Ramadan Work Regulations in UAE Simplified

Ramadan 2025 in the UAE: Are Employees Allowed to Work During Iftar?

The holy month of Ramadan is a special period each year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), not only for Muslims but for the entire society. This period brings not only spiritual renewal but raises several questions in the business world, especially regarding working hours and employee rights. If you run a small business in Dubai and want to know which rules to follow during Ramadan, or how to manage work during the iftar period, this blog post is for you.

Working Hours Reduction During Ramadan

The UAE labor laws clearly regulate working hours during Ramadan. Employees are required to work two hours less than usual during this holy month. This is stipulated in Article 15 (2) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1/2022, which states:

"Regular working hours shall be reduced by two hours during the holy month of Ramadan."

This means that all employees – regardless of whether they are Muslim or not – are entitled to shorter working hours. However, if business needs dictate that some employees stay longer, it should be handled according to overtime rules.

Overtime and Pay During Ramadan

If an employee works beyond regular hours during Ramadan, it is considered overtime. According to Article 19 (2) of the UAE Employment Law, overtime pay must be at least 25% higher than the regular working hours pay.

"If work conditions require an employee to exceed normal working hours, the payment for overtime shall be calculated based on the regular working hours' wage with at least a 25% supplement."

This means if an employee works more during Ramadan than the legally reduced hours, this overtime should be properly compensated. It's important to note that different rules may apply to those in managerial or supervisory positions.

Iftar Break and the Role of Non-Muslim Employees

Iftar, or the breaking of the fast at sunset, is one of the most important moments of Ramadan. Employees – particularly Muslims – should be given the opportunity to participate in iftar. However, if business operations require work during iftar, it is advisable to involve non-Muslim employees in this task.

The law does not mandate iftar breaks for non-Muslim employees, so they can continue working if it's justified business-wise. You can manage this through shift scheduling or by having certain employees stay longer and compensating for their overtime appropriately.

Special Rules in Free Zones

If your business operates in a Dubai free zone, it's important to verify whether the free zone's own regulations include additional provisions regarding working hours during Ramadan. Free zones often apply their own labor rules which may differ from the national legal framework. Therefore, consulting with the free zone authority or a labor expert to ensure compliance with all applicable rules is advisable.

Summary

When managing working hours during Ramadan, it is important to be aware of the following rules:

Working Hours Reduction: Employees' daily working hours should be reduced by two hours during Ramadan.

Overtime: If someone works beyond the shortened hours, it qualifies as overtime and must be paid with at least a 25% supplement.

Iftar Break: Muslim employees should be given the opportunity to join iftar, while non-Muslim employees can continue working.

Free Zones: Check whether your free zone has additional rules regarding working hours during Ramadan.

The holy month of Ramadan is not only a spiritual but also a socially and business-significant period. With proper preparations and adherence to legal regulations, you can ensure your business operates smoothly while respecting employee rights and local traditions.