UAE Announces Reduced Hours for Schools, Federal Employees in Ramadan

Reduced school hours and work schedules for federal employees during the holy month of Ramadan have been announced by the UAE government for 2023.

According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, private school hours would be shortened to five hours during Ramadan (KHDA).

There are two alternatives for schools: those opening at 7:45 AM will finish at 12:45 PM on weekdays and from 7:45 AM to 11:45 AM on Fridays, while those opening at 8:00 AM will finish at 1:00 PM on weekdays and at 11:45 AM on Fridays.

In order to facilitate Friday prayers, the KHDA underlined that schools must give a maximum of five hours of instruction time and conclude education by 12:00 PM on Fridays.

The official Ramadan working hours for federal agencies and ministries are 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Monday through Thursday and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday.

Employees will be able to follow their religious customs during the holy month thanks to this schedule. FAHR has also stressed that, depending on their particular needs, ministries and federal agencies may implement flexible work arrangements or remote work schedules throughout Ramadan.

Muslims all across the world mark Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, as a time for fasting, prayer, introspection, and community. Throughout this month, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn till dusk.

The 29 or 30 day period known as Ramadan officially begins when the new moon is seen. This year, the moon's sighting will determine the exact start date of the holy month, which is anticipated to commence on March 22 or 23.

The UAE government also arranges for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, for employees who are unable to travel home in addition to reducing working hours.