Ramadan working hours in Bahrain — 2027
What Bahrain'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 | Except in the cases the law provides for, a Muslim worker may not be employed for more than 6 hours a day or 36 hours a week during Ramadan. |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Bahrain Private Sector Labour Law No. 36 of 2012, Article 51(b) |
| Outside Ramadan | Outside Ramadan the limit is 8 actual hours a day and 48 a week (Article 51(a)). |
| Non-Muslim employees | Not covered — the law limits it to Muslim workers |
Does it apply to non-Muslim employees?
No. Article 51(b) applies to Muslim workers. Other staff stay on the normal limit in Article 51(a) unless the employer chooses to give them shorter hours too.
Overtime during Ramadan
Article 54 lets the employer require overtime when work conditions need it, paid at the worker's wage plus at least 25% for daytime hours and 50% for night hours. The law sets no separate overtime rule for Ramadan.
This page covers private-sector employees under Bahrain's labour law. For a specific case — shift work, a free zone, a sector exemption — check with the Ministry of Labour.
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: Bahrain public holidays
Frequently asked questions
What are the working hours during Ramadan in Bahrain?
Except in the cases the law provides for, a Muslim worker may not be employed for more than 6 hours a day or 36 hours a week during Ramadan. Legal basis: Bahrain Private Sector Labour Law No. 36 of 2012, Article 51(b). Outside Ramadan the limit is 8 actual hours a day and 48 a week (Article 51(a)).
Do reduced Ramadan hours apply to non-Muslim employees in Bahrain?
No. Article 51(b) applies to Muslim workers. Other staff stay on the normal limit in Article 51(a) unless the employer chooses to give them shorter hours too.
How is overtime paid during Ramadan in Bahrain?
Article 54 lets the employer require overtime when work conditions need it, paid at the worker's wage plus at least 25% for daytime hours and 50% for night hours. The law sets no separate overtime rule for Ramadan. This page covers private-sector employees under Bahrain's labour law. For a specific case — shift work, a free zone, a sector exemption — check with the Ministry of Labour.
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Bahrain?
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.