Dubai announces flexible hours, remote work for government employees during Ramadan

Dubai has announced flexible working hours and remote work for government employees during the holy month of Ramadan, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department announced on Wednesday.

Government entities have been directed to allow employees to work in a flexible manner for three hours per day, provided that employees complete five and a half hours of work from Monday to Thursday.

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On Fridays, public sector employees must work for three hours to be eligible for flexible work.

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Additionally, employees are allowed to work remotely for the equivalent of two days per week according to requirements, work conditions and tasks assigned to the employee.

This comes under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources earlier announced official working hours for government employees in the UAE during the month of Ramdan. The hours have been adjusted to accommodate the needs of employees during the fasting month.

Employees will be required to work from 9am to 2.30pm between Monday to Thursday, while on Fridays, working hours have been set from 9am to 12pm. Employees will work 3.5 hours less from Monday to Thursday and 1.5 hours less on Fridays.

For private sector employees in the country, working hours have been reduced by two hours per day during the holy month. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) further clarified that companies may apply flexible work patterns or remote work within the limits of the daily working hours specified during the month of Ramadan. This is applicable to companies based on their interests and the nature of their work.

If employees are asked to work more than the stipulated hours during Ramadan or are not compensated for working overtime, workers are allowed to file a complaint against employers with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Previous years

The revised working hour policy announced in Dubai prior to this Ramadan is different compared to those established in the previous years. In 2024, work timings for Dubai's public sector employees were set from 9am to 2.30pm between Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 12pm on Fridays.

Government agencies in the bustling city were also allowed to adopt a flexible working system and remote work policies on Fridays, applicable for up to 70 per cent of the total number of employees. The same policy applied in 2023 as well in the emirate.

When is Ramadan?

Every year faithful residents across the country await the moon sighting which determines the commencement of the holy month. This year, the UAE's International Astronomy Centre said Ramadan is likely to begin on March 1.

Moon sighting will take place on the 29th day of Shaban (February 28), with each Islamic month lasting up to 29 or 30 days. If the crescent is not spotted on Friday evening, then Ramadan will begin on March 2.

Preparations have begun

The city of Dubai has already begun preparations ahead of the holy month.

The Dubai Municipality has started inspections at markets, malls, restaurants, bakeries, food warehouses and more establishments to ensure public health and food safety during Ramadan.

With charity and social values taking a front seat during the month, authorities have issued reminders around the fines and guidelines set to regulate charitable activities.

Some schools across the UAE have been holding events prior to the holy month to foster a sense of peace and togetherness among students. Some institutions have also been rushing to complete syllabus.

Supermarkets and retail outlets have started discount campaigns to help residents save and prepare ahead of Ramadan.

For tourists and residents looking to have a change of scenery during the holy month, Global Village has also announced new operating hours during the month.

• Dubai

Laraib Anwer

laraib@khaleejtimes.com

Laraib Anwer is a Digital Journalist who loves the thrill of breaking headlines almost as much as she does unapologetically using GenZ slang. She dreams of a world free of animal cruelty and hopes to tell community stories that make a difference.