Ramadan Working Hours in the UAE
Type
E-journal
Date
24 Jul 2012
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Taxonomy
Contract & Conditions of Employment, Rights & Duties of Employees & Employers, General Ecclesiastical Law, Working Time
Copyright
LexisNexis
Relevant company
Clyde & Co
Legal reference
DIFC Law No. 5/2004, Federal Law No. 8/1980
Analysis
During Ramadan, the normal working hours for all employees who work in the private sector (excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre, the "DIFC"), whether or not they are Muslim or fasting, are to be reduced by two hours per day.
Reduced working hours under the UAE Labour Law
It was reported in the press last week that a Ministry of Labour source stated that working hours during Ramadan will be "36 hours a week, instead of 48 hours per week in other months". Whilst this is correct and in accordance with the provisions of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8/1980, as amended), bear in mind that this statement is based upon a 6-day working week.