During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours in the UAE are reduced. Applying this correctly — and consistently — keeps your team happy and your business compliant.
The two-hour reduction
Standard working hours are reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan. In practice, this means a normal eight-hour day becomes six hours, without a reduction in pay.
Who it applies to
The reduction applies to employees during Ramadan under current MOHRE guidance. Exact shift arrangements can vary by employer and sector, so it's worth confirming how your organisation applies it and communicating it clearly in advance.
Managing it fairly
- Set and communicate Ramadan hours before the month begins.
- Apply the reduction consistently across eligible staff.
- Adjust shift schedules and overtime rules for the shorter day.
- Keep accurate records so payroll and attendance stay correct.
Adjust schedules in a click
Changing everyone's hours for a month is fiddly by hand. TimeChart's shift scheduling and attendance let you apply Ramadan hours across the team instantly and keep records accurate.
Roll out Ramadan hours effortlessly. See TimeChart's scheduling in a demo.
Schedule a free demoPlease note: Ramadan dates change each year with the lunar calendar. This article is general information, not legal advice. UAE labour rules are updated periodically — always confirm the current details with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (mohre.gov.ae) or a qualified professional.