As the holy month of Ramadan gets underway, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially made changes to working hours for private sector employees in line with federal labour regulations. 

Under UAE labour law, private sector employees, both Muslim and non‑Muslim, will work two hours less each day during Ramadan, according to reports.

Under Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021 and implementing regulations, all employees in the private sector are entitled to this reduction in working hours throughout this fasting period, irrespective of their religion. 

Usually, most private sector employees clock eight hours every day or 48 hours a week. During Ramadan, the standard workday is effectively scaled down to 6 hours, and the workweek to 36 hours.

Employers have the flexibility to organise shifts, flexible start times or remote work options, as long as the total working hours do not exceed the reduced Ramadan requirement.

If employees work more than their allowed hours, they must be paid extra according to UAE labour law rules. The overtime employees are supposed to get at least 25 per cent more than their normal hourly wage.

Any work done during late-night hours, usually 10 pm to 4 am, may get an even higher rate. This is up to 50 per cent more than the normal hourly rate. Employees cannot be forced to work overtime unless it's an emergency, as defined by UAE labour law.

Source:Ndtv