Private sector hours have now been announced.
The Holy Month is approaching quickly, with astronomers likely to announce the start date on Tuesday evening.
As part of the lead up to Ramadan, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced that all public sector employees will work reduced hours during that period. They’ll be required to work from 9am to 2pm.
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And, according to The National, private sector workers will have their typical work day shortened by two hours. Nasser Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, made the announcement in a statement.
So if you’re usually in the office from 9am to 6pm, expect to head home at 4pm.
One notable exception is those who work in DIFC. There, you only get a shorter work day if you’re observing the fast.
Here’s the relevant part of the labour law:
“The maximum normal working hours for adult employees shall be eight hours per day or forty eight hours per week. However, working hours for the employees of commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, watchmen and similar operations may be increased to nine hours per day as determined by the Minister of Labour. Likewise, working hours per day in respect of hazardous work or work detrimental to health, may be decreased by decision of the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. During the month of Ramadan, normal working hours shall be reduced by two hours.”
And the same for DIFC:
“During the Holy month of Ramadan, an employee who observes the fast shall not be required to work in excess of six hours a day. There shall be no reduction in compensation as a result.”
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