Shorter Days, Flexible Fridays: How the UAE is Adapting for Ramadan 2025
As the Holy Month of Ramadan begins, the new UAE Ramadan schedule for 2025 introduces adjustments to work hours, school timings, and remote work policies designed to accommodate religious practices and support family time.
Government authorities across the United Arab Emirates have announced these changes, which will be in effect throughout Ramadan 2025.
Federal Government: Shortened Hours and 70% Remote Work on Fridays
The UAE’s federal government has set official working hours from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). In line with efforts to enhance flexibility, up to 70% of federal employees are permitted to work remotely on Fridays, depending on their job requirements.
Dubai Government: Flexible Hours and Remote Work for Two Days a Week
In Dubai, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has approved flexible working hours, allowing employees to start work within a three-hour window, provided they complete at least 5.5 hours from Monday to Thursday and three hours on Fridays. Employees can also work remotely up to two days per week if their duties allow.
Ajman Government: Remote Work on Fridays for Public Employees
Ajman’s government employees will have a similar arrangement, with remote work permitted on Fridays throughout Ramadan, and working hours mirroring federal guidelines, according to The National.
Private Sector: Two-Hour Reduction in Daily Working Hours
For private sector employees, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has mandated a reduction of two working hours per day throughout Ramadan. Employers may implement flexible or remote work policies as long as they adhere to these working hour reductions.
Public and Private Schools: Remote Learning on Fridays for Students
The Ministry of Education has announced that public and private school students will engage in remote learning on Fridays during Ramadan, according to Khaleej Times.
This initiative, named “Ramadan with the Family,” aims to provide students with more time at home while maintaining academic engagement. Schools will operate on adjusted hours for in-person learning from Monday to Thursday.
In a related development, David Flint, Principal of South View School, a private school, told SchoolsCompared that his team has prepared for multiple scenarios internally.
“We look to accommodate the needs of parents as far as we can while being respectful of those who are fasting and fully compliant with the regulators,” Flint said. “We offer parents a range of possible timings and give them the option to vote for their preference.”
Balancing Productivity and Spiritual Commitments
The UAE’s Ramadan policies reflect a commitment to supporting religious observance, family values, and work-life balance while ensuring that businesses, government institutions, and schools continue to operate efficiently.
These changes are in line with the country’s ongoing efforts to create a more flexible and inclusive work environment and to support work-life balance while ensuring essential services continue uninterrupted.
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