Understanding your legal requirements during Ramadan
Analysis
What are Ramadan Hours?
Dubai proper: Under the Labour Law, the working hours of all employees shall be reduced by two hours per day during the Holy month of Ramadan. This means that employees should only work 6 hours per day (as the statutory maximum working hours are 8 hours per day).
DIFC: Under the DIFC Employment Law, employees who observe the fast during the Holy month of Ramadan shall not be required to work in excess of 6 hours each day. Fasting employees who choose to work for more than 6 hours a day shall be entitled to their statutory rest breaks (i.e. of not more than one hour in aggregate - as if the employee worked a full day).
Does it apply to my company?
Dubai proper: Yes, Ramadan hours apply to all companies in the UAE proper, whether they are based onshore or in a free zone.
DIFC: Yes, Ramadan hours apply to all companies in the DIFC.