Eid Al Fitr is the last day of Ramadan. It depends on the moon sighting.
If Ramadan lasts 29 days: Eid Al Fitr will begin on Tuesday, March 9, 2027, with the official public holidays running from Tuesday, March 9, through Thursday, March 11.
If Ramadan lasts 30 days: Eid Al Fitr will begin on Wednesday, March 10, 2027. Since the 30th day of Ramadan (Tuesday, March 9) is also an official public holiday, the holiday period will run from Tuesday, March 9, through Friday, March 12, 2027.
Long Weekend Potential: For employees who follow a Saturday–Sunday weekend, a 30-day Ramadan could result in a six-day consecutive break, from Tuesday, March 9, through Sunday, March 14, 2027.
Working hours adjustments during Ramadan
UAE Working Hours During Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, working hours across the UAE are adjusted to accommodate fasting schedules and the spiritual significance of the month. Both public and private sector employees generally benefit from reduced working hours, while schools also operate on shorter schedules.
The exact timings and arrangements may vary depending on government announcements, local authorities, and individual workplace or school policies.
Private Sector Working Hours During Ramadan
Private sector employees in the UAE are generally entitled to reduced working hours during Ramadan in accordance with the country’s labour regulations.
Flexible and Remote Working Arrangements: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) allows private companies to introduce flexible schedules or remote-working arrangements where appropriate, depending on the nature of the business and operational requirements.
Employers may therefore adjust starting and finishing times or introduce flexible work arrangements while ensuring compliance with applicable Ramadan working-hour regulations.
Public Sector Working Hours During Ramadan
Government employees also follow reduced working hours during Ramadan. Based on arrangements commonly announced for previous Ramadan periods, typical working hours may include:
Monday to Thursday: Government offices generally operate from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, resulting in a 5.5-hour working day.
Friday: Working hours are usually reduced further, commonly running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, allowing employees additional time for Friday prayers.
Remote Work: Government entities may also introduce remote-working arrangements during Ramadan, particularly on Fridays. In previous years, some authorities have permitted a significant proportion of eligible employees to work remotely, subject to operational requirements and official directives.
School Timings During Ramadan
Schools across the UAE also operate on reduced schedules during Ramadan. Timings are determined by the relevant education authorities, including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi.
Daily school hours are typically reduced during the Holy Month, with instruction often limited to a maximum of five hours per day.
Friday schedules are generally shorter, with schools required to finish classes before Friday afternoon prayers. Individual school timings may vary depending on the emirate, curriculum, grade level, and guidance issued by the relevant education authority.
Planning Ahead for Ramadan
Ramadan working and school schedules are designed to provide greater flexibility during the Holy Month while maintaining essential business, government, and educational services.
As specific timings, remote-work arrangements, and school schedules can change from year to year, employees, parents, and students should check the latest announcements from their employer, school, MoHRE, and the relevant federal or local government authority before Ramadan begins.
