Reduced work hours for Ramadan: How UAE businesses adapt to stay productive

As the holy month of Ramadan draws near, businesses across the UAE are gearing up for the change in working hours. Working hours have been reduced by two hours for private sector employees, along with flexible hours and remote work options for government employees. 

Companies are not only adjusting their schedules but are also exploring innovative strategies to ensure operations run smoothly while respecting the needs of their employees.

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One such business adapting to these changes is a local food truck, Atifa. The owner, Ahmed Mahdi, shared how Ramadan transforms the culinary landscape. “Our hours shift significantly during this month. We tend to open later in the evening to cater to families breaking their fast. It’s about being in tune with the community,” he explained.

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Ahmed also emphasises the importance of menu adjustments. “We introduce special meals that are hearty and nutritious, designed to refuel our customers after a long day of fasting. It’s not just about food; it’s about creating an experience that resonates with the spirit of Ramadan.” 

He highlighted how his team is trained to maintain high morale despite the late hours, often sharing iftar meals together, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the staff.

To ensure his employees remain well-rested during this demanding period, Ahmed has implemented a structured schedule. “During the day, our team has dedicated rest hours. They come in about one to two hours before iftar to prepare the food and set up the truck. This allows them to recharge and be ready for the evening rush,” he explained.

He also recognises the importance of family during Ramadan. “I’ve made a schedule that allows employees to shift their iftar times, so everyone gets a chance to break fast with their families. It’s crucial for maintaining morale and keeping the team motivated,” he added.

However, with the evening hours becoming busier than usual, especially during suhoor, Ahmed sometimes opts not to open at iftar times. “Suhoor is typically our busiest period, so we focus our efforts there. We even take a break during Taraweeh prayers to allow our team to participate,” he shared.

HR strategies

As the UAE has announced a reduction of two working hours for private sector employees during Ramadan, Fahima Mustafa, an HR manager at Miasee Advertising, discussed the critical role of HR in navigating these changes. “We recognise that our employees’ energy levels fluctuate during this month, so we’ve implemented flexible working hours. Employees can choose to start and end their shifts according to their needs, as long as they meet their targets,” she said.

In addition to flexible hours, Fahima notes that the company has introduced the option of remote work. “As long as the work is done, we trust our employees to manage their responsibilities from home. This flexibility allows them to balance their work and personal lives more effectively during Ramadan,” she explains.

As an advertising company, Fahima understands that the pressure can be higher during this month due to deadlines and client expectations. “However, we prioritise our employees’ well-being. By putting them first, we create an environment where they can perform at their best without compromising their health or personal commitments,” she affirmed. This employee-first approach not only fosters loyalty but also enhances overall productivity, ensuring that the company thrives even during the challenges of Ramadan.

Retail stores

Murad Amid, a retail store manager, sheds light on the retail sector's response to the unique challenges of Ramadan. “Foot traffic changes dramatically during this month. We see a surge in customers in the evenings, so we extend our hours accordingly,” he explained.

To meet the increased demand, Murad’s team has adopted a staggered shift system, allowing employees to work in shorter bursts but more frequently. This flexibility has encouraged collaboration among the staff. For example, non-Muslim employees are coming forward to take the morning shifts, which allows their Muslim colleagues to rest and prepare for iftar without the stress of work.

Waad Barakat

Staff Writer

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waad@khaleejtimes.com

Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.