Ramadan: private sector working hours

A lot of people I know celebrate Ramadan and, as a non-Muslim, I always have to check what the timings are. This year it starts on 6 May for one month. It is a time to celebrate, eat good food, and spend time with family and friends. At Khaleej Times we always broke fast with dates- the best ever. I understand this is normal.

After living in the UAE for some years I'm always amused by the publication of work times for the private sector. When I was living there, the change in work times didn't seem to make much difference; you seemed to work as normal especially if you were working to London and New York, as I was. I was always expected to do telephone interviews on a Friday with London, when it was meant to be a day off. A two-hour shorter working day. It doesn't work like that.

Here's what Khaleej Times wrote.

Filed on May 1, 2019

The holy month of Ramadan is likely to begin on May 6.

The working hours of private sector employees in the UAE will be reduced by two hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan, according to a circular issued by Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation on Wednesday.

The holy month of Ramadan is likely to begin on May 6 in most of the Islamic nations, according to The International Astronomical Centre.

The work timings for all private sector establishments, companies, and institutions will be shortened by two hours throughout the holy month of Ramadan, according to Government.ae's official website.

The info regarding working hours in the UAE is mentioned under the section, 'Changes during Ramadan in the UAE'. "Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 regarding Labour Law and its amendments, working hours are reduced by two hours during Ramadan. Even non-Muslims are entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan without a pay cut," it reads.