Ramadan Working Hours in the UAE in 2026

Ramadan in UAE is just around the corner. The Holy Month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri (corresponding to 2026 in the Gregorian Calendar) is expected to begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. But we are still waiting on confirmation by the UAE`s moon-sighting committee. Like in previous years, all public and private sector businesses, government entities, and organizations across the country will observe reduced working hours during the month.

As is the case during every Ramadan, residents will host Iftar (the meal taken after sunset to end the Ramadan fast) gatherings for friends and family and worship at mosques or any public places in the country. Let's take a look at the UAE Ramadan 2026 from all aspects.

Ramadan Working Hours in the UAE for the Public Sector in 2026

The UAE`s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced the working hours for the public sector during the holy month of Ramadan.

During Ramadan in UAE, which is expected to begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, working hours for all public organizations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the northern emirates will be reduced, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm – Monday to Thursday.

In Ramadan, Friday will see those entities open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The authority said the decision was in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure that employees have enough time to perform their religious duties and enjoy quality time with their families.

Ramadan 2026 Office Timings in the UAE for Private Sector Companies

Contracted hours vary in the private sector, with many members of staff typically working for nine hours each day.

Following the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during the days of Ramadan

It is important for employers to be aware of the new regulations and to ensure that their employees are aware of the new working hours during Ramadan.

Ramadan 2026 Sale begins in the UAE

Many shops across the UAE have launched special Ramadan 2026 sales and discounts, intending to make this holy month more enjoyable for the residents of the UAE.

Amazon in the UAE has launched a Ramadan sale offering major discounts across 30 product categories.

Clicflyer is also offering coupons and discount codes on countless items including fashion, home items, cosmetics, and baby products.

Sharaf DG, Noon, bfab, and others are among the shops that have launched Ramadan mega sales and discounts. We advise you to browse the internet or go on a shopping spree to find everything you need at reduced prices.

Five-day Ramadan Eid

The first day of Eid Al Fitr is likely to be on Wed, Mar 18, 2026 or Thu, Mar 19, 2026 . UAE residents will enjoy a four or five-day weekend for the Islamic festival, with the break likely to be from March 18 or 19 till the following Monday.

Special Friday Timings and Prayer Accommodations

Friday prayer is attended by many, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is usually held at 1:15 pm.

Friday Timings and Accommodations

During Ramadan, public and private sector entities, as well as schools, cease all activities at noon to allow residents to visit their nearby mosque and attend the Jumah prayer (Friday prayer).

Remote Work Policy for Fridays

Ramadan working hours UAE 2026 for the public sector include some stipulations related to remote work.

Remote Work Policy Details

Public sector entities can function at 30% capacity of on-site employees while the other 70% can work from home only on Friday. This applies especially to those who have a long commute or family obligations.

Specific Timings for Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain emirate has opted for an extended 3-day weekend and reduced working hours during Ramadan 2026.

Umm Al Quwain Timings

The work week in Umm Al Quwain will likely start on Monday and end on Thursday during Ramadan 2026, while work hours extend from 9 am to 2:30 pm.

Compliance with UAE Law on Ramadan Working Hours

Compliance with the Ramadan working hours in the UAE is mandatory for all entities.

Compliance Requirements

Private and public entities must comply with the reduced working hours as set by the federal government to ensure employees have ample time to balance their work, family life, and religious obligations.

Benefits of Reduced Working Hours during Ramadan 2026

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims during which they fast from sunrise to sunset. Having reduced work hours will allow them to enjoy the special traditions of this month, such as prayer and quality time with their families. Iftar is also a wonderful Ramadan tradition, during which families and friends gather around the Iftar feast, and break their fast together at the sunset call to prayer.

School Working Hours during Ramadan 2026 in the UAE

Schools in the UAE also observe a special time during Ramadan, allowing children some extra time to enjoy this special month with their families.

School Timings During Ramadan in 2026

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has shortened school hours during Ramadan 2026 to a maximum of five hours of instruction from Monday to Thursday (from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm), and classes should end before noon on Fridays.

Spring Break Schedule for Schools During Ramadan 2026

School pupils will also enjoy a spring break during Ramadan 2026, running for 3 days from March 20 to March 22 – Friday to Sunday. In this break, students will have some time to rest and practice religious activities.

RTA Working Hours During Ramadan 2026

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will also observe special Ramadan working hours for Dubai’s public transport sector; which will ensure residents can commute effectively to visit with their families and loved ones.

Dubai Tram Schedule During Ramadan 2026

Dubai Metro Timings During Ramadan in UAE

Public Parking Tariff During Ramadan

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, public parking tariff apply from Monday to Saturday on two shifts:

First shift: 08:00 am - 06:00 pm

Second shift: 08:00 pm - 12:00 am

As for TECOM Parking Zone, the tariff will apply from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm. The Multi-Storey Car Parking will operate 24/7.

Frequently Questions About Ramadan in the UAE

Should all UAE employees have shorter working hours during Ramadan?

As per the latest announcements, the UAE Ramadan working hours have been reduced for the entire private sector. Those who are not of the Muslim faith are also entitled to Ramadan UAE working hours.

How many hours should Muslims work during Ramadan in the UAE?

Employees in government departments and offices based in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, RAK, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm al Quwain will work from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm – from Monday to Thursday. Offices on Fridays will be open from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, except for Umm al Quwain where public offices will close on Fridays.

How many days are Muslims expected to fast in Ramadan 2026?

Muslim residents in the UAE will fast from dawn until sunset for 29 or 30 days during Ramadan 2026, depending on the moon sighting.

How will Ramadan be observed in Dubai this year?

If you are a new resident in Dubai, you may wonder what you can do during the blessed month. Besides reduced UAE Ramadan working hours, there is a lot you can do during Ramadan 2026 in Dubai. For example, malls in Dubai are expected to stay open longer. So, you can count on some late-night shopping. You can also book a table at any iftar tent or your favorite restaurant.

How can I make the most of Ramadan 2026?

Giving back to the community is one of the best ways to make the most of Ramadan`s blessings. You can always reach out to those less fortunate during the blessed month. Many charitable organizations in the UAE make the prospect easier. So, you can get in touch with any of the Ramadan charities in Dubai to do your part.

What are Ramadan dates for 2026 in the UAE?

Ramadan is expected to start on Tue, Feb 17, 2026 and last for 28 to 29 days. It is expected to end on Thu, Mar 19, 2026. Keep in mind that the beginning and ending of the Holy Month of Ramadan will depend on moon sightings.

What is the law for Ramadan working hours in the UAE?

Ramadan office timing 2026 for the public sector is as follows:

• 9:00 am till 2:30 pm - Mondays to Thursdays
• 9:00 am till 12:00 pm - Fridays (except for Umm Al Quwain where Fridays will be off days)

As for the private sector:

• 9:00 am till 3:00 pm - Mondays to Thursdays
• 9:00 am till 12:00 pm - Fridays

How many public holidays are there in the UAE in 2026?

There are 13 public holidays in the UAE in 2026. Below is a list of these holidays:New Year’s Day:

• New Year’s Day: 1st of January
• Eid Al-Fitr: 1 to 3 Shawwal (likely evening of March 30 to April 2 - Subject to moon sighting)
• Arafat Day: 9 Dhul Hijjah (likely evening of June 5 to June 6 - Subject to the lunar calendar)
• Eid Al-Adha: 10 to 12 Dhul Hijjah (likely evening of June 6 to June 9 - Subject to the lunar calendar)
• Islamic New Year: 1 Muharram (likely evening of June 26 to June 27 - Subject to moon sighting)
• Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) birthday or Al Mawlid Al Nabawi Al-Sharif: 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal (likely evening of September 4 to September 5 - Subject to the lunar calendar)
• UAE Commemoration Day: 30 November
• National Day: 2 and 3 December

How many days does Ramadan Shift?

Ramadan is one of the Hijri months which follow the lunar calendar. Compared to the Gregorian calendar which follows the solar months, Ramadan shifts 11 days back every year.

To get timely updates about Ramadan and other festivities in the UAE, stay tuned to Driven Properties.