Ramadan Dates and Moon Sighting

Get ready for shorter working hours this Ramadan. The Holy Month is expected to start on Tuesday March 12, pending moon sightings and confirmation from the UAE’s Moon-sighting committee. The month of Sha’ban, which precedes Ramadan, began on Sunday February 11, indicating the imminent start of Ramadan. The exact start date will be confirmed upon sighting of the Ramadan crescent.

Working Hours in Public and Private Sectors

During Ramadan, both public and private sector employees in the UAE can anticipate shorter working hours. In 2023, public sector working hours were from 9am to 2.30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to noon on Fridays. Private sector employees had their working hours reduced by two hours per day, as declared by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Companies may also apply flexible or remote work patterns during Ramadan.

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