From Saudi Arabia To The UAE, What Are The Reduced Working Hours For Ramadan In The GCC?

Ramadan is just around the corner, and countries from the UAE to Saudi Arabia have announced reduced working hours. As millions of Muslims, not just in the GCC nations, but across the world, will be fasting from dawn to sunset, it’s the sacred month of prayer and self-discipline as well. And it is during this period that the working hours in office rules often change, especially in the GCC nations. And this is exactly what we are here to tell you about.

Ramadan Working Hours Announced For Employees

For the month of Ramadan, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has confirmed that the official working hours in the ministries and federal entities in the UAE will be reduced. Yes, these are not just for the public sector employees, but even private sector employees will have reduced working hours.

So, basically, the UAE announced that from Monday to Thursday, the working hours will be from 9 AM to 2:30 PM. On Fridays, employees will work from 9 AM to noon, as mentioned by the Times of India. This schedule applies across all the federal ministries and entities, except for employees whose nature of job requires otherwise.

Coming to the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that the daily working hours will be reduced by two hours. This will be throughout the holy month. At this point, it’s worth mentioning that employees in the UAE generally work from eight to nine hours per day. Private sector companies can also apply flexible or remote work arrangements within the approved working hours.

What About Saudi Arabia?

Not just the UAE, but Saudi Arabia has also announced a revised schedule. Yes, as revealed in a report of Saudi News 50, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has confirmed that the working hours in Ramadan should not exceed six hours for the private sector. They have also revised school timings. Yes, schools will begin at 9 AM instead of 6:15 AM (summer) or 6:45 AM (winter).

Also Read: Sharjah Charity International Plans To Distribute 9,00,000 Meals Under Its Iftar Campaign For Ramadan

What About Other GCC Nations?

Coming to other nations’ timings get revised in different nations as each country has its own defined rules for the Ramadan working hours. For instance, in Bahrain, Muslim employees are limited to working just six hours a day or 36 hours per week during the month. While in Oman, Muslim employees can work a maximum of six hours per day or up to 36 hours weekly. Similarly, in Kuwait, the maximum working time is 36 hours per week. This generally applies to all employees, regardless of their religion. In Qatar, employees can work up to 36 hours per week during the holy month.

While most countries have revealed their work timings for the month of Ramadan, there are some that are yet to announce these. However, it’s generally the same, but you might want to stay tuned to the news to be updated about any changes.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/dotshock (Cover image is for representative purposes only)