Ramadan working hours in Qatar — 2027
What Qatar'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 | During Ramadan, working hours may not exceed 36 hours a week, at 6 hours a day. |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Qatar Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, Article 73 |
| Outside Ramadan | Outside Ramadan the limit is 48 hours a week, at 8 hours a day (Article 73). |
| Non-Muslim employees | Covered — not limited to Muslim employees |
Does it apply to non-Muslim employees?
Yes. Article 73 sets the Ramadan maximum without limiting it to Muslim workers.
Overtime during Ramadan
Article 74 allows overtime as long as actual hours, overtime included, stay within 10 a day (except to prevent serious loss or a dangerous accident). Overtime is paid at the basic hourly wage plus at least 25%, and at least 50% for hours between 9 pm and 3 am, except for shift workers.
This page covers private-sector employees under Qatar'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: Qatar public holidays
Frequently asked questions
What are the working hours during Ramadan in Qatar?
During Ramadan, working hours may not exceed 36 hours a week, at 6 hours a day. Legal basis: Qatar Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, Article 73. Outside Ramadan the limit is 48 hours a week, at 8 hours a day (Article 73).
Do reduced Ramadan hours apply to non-Muslim employees in Qatar?
Yes. Article 73 sets the Ramadan maximum without limiting it to Muslim workers.
How is overtime paid during Ramadan in Qatar?
Article 74 allows overtime as long as actual hours, overtime included, stay within 10 a day (except to prevent serious loss or a dangerous accident). Overtime is paid at the basic hourly wage plus at least 25%, and at least 50% for hours between 9 pm and 3 am, except for shift workers. This page covers private-sector employees under Qatar'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 Qatar?
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.