Private sector employees in the UAE will have reduced working hours during the month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) announced on Monday.

Private sector employees across the country typically work eight to nine hours a day, but they will enjoy a two hour reduction to their daily work schedule during the Muslim holy month.

In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the ministry said: “In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during Ramadan.”

Ramadan is expected to begin on March 12 pending confirmation from the moon sighting committee, according to the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset and engage in religious rituals that encourage self-control, charity, community, and spirituality.

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) had already issued a circular setting the official working hours during the holy month of Ramadan for the employees of federal authorities.

The Islamic holy month will see all ministries and federal agencies operating from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

On Fridays, working hours are from 9 a.m. until 12 noon, unless the nature of the work necessitates otherwise.