Complete guide to the Ramadan 2025 working hours in the UAE
March 1st, 2025 is expected to be the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Like in previous years, all public and private sector businesses, government entities and organisations across the country will observe reduced working hours during the month. With that in mind, let’s look at the recently announced UAE Ramadan working hours for 2025.
UAE Ramadan Working Hours For Public Sector 2025
The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced reduced working hours for the public sector for Ramadan 2025. Ministries and federal agencies in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the northern emirates will adhere to uniform timings from 09:00 am to 02:30 pm – Monday to Thursday.
Since Friday is a working day, government entities shall remain open from 09:00 am to noon. The Friday (Jumah) prayers will begin at 01:15 pm, so all public sector employees will have enough time to attend the congregational prayers.
Public sector working hours in Ramadan in the 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.
All ministries and federal departments can allow flexible working or remote work schedules. On Fridays, up to 70 per cent of the total workforce could be allowed to work from home.
UAE Ramadan working hours for the private sector in 2025
As per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announcement, working hours during Ramadan in the UAE for the private sector have been reduced by two hours.
All institutions in the country’s private sector are expected to comply with the UAE law on Ramadan working hours.
Ramadan UAE Working Hours for Schools
Students will enjoy shorter school hours during the holy month, as announced by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
KHDA announced that all schools must provide a maximum of five hours of instruction from Monday to Thursday. Classes, however, must end before 12.00 pm on Fridays to accommodate Jummah prayers.
This means that schools opening at 08:00 am will close by 01:00 pm. Additionally, private schools also have the option of remote learning on Friday.
UAE Ramadan 2025 Public Transport Timings (RTA)
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have been announced the hours of public transport in the emirate during the holy month.
DUBAI METRO
Dubai Metro will operate as per the usual schedule.
Day | Service Hours |
|---|---|
Day Monday to Thursday | Service Hours 05:00 am to 12:00 am |
Day Friday | Service Hours 05:00 am to 01:00 am (next day) |
Day Saturday | Service Hours 05:00 am to 12:00 am |
Day Sunday | Service Hours 08:00 am to 12:00 am |
DUBAI TRAM
There will be no change in Tram schedule either.
- Monday to Thursday: 06:00 am to 01:00 am (next day)
- Weekend: 09:00 am to 01:00 am (next day)
BUS
During Ramadan, the buses will operate according to the following schedule.
- Monday to Friday: 04:30 am to 12:30 am (next day)
- Saturday and Sunday: 06:00 am to 01:00 am (next day)
PUBLIC PARKING
Tariff will be applied from Monday to Saturday:
- First shift: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm
- Second shift: 08:00 pm to 12:00 am
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 not of the Muslim faith are also entitled to reduced Ramadan UAE working hours.
How many hours Muslims should work during Ramadan in the UAE?
Employees in government departments and offices will have a five-and-a-half-hour workday – from Monday to Thursday. Fridays will be a shorter working day. Hence, most offices will be open from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Government ministries and departments can allow employees to work remotely.
When does Ramadan begin in the UAE in 2025?
March 1st is likely to be the country’s first day of Ramadan in 2025.
How many days are Muslims expected to fast in Ramadan 2025?
Muslim residents in the United Arab Emirates will fast from dawn until sunset for 29 or 30 days during Ramadan 2025, depending on the moon sighting.
How will Ramadan be observed in Dubai this year?
If you are a new resident in Dubai, you may wonder what you can do during the blessed month. Besides reduced UAE Ramadan working hours, there is a lot you can do during Ramadan 2025 in Dubai. For example, malls in Dubai are expected to stay open longer. So, you can count on some late-night shopping. You can also book a table at any iftar tent or your favourite restaurant.
How can I make the most of Ramadan 2025?
Giving back to the community is one of the best ways to maximise Ramadan’s 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 contact Ramadan charities in Dubai to do your part.
Fasting is a virtue sacred to Muslims. As you 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 bookmark Dubai prayer timings during Ramadan for accurate salah, suhoor and iftar time!
Stay tuned to MyBayut for all the latest updates on Ramadan 2025 in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
