Dubai’s government employees will work remotely on Fridays during Ramadan, with 70 percent of them working from home and 30 percent from the office.
The decision was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, in accordance with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the federal government sector.
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) made the announcement, stating that working hours during Ramadan would be from 9 am to 2 pm on Monday to Thursday and from 9 am to 12 pm on Fridays, with the exception of employees whose work required them to be on a separate shift schedule.
In addition to the government employees, students at public schools and universities will also be allowed to study from home on Fridays, provided their exam timetables allow for it.
The move follows the Dubai government’s efforts to support and accommodate the religious observances of those who are fasting during Ramadan, while also ensuring that necessary work and study can continue.
Ramadan in UAE
On Wednesday, the UAE also directed that during Ramadan, federal government employees should work remotely for 70 percent of their working hours, and attend their workplace for 30 percent of their working hours on Fridays.
Students in universities and public schools should also attend their classes remotely on Fridays, with consideration given to physical exams that have been scheduled on certain dates.
“His Highness the President of the State directed that the official working hours for federal government employees during the month of Ramadan be 70 percent remotely, and 30 percent attendance on Fridays, and that remote working hours for students in universities and public schools be during Fridays, taking into account the dates of pre-determined physical exams,” the UAE government said on Twitter.
Ramadan work timings for public sector
The UAE has announced official Ramadan working hours for Government ministries and federal employees during Ramadan 2023.
A circular released by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) advises public sector employees of the expected working hours during the holy month.
The FAHR statement said ministries and federal entities will work
- From 9 AM to 2.30 PM, Monday through Thursday.
- From 9 AM to noon on Fridays
The circular issued by FAHR is in accordance with the Cabinet Resolution dictating working hours throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources stated that federal employees may be able to implement a flexible working structure in order to adhere to the approved number of working hours.