The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is announcing its announcement with a reduction in hours for private sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan 2026. This is aimed at promoting a work-life balance and allow employees to take time off for their religious responsibilities, and spend time with their families during the holy month (Ramadan 2026). Moreover, the government has introduced policies for overtime pay, which dictate the amount of overtime pay for workers from 125% to 150% for any part of their work exceeding the recommended hours.
Ramadan 2026: Keeping Productivity and Devotion Balanced in the UAE
Today, the State has made an official announcement that, during the Islamic month of Ramadan 2026, average working hours for private staff will be reduced by two hours a day. This announcement means all employees will be covered, whether they adhere to your beliefs or not, and also confirms how in unity with a nation its society is respectful of holy month.
Standard Reduced Hours
The UAE Labor Law usually reduces eight-hour workdays to six hours. And there’s more companies that choose to commence work earlier or leave later (if they choose to do this), but their reason for doing so is to alleviate the material fatigue of fasting workers and encourage a spiritual spirit for them.
Compensation OverTime: 125%-150%
To protect the rights of workers while it goes along, the MoHRE has redefined OTO legal status. Compensation: If an employee works more than the shortened Ramadan hours, then:
- Basic Overtime (125%): Where work is worked on a daytime basis, as if it was also part of the reduced days, the worker shall be entitled to get in compensation not only their salary but also 25 percent of that base.
- Late Night Overtime (150%): If you need to work overtime at 9PM-4AM, you will get your normal wage together with another 50% per hour paid (for a sum of 150%).
- On-Work/Public Holiday: Workplaces that require their employees to work on a public holiday or a holiday off have to offer a resting day alternative or if there has been a holiday, compensate the employee in the amount of both their base wage and 150 per cent.
Options for Flexible/Remote Work
As per the good practices for 2025, plenty of UAE industry will allow for flexible start or off-site work in Ramadan 2026. Particular focus is given to posts that don't require physical presence, so much the better even for those who are fasting and can sustain energetic levels.
Compliance and Penalties
The MoHRE has advised all private employers to adhere very tightly to these time intervals. Ignorance, for instance, by requiring employees to work in full time, with inadequate overtime pay, can see the employer fined heavily and be sued.
