Ramadan Working Hours in the Gulf for Private Sector Employees
During the holy month of Ramadan, Gulf countries reduce working hours so employees can fast, pray and spend time with family. The rules differ by country, and sometimes by religion.
Ramadan hours at a glance
| Country | Ramadan rule (private sector) |
|---|---|
| UAE | Working hours reduced by 2 hours a day for all private-sector employees, announced each year by MOHRE |
| Saudi Arabia | Maximum 6 hours a day / 36 hours a week for Muslim workers |
| Qatar | Maximum 6 hours a day / 36 hours a week |
| Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain | Reduced hours are announced by the authorities each year; check the official announcement |
Is salary reduced?
No. Reduced Ramadan hours do not reduce your monthly salary.
Overtime in Ramadan
If you work beyond the reduced Ramadan hours, the extra time can count as overtime under the normal rules. See the UAE, Saudi and Qatar overtime calculators.
Tips for a healthy Ramadan at work
- Plan demanding tasks for the morning, when energy is higher.
- If you work outdoors, check the midday work ban and heat safety rules, which may overlap with Ramadan in summer years.
- Non-fasting colleagues should avoid eating or drinking in front of fasting colleagues at work and in public during daylight hours, out of respect.
- Remember that Eid al-Fitr holidays follow Ramadan; dates depend on the moon sighting.
اردو خلاصہ
رمضان میں یو اے ای میں روزانہ کام کے اوقات دو گھنٹے کم ہو جاتے ہیں۔ سعودی عرب اور قطر میں زیادہ سے زیادہ 6 گھنٹے روزانہ کام ہوتا ہے۔ اس سے تنخواہ کم نہیں ہوتی۔ مقررہ وقت سے زیادہ کام اوور ٹائم میں شمار ہو سکتا ہے۔