UAE confirms Ramadan working hours for federal staff
The United Arab Emirates has confirmed shorter public-sector hours for Ramadan. Employees at ministries and federal entities will work 9:00–14:30 from Monday to Thursday, and 9:00–12:00 on Fridays.
What has been decided
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (Federal Authority for Government Human Resources) stated that federal bodies will apply the Ramadan schedule throughout the holy month. Entities may continue to use approved flexible-work policies. Remote work on Fridays is allowed within set controls. Essential services may keep different rosters due to operational needs.
When will Ramadan begin in the UAE?
Astronomers expect Ramadan to start on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Centre (International Astronomical Centre) says the crescent will be impossible or very hard to sight on February 17. Thus, fasting should begin the next day if the month of Sha’ban completes 30 days. A “moon-sighting committee” is the group of scholars and officials that confirms the new lunar month after receiving sighting reports. The final decision in the UAE rests with these committees on the 29th of Sha’ban.
Why the timetable matters for services
Shorter days help commuters and frontline teams adapt prayer and iftar times. However, clinics, airports, security and similar services must maintain coverage. The authority notes that exceptions apply where the job requires different hours. Residents should check agency notices for counters and call-centre windows.
Usual workweek in the UAE—and the case of Sharjah
Since January 2022, the federal government has followed a four-and-a-half-day week. The weekend runs Saturday–Sunday, with a half day on Friday. (A “workweek” defines official working days and weekend days for public bodies.) Most emirates mirror this model. The Emirate of Sharjah (Sharjah) adopted a four-day week with a three-day weekend—Friday, Saturday and Sunday—for its public sector.
What to watch next
Federal offices will switch to the Ramadan schedule once the moon-sighting committees confirm the start of the month. Astronomical forecasts point to February 19, 2026, yet the official announcement will follow the committee’s meeting. Public-facing services will publish any adjusted customer hours.
