The holy month of Ramadan is expected to start by the end of
this week. 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 of 1980, as
amended), bear in mind that this statement is based upon a 6-day
working week.
