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According to UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Article 17(4) reduces working hours by 2 hours during Ramadan in UAE for private sector. In simple words for employees in Ramadan reduce 2 hours and normal 8 hours are reduced to 6 working hours. For the 5-day week the maximum is 30 hours in a week and for 6 days it limits maximum 36 working hours in a week.
This rule applies to all private sector companies under UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims or whether they are fasting or not. Salary will not be deducted because of this rule and working after 6 hours in a day is considered overtime.
Working hours during Ramadan in UAE for private sector is based on labor law and followed in all 7 Emirates, as if business running in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah is very important to understand these limits.
What Is the Law for Ramadan Working Hours in the UAE Private Sector?
Here are some key rules
- Mandatory daily reduction
All employees who are under MOHRE have their working hours reduced by 2 hours and this reduction applies to different job roles and sectors
- Full compensation
Basic salary and total compensation remain the same and employer cannot cut your salary during Ramadan in UAE
- Universal application
This rule applies on mainland UAE companies and most free zones in UAE
Standard Working Hours vs Ramadan Working Hours
| Work Schedule | Standard Hours | Working Hours During Ramadan |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Hours Limit | 8 hours per day | 6 hours per day |
| Weekly Limit (5-Day Week) | 40 hours per week | 30 hours per week |
| Weekly Limit (6-Day Week) | 48 hours per week | 36 hours per week |
| Maximum Overtime Per Day | 2 hours per day | 2 hours per day beyond the reduced working hours |
| Salary Status | 100% full pay | 100% full pay with no reduction |
Rules in Financial Free Zones (DIFC and ADGM)
Mainland UAE labor law generally applies but in some independent financial free zone have their own employment rules
- Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)
According to DIFC employment law No. 2 of 2019 can reduce working hours especially applies on Muslims and non-Muslims or non-fasting employees can work a normal 8-hour shift in a day.
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
According to ADGM employment regulation reduce working hours especially applies to Muslims who are fasting on Ramadan
If your company operating in mainland MOHRE then the company must reduce working hours for all employees
Shift Work, Remote Options & Flexible Schedules
Companies can use practical workplace strategies to keep operations running smoothly and while ensuring that working hour during Ramadan in UAE for private sector employee stays within legal limits
- Staggered and Two-Shift Systems
Retail, hospitality, security and healthcare sometimes these businesses should maintain round-the-clock operations. This business can schedule employees in staggered 6-hour shifts to keep operations running smoothly
- Flexible Working Arrangements
Early shift – 7 AM to 1 PM it helps fasting employees to complete their work before afternoon
Standard Mid-Day Shift
Work schedule between 9 AM to 3 PM
Are Any Employee Categories Exempt from Reduced Hours?
Federal Decree Law No 33 of 2021 and its executives regulations explain which types of employees are covered by these exceptions
Senior management and executive
Board members, chairmen and senior leaders who hold leadership positions and represent the employer
Naval crews and marine staff
Seamen and vessel crews who work in special working conditions
Continuous Shift Technical Roles
Those technical jobs where continuous shift operations are needed and not to exceed more than 56 working hours per week
Preparatory or Emergency Work
Jobs that require employees to perform emergency or preparatory work to prevent serious operational problems, accidents, or damage.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with Ramadan Labor Laws
MOHRE inspects workplaces during Ramadan and reviews employee complaints and ensure office working hour directives are followed properly
If private sector companies do not follow working hours during Ramadan in UAE, then employer may face some administrative legal risk
Fines – In serious or widespread cases of UAE labor law violations employers can face some fines from AED 5000 to AED 1000000
Increased fines – Penalties should be increased according to the total number of affected employees
Back-Pay Liability – If company forcing an employee to work an 8-hour shift during Ramadan but not paying overtime then in this case the company should pay overtime with interest
MOHRE Sanctions- If companies are found guilty then company may face risk of temporary suspension
Best Practices for Employers During Ramadan
Companies should maintain team productivity, religious practices and as well as respecting labor laws
- Issue an official Ramadan policy early
Please share written working hours, shift schedules and overtime guidelines at least one week before starting Ramadan
- Adjust project deadlines
Sometimes Ramadan affects project deadlines so adjust your project deadlines according to working hours in a day
- Limit late afternoon meetings
Avoid late meetings or official calls afternoon because fasting employees feel low on energy at the end of the day
- Respect Fasting Norms
Companies should provide designated areas and for non-fasting employees where they can eat whatever they want and show respect to fasting employees
- Track overtime accurately
Employers should update time tracking software according to the Ramadan working hour schedule so that software can accurately track 6 working hours
Explore WorkDesQ software to track working hours, attendance and employee schedules during Ramadan.
Key Takeaway for HR Leaders and Businesses
Managing working hours during Ramadan in UAE for private sector is easy because the company makes proper plans before starting Ramadan. Companies need to follow MOHRE rules and it reduces legal risk from penalties. Employers build trust with employees and build a strong workplace.