Ramadan working hours in United Arab Emirates — 2027
What United Arab Emirates's labour law says about working hours in Ramadan for private-sector employees: the limit, the article that sets it, who it covers and how overtime works.
The legal limit in Ramadan
| Ramadan limit | Private-sector working hours are reduced by 2 hours a day during Ramadan. |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its Executive Regulations, Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Article 15(2), as cited in MOHRE's yearly Ramadan announcement) |
| Outside Ramadan | Outside Ramadan normal hours are 8 a day and 48 a week (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 17). |
| Non-Muslim employees | Covered — not limited to Muslim employees |
Does it apply to non-Muslim employees?
The government's published rule reduces private-sector working hours with no religious condition. Free zones with their own employment law, such as DIFC and ADGM, set their own Ramadan rules; this page does not cover them.
Overtime during Ramadan
The general overtime rule (Article 19) still applies: at most 2 extra hours a day, paid at the basic hourly wage plus 25%, or plus 50% between 10 pm and 4 am (not for shift workers). The published rule does not say separately how hours beyond the reduced Ramadan day are paid.
This page covers private-sector employees under United Arab Emirates's labour law. For a specific case — shift work, a free zone, a sector exemption — check with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
When does Ramadan 2027 start?(expected)
Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027. Both dates are estimated from the Umm al-Qura calendar: each authority confirms the start by moon sighting, and it can differ by a day. We update this page when the announcement is published.
Eid dates and every other public holiday: United Arab Emirates public holidays
Frequently asked questions
What are the working hours during Ramadan in United Arab Emirates?
Private-sector working hours are reduced by 2 hours a day during Ramadan. Legal basis: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its Executive Regulations, Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Article 15(2), as cited in MOHRE's yearly Ramadan announcement). Outside Ramadan normal hours are 8 a day and 48 a week (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 17).
Do reduced Ramadan hours apply to non-Muslim employees in United Arab Emirates?
The government's published rule reduces private-sector working hours with no religious condition. Free zones with their own employment law, such as DIFC and ADGM, set their own Ramadan rules; this page does not cover them.
How is overtime paid during Ramadan in United Arab Emirates?
The general overtime rule (Article 19) still applies: at most 2 extra hours a day, paid at the basic hourly wage plus 25%, or plus 50% between 10 pm and 4 am (not for shift workers). The published rule does not say separately how hours beyond the reduced Ramadan day are paid. This page covers private-sector employees under United Arab Emirates's labour law. For a specific case — shift work, a free zone, a sector exemption — check with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
When does Ramadan 2027 start in United Arab Emirates?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on Monday, 8 February 2027, an estimate from the Umm al-Qura calendar. The official start is confirmed by moon sighting and can differ by a day.