Ramadan 2025 in UAE: Dubai announces flexible hours, remote work for government employees

Dubai: The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) on Wednesday approved a flexible working hours and remote work policy for Dubai government employees during Ramadan 2025.

This is in line with the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

Under the new guidelines, government employees will be allowed flexible working hours, with up to three hours of flexibility. They are required to complete 5.5 hours of work from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, they should work for only three hours.

Additionally, government employees are permitted to work remotely for up to two days a week, depending on their job requirements, work conditions, and the nature of their responsibilities, DGHR said.

The policy mandates that employees should coordinate with their direct managers to ensure smooth operations and maintain productivity, ensuring no disruption to daily tasks in the interest of public service.

Private sector

The policy also encourages the private sector to adopt similar measures during Ramadan that are tailored to the specific needs of businesses and ensure the seamless continuity of their operations, said DGHR.

“This policy aligns with the leadership’s announcement of 2025 as the “Year of Community” and reflects Dubai Government’s commitment to fostering an optimal work environment while promoting community values,” stated DGHR.

This initiative is part of Dubai’s ongoing commitment to creating the best possible work environment for government employees, enhancing their comfort, and motivating them to increase productivity, it added.

Working hours have been reduced by two hours per day during Ramadan for the private sector employees. However, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified that companies may apply flexible work patterns or remote work within the limits of the daily working hours specified during Ramadan depending the requirements and nature of their work.