Dubai Ramadan working hours 2026 announced: New timings for government employees

Dubai Ramadan working hours 2026: The Dubai government has announced revised working hours for public sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan to support work-life balance as part of the “Year of the Family” initiative. According to a circular issued by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, as reported by the Gulf News, government staff will work from 9am to 2:30pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to 12 noon on Fridays. The adjusted schedule is designed to give employees more time to be with their families and take part in the social and spiritual aspects of Ramadan. Departments have also been allowed to introduce flexible morning start times, enabling employees to begin work anytime between 7am and 10am, as long as they complete their required daily hours. ## Employees may work remotely for up to two days a week In addition, eligible employees may work remotely for up to two days a week, depending on the nature of their roles, to help strengthen family stability and community bonds during the holy month. Authorities said the move reflects Dubai government’s broader push for flexible workplace policies that prioritise employees’ well-being while ensuring productivity and institutional performance remain unaffected. Government entities have also been directed to set suitable schedules for shift workers and employees involved in public services or facility management to maintain smooth operations and uninterrupted service delivery. The circular emphasised that public sector bodies can adopt flexible working arrangements during Ramadan and offer remote work where applicable. Meanwhile, the UAE Federal Government has announced similar Ramadan timings. Federal entities may follow approved flexible work regulations during the month or allow remote work on Fridays for up to 70 per cent of their workforce, in line with established guidelines. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More