The fasting throughout this holy month, labor law, and your legal rights as an employee, including working hours, are all discussed in this article about Ramadan in the UAE.

About Ramadan

Ramadan is one of the most important periods in the Muslim year. It is a time of spiritual awakening, self-evaluation and remembrance of Allah, which Muslims observe through fasting and prayer.

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset to commemorate the revelation of the Holy Quran and as an expression of their deep reverence to Allah and Prophet Mohammed. Traditionally, Muslims break their fast at Iftar after the evening prayers.

Month of Ramadan teaches Muslims self-discipline, humility and giving. Charity is a significant part of Ramadan and Muslims are expected to help the needy. Ramadan ends with Eid celebrations, which last for two or three days.

What are the working hours during Ramadan in UAE?

In accordance with the Federal Law No. 8 of 1980, the working hours of all companies and establishments will be reduced from 8 hours to 6 hours, without affecting the salaries of employees. There is often confusion over whether only Muslims benefit from the reduced working hours rule or if its applicability extends to non-Muslims as well. The relevant provisions of the Labour Law make it clear that the reduced working hour’s provision is not based on nationality or religion-specific. In contrast, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which is subject to its own legal regime, entitles only those employees who are “observing the fast” to benefit from the reduced working hours rule during Ramadan.

Through our Dubai law firms, you can find all the solutions and consultations for your issues.

Can a Dubai company ask employees to work for normal hours?

This is a serious violation against the labour law in Dubai and company that break this law will be slapped with administrative punishments. Company cannot even ask their employees to work extra hours from home, because any work done at home should count towards the employee’s total hours. Often authorities conduct check from time to time to ensure that are the companies are abiding by Labour Law.

You can consult labor lawyers in Dubai to know your rights to work in the UAE.

Recommended behavior during Ramadan in UAE

Employers should, if they have not already done so, implement a comprehensive Ramadan policy, setting out clearly not only the relevant provisions of the Labour Law, but the recommended and expected standards of behaviour and conduct during Ramadan so as to minimise the risks of causing offense to those observing the fast.

General rules to observe during Ramadan

Everybody is prohibited from eating, drinking or smoking in public during the fasting hours. Failure to such compliance could attract a month’s jail term or fine, according to uae labor law.

FAQ about Ramadan in UAE : Labour Law & Your Legal Rights

1-What is working hours during Ramadan in Dubai?

Employees in the public sector will be able to work during Ramadan from 9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday.

2-What can companies do for Ramadan?

Employers can support employees by providing a quiet area in the office for prayer and offering brief breaks. The final ten days of Ramadan are particularly revered. Some Muslim employees may choose to take time off or request a change in schedule so they can participate in all-night prayers.

3-Is working 12 hours or more per day legal in UAE?

According to the UAE Labour Law, a six-day workweek’s worth of work cannot exceed eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. Employee workdays are cut by two hours each day during the holy month of Ramadan.

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