Dubai's Shortened Workdays During Ramadan

Dubai Introduces 5.5 Hour Workday for Public Sector During Ramadan with Two Remote Days per Week

With the approaching holy month, Dubai has once again introduced a measure that reflects respect for traditions and a commitment to modern work organization. According to the announcement, official working hours in government organizations will be shortened during Ramadan: employees will work from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 14:30, and on Friday from 9:00 to 12:00. This means a 5.5-hour workday for the first four days of the week, providing substantial relief for those observing the fast.

The decision goes beyond mere reduction of hours. The regulation also allows for flexible work start times: morning shift workers can begin work between 7:00 and 10:00, although they need to fulfill the official daily hours. This solution ensures both a structured operation and a personalized schedule.

The Balance of Work and Spirituality

Ramadan is not just a religious period but a series of community and family events. Fasting poses a physical and mental challenge during the day, especially during long, concentration-intensive work processes. The aim of the shortened work hours is to keep the workers' energy levels and mental state in harmony with spiritual practices.

With this decision, Dubai clearly expresses that productivity is not necessarily based on the number of hours worked. Well-structured, focused work can be effective in a shorter time if employees perform their tasks in a more balanced state. The shorter workday allows employees to spend more time with their families, participate in evening community events, and prepare for iftar.

Two Remote Workdays per Week

According to the circular, public sector workers whose nature of work allows it can work remotely up to two days a week. This option is not automatic but depends on the nature of the role, signaling a further step towards hybrid working.

The regulation on remote work operates within conscious frameworks. The goal is not to reduce control but to strengthen trust and maintain efficiency. Working from home during Ramadan can be particularly valuable: it reduces commuting time, lessens physical strain, and provides greater flexibility in daily routines.

Flexible Start Times in the Morning Shift

The option for flexible start times between 7:00 and 10:00 means in practice that employees can adjust the start of their day to fit their personal situations. Some may choose to start early to complete the most important tasks during morning hours when they have higher energy levels. Others may start later to better align their family and religious commitments.

This model is not just an innovation for Ramadan. In recent years, Dubai has consistently built a workforce policy that prioritizes flexibility and performance-oriented approaches. The current measure is a natural continuation of this strategy.

Service Continuity and Quality Operations

It is important to emphasize that shortened work hours should not cause disruptions in public services. For units operating in shifts or where the job is directly related to public services or facility management, the responsible organizations will determine the working hours separately.

The goal is dual: to ensure operational requirements are met while maintaining high service standards. Dubai's governmental system has been built on digitalization and automated processes for years, enabling smooth administration even with shortened work hours.

Prioritizing Mental and Social Well-being

There is a broader perspective behind the decision. The governmental human resource strategy aims to consider the needs of employees and their families, promote psychological and social well-being, and positively impact work quality.

The shortened work hours and remote work opportunity are not mere perks. These are tools that can increase satisfaction, reduce burnout, and result in sustainable institutional performance in the long term. For modern organizations, well-being is no longer a secondary consideration but the foundation of competitiveness.

Similar Trend at Federal Level

The United Arab Emirates federal government has also announced a similar work schedule for Ramadan. Federal organizations can choose to implement the approved flexible work schedule on weekdays or provide remote work on Fridays for their employees. However, this can apply to a maximum of 70 percent of the total staff of the given organization, ensuring adherence to the prescribed frameworks.

This restriction ensures a balance between operational stability and flexibility. The system is decentralized and regulated, allowing individual organizations to adjust details to their specific operational characteristics.

A Model That Extends Beyond Ramadan

The measures introduced now are not just temporary relaxations. Dubai is building a work culture where trust, flexibility, and performance connect. The 5.5-hour workday during Ramadan, flexible start times, and the option of two remote workdays per week represent a framework that points toward future workplace models.

The shorter workday is not a decrease in productivity but its reinterpretation. The emphasis is on focus, results, and the human factor. In this case, Dubai proves that tradition and innovation are not opposites but reinforcing factors.

The work schedule applied during Ramadan reflects not only religious sensitivity but also strategic thinking: the well-being of workers and organizational performance are not opposing goals but are two pillars of a common system.