Muscat: Oman has officially announced reduced working hours for both public and private sector employees during the holy month of Ramadan. Government employees will work from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, following a five-hour schedule. Flexible working arrangements, including remote work, may be implemented as long as at least 50% of employees remain in the office. Meanwhile, Muslim employees in the private sector will have their weekly working hours capped at 30, ensuring a lighter workload during the fasting period. The official start date of Ramadan in Oman will be confirmed by the Moon Sighting Committee, with expectations pointing to March 1.
The UAE has also declared new working hours for the holy month, reducing private sector workdays by two hours. Employers are encouraged to implement flexible schedules or remote work where possible, depending on job requirements. Public sector employees will receive a reduction of three and a half hours from Monday to Thursday, with a shorter Friday schedule. This is in line with the UAE’s existing four-and-a-half-day workweek structure.
Beyond adjusted work schedules, Ramadan marks a period of spiritual reflection and community engagement. Many organizations introduce special initiatives, including charity drives and employee wellness programs, to support their workforce during the month. These changes aim to balance productivity while respecting the religious significance of Ramadan for Muslim employees across Oman and the UAE.
