, under a Dh4 billion package aimed at investing in nature to improve the quality of life.

The project also supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the emirate’s long-term sustainability and wellbeing goals.

Once completed, Al Layan Oasis is expected to become one of Dubai’s key desert lifestyle and eco-tourism destinations, offering residents and tourists a new way to experience nature without leaving the emirate.

Dense fog has reduced visibility on several major roads across Dubai. Police have increased patrols and traffic controls to improve safety. Motorists are urged to slow down, maintain safe distances, use low-beam headlights and fog lights where available, avoid sudden lane changes, and not stop on road shoulders. Heavy trucks may be temporarily restricted. Follow official advisories and allow extra travel time.

Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said extensive field and preventive measures were activated in response to foggy conditions affecting multiple areas.

Traffic patrols were deployed on key highways, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Dubai–Al Ain Road, to regulate traffic flow, monitor speeds, and reduce accident risks.

Police patrols carried out continuous inspections to ensure motorists followed safety instructions, such as gradually reducing speed, maintaining safe distances and avoiding sudden lane changes or unsafe overtaking. Vehicles found stopped on road shoulders were promptly moved to prevent collisions caused by low visibility.

As a precaution, the movement of heavy trucks was temporarily suspended during periods of dense fog, with drivers directed to designated rest areas. Police warned that speed differences between heavy and light vehicles significantly increase accident risks when visibility is poor.

Authorities noted that reduced horizontal visibility led to minor congestion and vehicle build-up in some locations. Patrols intervened where necessary, managing traffic and diverting motorists to alternative routes.

Dubai Police urged drivers to follow fog safety guidelines, including:

• Using low-beam headlights instead of high beams
• Switching on fog lights when available
• Avoiding stopping on highways
• Refraining from mobile phone use and distractions

Motorists were also warned against sudden braking or lane changes without clear visibility ahead.

Dubai Police stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging drivers to stay alert, follow official advisories and comply with traffic regulations during adverse weather conditions.