UAE Ramadan Working Hours 2026 for Private Sector: Official Rules, Reduced Hours & Overtime Pay
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As Ramadan 2026 approaches, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially announced updated working hour rules for the private sector to accommodate fasting and religious observance while ensuring workplace productivity and employee wellbeing.
1. Standard Working Hours in the UAE (Pre-Ramadan)
Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), the standard working time for private sector employees is set at 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
Employers must also provide appropriate break periods — for example, a minimum one-hour rest for every five consecutive working hours, which does not count toward total working hours.
2. Ramadan 2026: Reduced Working Hours
Mandatory Two-Hour Reduction
During Ramadan, private sector working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day, as mandated by UAE employment regulations. This means that if the regular shift is 8 hours, employees should work a
maximum of 6 hours daily during Ramadan.
This reduction applies to all private sector employees regardless of religion or fasting status.
Employers must implement this change and cannot bypass it or replace it with compensation unless parties agree under labour regulations.
The adjustment aims to help employees balance work responsibilities with fasting, prayer, and family time throughout the holy month.
3. Flexible & Remote Working Arrangements
Private companies are allowed to introduce flexible work patterns or remote working arrangements as long as the reduced hours requirement (6 hours) is met.
This flexibility helps businesses maintain operational continuity while respecting religious practices and employee needs during Ramadan.
4. Overtime: Rules and Pay
Overtime Eligibility
If an employer requests extra hours beyond the reduced Ramadan schedule, such additional time may be considered overtime.
Overtime Compensation
Under UAE Labour Law:
Overtime work must generally not exceed 2 hours per day unless necessary to prevent loss, major accidents, or similar urgent circumstances.
Overtime pay is calculated as the regular hourly rate plus a minimum of 25%.
Work done during late night hours (typically 10 pm–4 am) may attract a higher premium — up to 50% above the normal hourly rate.
Employees cannot be forced to work overtime without their consent, except in emergencies as defined by law.
5. Exemptions & Special Cases
Free Zone Jurisdictions
Certain free zones like DIFC or ADGM operate under separate employment laws and do not automatically apply MOHRE Ramadan hour reductions. However, most employers in these zones voluntarily align with the national practice to maintain workforce satisfaction.
Executive and Supervisory Roles
Employees in managerial or supervisory positions might be exempt from overtime entitlement in some cases, depending on internal policies and their role definitions.
6. Employer Compliance & Penalties
Failing to implement Ramadan working hour reductions or misclassifying overtime can lead to scrutiny from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and potential penalties under UAE labour regulations.
Employees who believe their rights have been violated may file complaints through the MoHRE app, hotline, or service centers.
7. Practical Tips for Employees During Ramadan
Check your employment contract for normal working hours and how Ramadan adjustments are applied.
Confirm your daily schedule and break times with HR or your supervisor before Ramadan starts.
If asked to work beyond Ramadan hours, understand your right to overtime compensation.
For companies in free zones, clarify whether Ramadan hours are applied voluntarily or by internal policy.
Summary: Key Points at a Glance
Aspect | Ramadan 2026 Rules |
Standard Workday | 8 hours (pre-Ramadan) |
Ramadan Workday | Reduced by 2 hours (6 hrs) |
Overtime Eligibility | Yes, beyond Ramadan hours |
Overtime Pay | +25% standard, +50% at night |
Flexible Arrangements | Allowed within reduced hours |
Free Zones | May follow separate rules |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the working hours in UAE during Ramadan 2026 for private sector?
Private sector working hours in the UAE are reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan 2026, as per the UAE Labour Law. If the normal workday is 8 hours, employees will work 6 hours daily during the holy month.
2. Does the Ramadan working hour reduction apply to non-Muslims?
Yes. The two-hour reduction applies to all private sector employees, regardless of religion or fasting status.
3. How is overtime calculated during Ramadan in UAE?
If employees work beyond the reduced Ramadan hours, they are entitled to overtime pay. Overtime is paid at:
25% extra on the regular hourly wage
50% extra if overtime is between 10 PM and 4 AM
4. Can employers ask employees to work extra hours during Ramadan?
Employers can request overtime, but it must comply with UAE Labour Law. Employees are entitled to overtime compensation, and daily overtime generally should not exceed two hours unless in exceptional cases.
5. Are free zone companies required to reduce working hours during Ramadan?
Some free zones operate under separate employment regulations. However, many align with federal Ramadan working hour practices for employee welfare and consistency.
References
UAE Government Portal – Working Hours in the Private Sector
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/employment-in-the-private-sector/working-hours
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
Khaleej Times – UAE Ramadan Private Sector Working Hours Updates
Gulf News – Ramadan Working Hours in UAE Explained
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law)
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/employment-in-the-private-sector