Understanding Ramadan Work Hours in UAE's Private Sector

Feb 19, 2026

61 min

Feb 19, 2026 00:31

Ramadan work hours in UAE: Private sector rules, exemptions and overtime explained

## Reduced Working Hours During Ramadan

In the UAE, private sector employees are entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan. According to Article 15(2) of Cabinet Decision No. 1 of 2022, all private sector workers, regardless of their religion or job category, should have their daily working hours reduced by two hours.

## Exceptions to Reduced Hours

Certain roles, such as those in shift-based operations, security, healthcare, and hospitality, may not benefit from reduced hours due to operational demands. Employers in these sectors must still adhere to legal maximum working hours and compensate for any extra hours worked.

## Overtime Regulations

Employees required to work beyond the reduced hours during Ramadan are entitled to overtime pay. The UAE Labour Law stipulates that overtime should be compensated with normal pay plus an additional 25% for hours worked beyond the standard schedule. This increases to 50% for overtime between 10 pm and 4 am. Shift workers are exempt from these overtime rules.

## Special Rules in Freezones

In freezones like DIFC and ADGM, separate labor laws apply. For instance, DIFC's Employment Law mandates reduced working hours for Muslim employees during Ramadan, limiting their workday to six hours. This reduction does not apply to non-Muslim employees.

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