The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced the official working hours for ministries and federal authorities during the holy month of Ramadan 2025. According to the circular issued by FAHR, employees will work from 9 AM to 2:30 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 9 AM to 12 PM on Fridays. This reduction reflects the special nature of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time for fasting, prayer, and reflection.
FAHR's circular emphasizes the importance of flexibility during this holy month, allowing ministries and federal authorities to modify working schedules as required. For those entities with specific needs, the implementation of flexible working arrangements or remote work schedules is encouraged, ensuring they align with the daily working hours set forth. This move is appreciated as many employees juggle personal and professional responsibilities during Ramadan.
"The official working hours for the ministries and federal entities during the holy month of Ramadan will commence at 9 AM until 2:30 PM, Monday to Thursday. On Friday, the working hours will be from 9 AM to 12 PM, with exceptions for those whose work demands different hours, such as emergency services and continuous operations," stated FAHR.
The authority also mentioned, "Employees will also be granted the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays during the month as long as no more than 70 percent of the entity’s total number of employees do so." This plan allows up to 70% of employees to adopt remote work approaches, fostering both productivity and personal commitments during this significant time.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, requires Muslims to fast from dawn until dusk, emphasizing the values of charity, community, and spirituality. With the fasting period ideally lasting from the sighting of the crescent moon, it is anticipated the lunar month begins around March 1, 2025. Official moon-sighting committees will convene on the 29th day of Shaban, February 28, to confirm the start of Ramadan based on the visibility of the moon.
The recent announcements and adjustments by FAHR extend beyond just working hours. They reflect the UAE’s cultural respect for Ramadan, ensuring enhanced comfort and support for employees to observe their religious practices. The adjustments, officially set across the public sector, stand to impact many lives, enabling families to embrace this holy month more freely.
While the announced changes primarily impact the public sector, the private sector awaits similar guidelines, which are expected to reflect the spirit of flexibility and reduced hours for its employees. FAHR has yet to share specific announcements for private entities, but there is optimism for aligned practices across all sectors.
During Ramadan 2025, Muslims around the globe engage deeply with their faith, partake in taraweeh prayers, and spiritually cleanse themselves through thoughtful devotion and charity work. Such religious observances demand considerable time and energy, making this announcement by FAHR incredibly timely and relevant.
This year, as the UAE embraces Ramadan, congratulations have been extended by FAHR to the leadership, citizens, residents, and all those celebrating, emphasizing community spirit and shared values. The significant changes introduce renewed hope for more family time, community gatherings, and opportunities to reflect on spirituality during this cherished month.
With Ramadan on the horizon, the anticipation builds not only within workplaces but within homes where preparations are underway to welcome this holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The working hour adjustments and the allowance for remote work stand to light the way for a more harmonious balance between professional demands and personal spirituality.
Corporations and local governments are encouraged to follow suit, fostering awareness and adapting their practices to uplift the observances of Ramadan across all sectors. Together, as the holy month approaches, there remains excitement and gratitude among both public and private employees, ready to embrace the coming days of Ramadan.