As the holy month approaches, Abu Dhabi’s public sector employees now have clarity on how their work schedules will look during Ramadan 2026. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has officially confirmed adjusted working hours for ministries and federal entities across the UAE, offering shorter days and increased flexibility to support employees during this spiritually significant period.
Ramadan in the UAE is expected to begin on February 19, 2026, subject to official moon-sighting confirmation by UAE authorities. The holy month will last either 29 or 30 days, depending on lunar observations.
Official Ramadan 2026 Working Hours for the Public Sector
According to FAHR, government employees will follow reduced working hours throughout Ramadan.
Monday to Thursday Timings
From Monday to Thursday, public sector employees will work from 9am to 2.30pm. This marks a reduction in daily working hours compared to the standard schedule observed outside of Ramadan.
Friday Timings
On Fridays, working hours will be further reduced, with employees working from 9am to 12pm.
These adjusted hours apply to ministries and federal government entities. The aim is to ease the daily routine for employees who are fasting from dawn until sunset, allowing them to balance professional responsibilities with spiritual commitments.
Flexible and Remote Work Options Remain in Place
In addition to shorter office hours, FAHR has confirmed that ministries and federal authorities may continue implementing flexible or remote working arrangements during Ramadan.
This means government entities can adopt hybrid models where appropriate, ensuring business continuity while supporting employee wellbeing.
Importantly, employees will also have the option to work remotely on Fridays during Ramadan. However, FAHR has set a clear guideline: no more than 70 percent of an entity’s total workforce may work remotely on Fridays at the same time. This ensures operational efficiency while still granting meaningful flexibility.
For many employees, this continued emphasis on flexible work reflects the evolving workplace culture in the UAE, where productivity and wellbeing increasingly go hand in hand.
When Does Ramadan 2026 Begin in Abu Dhabi?
Ramadan 2026 is predicted to start on February 19, based on astronomical calculations. However, the official start date will be confirmed following moon sightings by UAE authorities.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, meaning Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. As a result, the exact start date may vary by one day depending on observations.
Once confirmed, the holy month will span 29 or 30 days, concluding with the celebration of Eid Al Fitr.
Why Working Hours Change During Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims fast daily from dawn until sunset, abstaining from eating and drinking. Beyond fasting, the month is centred on prayer, reflection, charity, and community.
Reducing working hours acknowledges both the physical and spiritual commitment involved in fasting. The shorter schedule helps employees manage energy levels throughout the day, particularly as fasting hours can extend for more than 13 hours depending on the season.
The UAE has long implemented reduced working hours during Ramadan for both public and private sectors, reinforcing the country’s commitment to cultural and religious values while maintaining productivity.
What This Means for Government Employees
For public sector workers in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, the announcement provides much-needed clarity. Employees can now plan their routines, family time, and spiritual practices with a defined work schedule in mind.
The 9am start time ensures that employees avoid the earliest hours of fasting, while the 2.30pm finish from Monday to Thursday allows more time for rest before Iftar, the evening meal when the fast is broken.
On Fridays, the noon finish gives employees the opportunity to prepare for Jumu’ah prayers and spend more time with family.
Meanwhile, remote work flexibility — especially on Fridays — reduces commuting time and supports a more balanced daily rhythm during the holy month.
A Balanced Approach to Productivity and Wellbeing
The 2026 Ramadan working hours demonstrate a continued effort by UAE authorities to balance operational needs with employee wellbeing.
Allowing up to 70 percent of staff to work remotely on Fridays offers meaningful flexibility without disrupting services. It also reflects lessons learned from recent years, where hybrid and remote working models have become increasingly effective.
For many employees, this blend of reduced hours and remote options provides reassurance that they can maintain performance standards while fully embracing the spiritual essence of Ramadan.
What Happens Next?
With Ramadan expected to begin on February 19, 2026, attention now turns to the official moon-sighting announcement, which will confirm the exact start date.
Once Ramadan begins, government entities will implement the adjusted hours immediately, continuing throughout the duration of the holy month.
Private sector working hours are typically announced separately, so employees in non-government roles should watch for updates from relevant authorities.
For now, Abu Dhabi’s public sector employees can prepare with confidence, knowing their Ramadan 2026 working hours have been clearly defined.
As the holy month approaches, the focus will shift toward reflection, generosity, and community spirit — values that lie at the heart of Ramadan in the UAE.
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