April 2nd 2022 will mark the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan as confirmed by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee. All public and private sector businesses, government entities and organisations across the country, like in previous years, will observe reduced working hours during the month. With that in mind, let’s look at the UAE Ramadan working hours for 2022.
UAE Ramadan Working Hours For Public Sector 2022
Reduced working hours for the public sector for Ramadan 2022 were recently announced by the UAE Government. All public organisations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the northern emirates would adhere to uniform timings from 09:00 am to 02:30 pm – Monday to Thursday.
Since Friday is now a working day, all government entities shall remain open from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Friday (Jumah) prayers will begin at 01:15 pm, so all public sector employees will have enough time to get ready and attend the congregational prayers. Under the directives, up to 40% of government employees are allowed to work from home on Fridays. Federal government employees who live far from their workplaces or have exceptional circumstances will get preference.
These public sector working hours in Ramadan in UAE apply to all government organisations, including federal entities like the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and local public sector entities like the Dubai Municipality.
The Sharjah Human Resources Department (SHRD) announced that all government departments and offices in the emirate would be open from 09:00 am to 02.30 pm from Monday to Thursday during Ramadan 2022. Similarly, all government employees in Umm Al Quwain will work from Monday until Thursday (09:00 am to 02.30 pm) during the holy month of Ramadan as per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.
Please note that Saturday and Sunday form the new weekend in the UAE. Friday is not a working day in Sharjah.
UAE Ramadan working hours for the private sector in 2022
As per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announcement, working hours during Ramadan in UAE for the private sector have been reduced by two hours.
#MOHRE reduces working hours for private-sector employees during Ramadan by two hours daily. #UAE #Ramadan pic.twitter.com/UzuUG5HJjv
— MOHRE_UAE وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) March 15, 2022
All institutions in the country’s private sector are expected to comply with the UAE law on Ramadan working hours.
Public Transport Timings
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has also announced the hours for public transport during the holy month in the emirate. Here are the RTA Dubai working hours during Ramadan for the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Water Taxis.
Dubai Metro
Dubai Metro working hours in Ramadan 2022 are as follows:
- Red Line: 05:00 am to 12:00 am (Monday to Thursday) | 05:00 am to 01:00 am next day (Friday) | 05:00 am to 12:00 am (Saturday) | 08:00 am to 12:00 am (Sunday)
- Green Line: 05:00 am to 12:00 am (Monday to Thursday) | 05:00 am to 01:00 am next day (Friday) | 05:00 am to 12:00 am (Saturday) | 08:00 am to 12:00 am (Sunday)
Dubai Tram
Commuters who ride the Dubai Tram regularly must keep these timings in mind:
- Dubai Tram Ramadan hours: 06:00 am to 01:00 am next day (Monday to Saturday) | 09:00 am to 01:00 am next day (Sunday)
Dubai Bus
Here are the operating hours of the public bus (Dubai Bus) service for Ramadan:
- Main stations including Gold Souq: 04:30 am to 01:22 am (next day)
- Al Ghubaiba station: 04:26 am to 12:57 am
- Substations including Al Satwa: 04:40 am to 11:50 pm | Except Line C01 which operates for 24 hours
- Al Quoz Industrial Area Station: 05:02 am to 11:59 pm
- Al Qusais Bus Station: 04:50 am to 12:27 am
- Jebel Ali Station: 04:58 am to 11:34 pm
Water Taxis
Water taxis in Dubai are available from 11:00 am to 05:00 pm upon request during Ramadan 2022. All customers must book in advance.
Parking
Parking fees are applicable to all parking zones. Furthermore, multi-level car parking will operate for 24 hours. These are the timings for car parking during the holy month this year:
- Paid parking zone timings: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm and 08:00 pm to 12:00 am (Monday to Saturday)
- TECOM Zone Parking (Code F): 08:00 am to 06:00 pm
Customer Happiness Centres
Wondering about the Ramadan timings for Customer Happiness Centres in Dubai?
- 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Thursday)
- 09:00 am to 12:00 pm (Friday)
The smart customer happiness centres at Umm Ramool, Al Manara, Deira, Al Barsha, Tawar, Al Kafaf and RTA’s Head Office will operate 24 hours.
Please visit the official RTA website for business hours of service provider centres (technical testing), inter-city buses, commercial coaches, sub-stations and marine transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should all UAE employees work 2 hours less during Ramadan?
As per the latest announcements, the UAE Ramadan working hours have been reduced by two hours for the private sector. Those who are not of the Muslim faith are also entitled to Ramadan UAE working hours.
How many hours Muslims should work during Ramadan in UAE?
Employees in government departments and offices based in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, RAK, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm al Quwain will have a five and a half-hour workday – from Monday to Thursday. Fridays will be a working day according to the new weekend rules. Hence, offices will be open from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Please note that government offices in Umm Al Quwain will be closed on Fridays.
When does Ramadan begin in the UAE in 2022?
April 2nd will be the country’s first day of Ramadan in 2022 as announced by the UAE moon sighting committee.
How many days are Muslims expected to fast in Ramadan 2022?
Muslim residents in the United Arab Emirates will fast from dawn until sunset for 29 or 30 days during Ramadan 2022, depending on moon sighting.
How will Ramadan be observed in Dubai this year?
If you are a new resident in Dubai, you may be wondering what you can do during the blessed month. Besides reduced UAE Ramadan working hours, there is a lot you can do during Ramadan 2022 in Dubai. For example, malls in Dubai are expected to stay open longer. So, you can count on some late night shopping. Not to mention, you can book at a table at any iftar tent or your favourite restaurant.
How can I make the most of Ramadan 2022?
Giving back to the community is one of the best ways to make the most of Ramadan blessings. You can always reach out to those less fortunate during the blessed month. Many charitable organisations in the UAE make the prospect easier. So, you can get in touch with any of the Ramadan charities in Dubai to do your part.
Fasting is a virtue sacred to Muslims. As you prepare to spend the next month fasting and worshipping the Almighty, remember to make the most of the Ramadan duas that will bring additional blessings to your efforts. You can also bookmark Dubai prayer timings during Ramadan for accurate salah, Suhoor and Iftar time!
Stay tuned to MyBayut for all the latest updates on Ramadan 2022 in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
