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Ramadan  in UAE: Which jobs are not entitled to reduced working hours 

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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.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

UAE’s new banking rule explained: Why WhatsApp is banned

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The UAE Central Bank has banned banks from using messaging apps like WhatsApp for customer services, but what does that actually mean for you?

Here’s a simple breakdown 

No more banking over WhatsApp

If you’ve ever:

  • Messaged your bank on WhatsApp
  • Received account details or updates
  • Got verification codes or documents

That’s now completely banned.

Banks are no longer allowed to use messaging apps for any financial communication.

Your data will be safer

The main reason for the ban is security.

Messaging apps can:

  • Be used for scams or impersonation
  • Allow easy sharing of sensitive info (screenshots/forwards)
  • Store or process data outside the UAE

The new rule ensures your banking data stays protected and within the country.

What you can’t do anymore

Through apps like WhatsApp, you will not be able to:

  • Transfer money
  • Pay bills
  • Open or close accounts
  • Receive PINs or OTPs
  • Share documents like Emirates ID or bank statements

Where you should bank instead

Going forward, banks will direct you to official channels only, such as:

  • Mobile banking apps
  • Secure websites
  • Call centres
  • Physical branches

 If someone asks you to share banking details over WhatsApp, that’s a red flag.

Watch out for scams

This change also helps you identify fraud more easily:

Banks will not contact you on WhatsApp for sensitive matters anymore

So if you get such a message, it’s likely a scam.

When this takes effect

Banks have until the end of April to fully stop using messaging apps. After that, violations could lead to penalties.

This isn’t about convenience, it’s about protecting your money and personal data. Expect fewer casual interactions with banks, but much stronger security.

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Why UAE residents can expect a long Eid break

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UAE residents could be in for another long holiday, as astronomers have revealed the likely dates for Eid Al Adha 2026 based on early calculations.

According to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, the festival is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, though the final date will depend on the official moon sighting.

When is Eid likely to fall?

If current projections hold:

  • Dhu Al Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday, May 18
  • Day of Arafah may fall on Tuesday, May 26
  • Eid Al Adha would begin on Wednesday, May 27

The prediction is based on the expected visibility of the crescent moon on May 17, when viewing conditions are considered favourable.

Eid Al Adha is one of the most significant holidays in Islam and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. For many residents, it also means a multi-day public holiday and travel plans.

Astronomer Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi noted that the data has been shared with the UAE Council for Fatwa. However, authorities stressed that official dates will only be confirmed after the crescent moon is sighted on May 17.

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How to skip toll charges as Abu Dhabi launches two new 24/7 gates

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The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced the introduction of two new gates under the Darb Toll Gate System in Abu Dhabi. The move aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road network efficiency, and reduce congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Motorists, however, can opt for alternative routes (given below) to avoid toll charges, although this may result in longer travel times.

Locations and launch date

The two new toll gates will become operational on May 4, and will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

They are located at:

  • Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street in Ghantoot
  • Wahat Al Karama Street, at the entrance and exit of Sheikh Zayed Street

Toll charges and exemptions

A toll fee of Dh4 per crossing will apply.

However, certain categories will continue to be exempt under Abu Dhabi’s approved toll system, including:

  • Senior citizens
  • People of Determination
  • Low-income citizens
  • Retired citizens

Alternative routes for motorists

The ITC confirmed that the locations were selected based on detailed traffic studies, including traffic density, mobility patterns, and the availability of alternative routes.

Al Qurm Toll Gate (Wahat Al Karama Street):

  • Alternative routes: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street, Arabian Gulf Street

Ghantoot Toll Gate (Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street):

  • Alternative route: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Street

According to the ITC, the addition of these gates is part of broader efforts to support Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion and rising traffic demand.

The centre will continue to monitor the system through regular evaluations, analysing traffic patterns and performance to ensure the toll network operates efficiently and meets its traffic management objectives.


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