Working during Ramadan in Kuwait. Under Labour Law, the normal 48 hours per week (based on a six day week) limit for all workers is reduced to 36 hours per week during the month of Ramadan. Working during Ramadan in Malaysia. The first day of Ramadan is a public holiday in the states of Malacca, Johor and Kedah. Ramadan is a significant time of year for millions of Muslims worldwide, including many employees in workplaces across the UK and the US. In 2025, Ramadan begins on the evening of Friday, 28th February, and will last for 30 days, concluding on Sunday, 30th March, followed by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. During this holy month, many Muslim Accommodating the needs of employees during this time. Author: Ben Edwards. Key Contact: Chris Aldridge. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of fasting, and inner spiritual exploration. During this month, employees who observe Ramadan may refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset, which can impact their work schedules and energy levels Offer additional time off for religious observances. Fasting during Ramadan can be physically demanding, and some employees may require additional time off to rest or adjust to changes in their routine. Offering paid time off (PTO) during Ramadan or flexibility around sick days can help employees manage their physical health during the fasting 7. Greet colleagues with Ramadan wishes. A simple greeting such as "Ramadan Kareem" (Generous Ramadan) or "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) is appreciated and helps foster workplace camaraderie. How non-observing individuals can participate in Ramadan traditions. If you want to engage in the Ramadan spirit, consider: From Monday to Thursday, ministries and federal agencies will work from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm. On Fridays, the Ramadan work hours are even shorter: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This work schedule will remain the same unless the work requires more time. Saudi Arabia’s Ramadan work-hour policies support employee well-being while ensuring business continuity. The public sector will operate under a five-hour workday, while private sector employees will follow a maximum six-hour workday as per labor regulations. Muslim employees might want to take breaks during the workday for prayer. According to the Working Time Regulations 1998, a 20-minute break every six hours is legally required. Employers should be thoughtful and accommodating by allowing these breaks to be divided into shorter segments or providing additional break times during this period if Your one-stop guide to what Ramadan is, and HR best practices accommodating Muslim employees observing Ramadan in the workplace. Most practicing Muslims fast during the traditional workday, and employers and coworkers should be aware of food-oriented meetings held during Ramadan. Instead of hosting meetings including a meal, colleagues can perhaps move the meeting time or host walking or virtual meetings. Employees may flex their start time up to 10 am, provided they fulfil work requirements and complete a 5-hour workday. Remote work is permitted for up to 30 percent of the workforce, with priority given to Qatari mothers and people with disabilities, while ensuring operational requirements are maintained. The Diwan had adopted flexible working hours during last Ramadan, allowing employees to attend work within a two-hour flexible window at the beginning of the workday. In 2023, the workday was divided into three time periods, each lasting 4 and a half hours. When announcing the Ramadan working hours for the private sector, the ministry said that companies can be flexible with work patterns. The ministry said: “In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during Ramadan.” What are Ramadan 2025 working hours? Working hours during Ramadan 2025 differ between public and private sectors. Public sector workers in the UAE will work from 9am until 2.30pm, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, they will work from 9am until 12 noon. Private sector workers receive 2 hours reduction in their typical workday. Civil servants will work a 5-hour workday during the Holy Month of Ramadan, from 9 am to 2 pm. Employees may adjust their start time up to 10 am, provided they complete the required 5-hour workday. Work from home is allowed for up to 30% of the workforce, prioritising Qatari mothers and people with disabilities while ensuring operational needs The system introduced in 2023, which split the workday into three 4.5-hour periods, is expected to be in place again in 2025. This approach provides flexibility in how employees structure their workday and allows them to manage their time more effectively during the holy month. Benefits of Flexible Working Hours During Ramadan Many free zones in the UAE also follow the Federal Labour Law. Therefore, employees in these areas also enjoy the reduced working hours during Ramadan. 6. Ramadan Office Timings in UAE 2025. Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on March 1st, as announced by the UAE’s moon-sighting committee. For Private Sector Workers: Most employees enjoy a two-hour reduction in their workday, though some roles may require regular hours. This change ensures that everyone, fasting or not, has more time to embrace the spirit of Ramadan. Adjusted School Timings. Students also get to experience a lighter schedule during Ramadan. Paid parking during Ramadan 2025. Regular parking timings are generally 8am to 10pm, with free parking in Dubai and Sharjah on Saturdays, and on Sundays in Abu Dhabi. Multistorey parking buildings remain payable 24/7 regardless of the season. However during Ramadan, the timings will be from 8am to 6pm and 8pm to 10pm. Salik’s peak and off
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